NJBBA Holgate Beach Clean Up
The New Jersey Beach Buggy Association needs your help this weekend. Please share and spread the word. The more hands the better!
On Saturday, March 24th the NJBBA will have their annual Holgate Beach Clean Up. At 8am meet at the buggy entrance, the very south end of Long Beach Island (LBI). Dress accordingly to the weather, bring a 5 gallon bucket and gloves. Coffee and donuts will be served. Hope to see lots of surf anglers there.
Thanks to all of our followers and customers on Instagram. We are stoked to have hit the 10k milestone yesterday. What started out in September of 2013 as a suggestion from South Philly Fred (“Hey Fish Heads, Get On Ig!”) as a way to share store news has turned into a vital information stream. It’s amazing to see how the platform has grown into what it is today.
If you aren’t on Instagram… you should be! There’s just too much to miss.
Check out our Daiwa Lure Giveaway ASAP. We have three separate photos each showing a separate lot (two lures and a hat or visor). Three winners will be chosen on 3/22 by the end of the day.
Despite cold and windy conditions, anglers aboard the Reel Fantasea forged full speed ahead into the 2018 fishing season and were rewarded with cabin fever curing fun from schoolie striped bass while employing light spinning tackle tactics.
Although it has been only a couple of months since I’ve been behind the helm of the Reel Fantasea it actually feels like an eternity! With winter [hopefully] winding down the optimism of a new season is always full of excitement and wonder. Today we found the reason for optimism!
Despite windy [30mph+] and cold conditions we managed to get our early season anglers catching and releasing striped bass on a mix of artificial and live baits while employing light spinning tackle. Both morning and afternoon trips saw double digit catch numbers even though air and water temps were low and gale force winds proved challenging with boat positioning. With weather looking a bit more timid [ for now] I am anxious to get back out there to see what more civilized conditions will produce.
Keep in mind that these early season trips are for those cabin fever ridden few that need to get back out on the brine and catch a few fish and enjoy the day. Most of the striped bass are ranging in the 12-18″ with a few smaller and larger but on our light spinning tackle are just what the doctor ordered to cure cabin fever.
I have 2 spots open for this Sunday 10am -2pm , all bait, tackle, rods….. included $120.00pp.
Don’t forget to book your 2018 season trips soon as we are already booking into November!! Please join us Face Book and Instagram and Like us and share us!
Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,
Captain Steve Purul
Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters
609-290-1217
We are excited to announce Simply Bassing is now the Spring Derby!
For 16 years “Simply Bassing” the LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament was a great competitive way for anglers to enjoy surf fishing the beaches of Long Beach Island. With the awesome spring bluefish action lots of anglers asked (many demanded) a bluefish division. Finally it’s added!
Now more than ever, the Long Beach Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament continues to offer Jersey Shore anglers the State’s best surf fishing tournament. Sticking to its roots, it’s a family fun surf fishing tournament with a simple format. Most importantly it’s a low kill contest that awards only the top fish/anglers by weight. Daily, weekly or segment prizes do not exist. If your fish can not beat the three top leaders, please release your fish to swim another day or responsibly harvest for a delicious dinner.
The LBI Spring Derby will start on April 21st and end on June 24, 2018.
It’s $20 to register for the 9 week striped bass and bluefish surf fishing tournament. Top Three Striped Bass and Top Three Bluefish Win Cash! Based on 100 registered anglers: First Place Bass and First Place Bluefish get $500 each (25% Payout), Second Place Bass and Second Place Bluefish get $300 each (15% Payout), Third Place Bass and Third Place Bluefish get $200 each (10% Payout).
With spring surf fishing right around the corner, it’s time to Save The Dates Now! Registration will begin in the near future (about a week or so). Sign Up Soon and get ready to fish your favorite LBI beach!
For more details… www.LBIFT.com
The season is getting closer, and I’m pretty close to being back in the water. We will start targeting backwater, light-tackle Striped Bass until the Bluefish arrive in April. If it’s anything like the last few years, then it should be another EPIC bite on topwaters and poppers.
I saw a bunch of anglers at last week’s Atlantic City Boat show and it was nice to talk fishing. A big thanks to the Recreational Fishing Alliance for booking me to give another Fluke seminar!! After this weather moves out, I will be finishing the seasonal prep for the Jenny Lynn and splashing in 2 weeks after maintenance from South Harbor. Looking forward to light-tackle Striped Bass!
I have starting booking trips for 2018 season. If your vacationing on Long Beach Island and have your week, then call (609-290-7709) or book through the reelreactioncharters.com to get the best optimal tidal day.
As always, we use the highest quality gear and is included: gear, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH!!
We are happy to share our first winter flounder report…
Lots of calls asking, “How’s the winter flounder fishing?” Unfortunately we did not have information to share until now. Today we got our first…
Dustin Sherman stopped by the shop this afternoon to grab some chum logs. While here he gave us a little info. “I enjoyed the morning fishing the bay. Lots of sun and no wind made for a good session. Best of all some winter flounder are biting!”
Dustin reported catching some flatties fishing the the mid-island bay. He chummed ’em up with a clam log and soak some baits. He mentioned, “The action died at the top of the flood. The morning’s incoming flow was best.”
Lots of people asking but right now this is all we can share.
The Long Beach Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament will be from April 21st to June 24, 2018. This year will be the 17th Annual Spring Tournament, but will not be called “Simply Bassin'”. For 2018 it’s The Spring Derby! Similar format but due to popular demand we’ve added the Bluefish Division. Top Three Striped Bass and Top Three Bluefish Win Cash! Registration is still $20.
Stay tuned for more details. The information will be shared once all is finalized.
Looking for a great quality reel that is water resistant, has a powerful drag and solid gearing? Take a look at the Tsunami Sheild Fishing Reel Series! They are a great affordable ($99-119.99) saltwater spinning reel with sizes ranging from 3000-8000. Check out our recent post on Instagram (@fishermansheadquarters). The 8000 shown was recently a new size that was released and already a great seller. Holding almost 400yds of 50# braid it is a perfect match on a Tsunami Airwave Elite 10’6″ or 11′ Surfcasting Rod. Any one who questions the new series… You can rest assured these reels are a great buy. The crew here at Fish Heads fished a couple last summer and this past fall. In the summer we had the drags screaming on fat brown sharks. We also continued as the year progressed catching quality striped bass and big bluefish. We have nothing but great things to say! Best of all these reels are some of the few that have the option to fish bail-less. We have the Tsunami Shield Bailless Conversion Kits here.
Stop by and check ’em out!
Nice record breaking warmth as of late got the island buzzing. But today we snapped back to reality with a wet chill. While it was nice, we had anglers buying bait and heading out to go fish. No reports back. Most were hitting the fresh water haunts at the local lakes. Right now that’s one of the best bets… But soon things will kick off! Let’s hope this warming trend continues.
With only one week away everyone is itching! March 1st is the official opening of striped bass in the rivers and backwaters. Winter flounder also opens 3/1. Keep in mind tog season closes Feb 28th!
Right now we have no plans of stocking live bloodworms. Once demand calls for it we’ll bring them in. Until then we’ve got a solid supply of Dyna Bait Bloodworms. For those who are not aware, Dyna Bait offers anglers quality freeze dried sea worms which are convenient and super effective. Over the past couple of years they have account for quality bass. They are a great substitute when live worms are too expensive or hard to find. All bloodworm lovers gobble these up; striped bass, winter flounder, perch, spot, weakfish, etc. Try them out! Dyan Bait Freeze Dried Bloodworms
It has been a long winter and lots of local anglers have been picking (catch and release) at the linesiders all winter long. The winter hold over spots occasionally producing some nice. Like this one from local angler Ryan Degraw. He caught this bass the other night.
Every year March means one thing to big game anglers… Big bluefin tuna fishing down off the Outer Banks (and college basketball of course). Captain Pat Butera of Forever Two Worlds has been down in OBX and put a lot of time in. He’s reaping the rewards. When the weather has allowed the boys to fish they’ve got meat. Word is Valentines Day was a massacre with the crew putting their new personal best 109″ on the deck. A couple days later they get this fatty! In the photo below rocking their Bomber Eye Wear Tyron Sperling (left) and Captain Pat(right)! Anyone looking for top quality sun glasses with modern style at a great price should check out these… Bomber Eye Wear At Fisherman’s Headquarters Best of all they float!
Fish Head Alumni Jonni Weidenhof was recently down in Florida enjoying some vacation time on the Florida waters. Here’s a photo of his buddy and local LBI angler Ryan Fredrickson with a golden tilefish. Not sure what looks better the golden or the Fish Heads performance long sleeve. You be the judge.
Beautiful unseasonably warm weather has got all thinking spring!!! That darn ground hog must be wrong? With that said there’s snow in the forecast so we can’t put the cart before the horse. Anyhow winter will inevitably fade.
Our sights are set on spring and preparation! It is time to clean up and organize all tackle because rods and reels need love too! Our factory trained service techs are busy but ready for your fishing rods and reels. Now’s the time to fix the broken line guide on your levelwind as well as the cracked guide on your rod.
Surf Day 2018 is this Saturday February 17, 2018 from 8:30-4:30pm at Brookdale Community College located at 765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Anyone who has attended any of past Surf Day shows knows this is the BEST one day show out there. With pin point focus on surf fishing, it’s the surf rats show! Attracting surfcaster’s from far and wide. If you are a surf angler this show is a must! The seminars are top notch!!!
For those that want to get out this weekend but can’t make the drive up to Surf Day… The Southern Regional Fishing Flea Market is also Saturday Feb 17th. For the second time in two consecutive years, these two event coincide. Being a Ram’s alumni it is sad to miss out another year. Hopefully next year the two shows can iron out their schedules.
More details on the SRFFM… The event will be held in the Southern Regional Middle School cafeteria in Manahawkin from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. New and used fishing gear and services will be available at 100 vendor tables. Food and beverages will be on site for purchase. There will be hourly door prizes. Admission is $4. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. All proceeds benefit the Southern Regional High School Fishing Club. Southern Fishing Show Morning Seminars: 1) Bob Massa “Spring Run Early Season Striped Bass” 9:00 a.m. 2) Josh McGilly “Trolling Mojos”
9:45 a.m. 3) Alex Majewski “Doormat Strategies for Back Bay and Inlet” 10:30 a.m.
609-494-5739