The weather and swell has been a little uncooperative since I got back into the swing of teaching 10-12 graders about chemistry. I have been running weekday afternoons & weekends, and we have been catching some quality Fluke. Most recently I had a few trips in the Ocean boating up to 4 keeper Fluke to over 24.5 inches and our bay trip boxing 4 keeps to 20 inches on live bait. I’m booked through the close of the Fluke season (Sept 21st).
The backbay does have a lot of options until the start of Sea Bass season with Blowfish, 1 to 5 pound Bluefish, Striped Bass to 28 inches, and some Weakfish around. I have openings for weekend Sea Bass and Tog trips through October and then Striped Bass / Tog trips in November. Last year, we had Tog up to 13 pounds. Of course, backbay multi-species are always available from September through October.
We have open dates in October for Sea Bass or multi-species and in November/December for Striped Bass or Tog. With our new Minn Kota 87-inch trolling motor, rougher conditions shouldn’t be an issue.
If interested in booking a charter, book our site (reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
The Bay, inlet and inshore waters are teeming with life in all kinds of sizes and variety providing fun and exciting light tackle action!! There’s no doubt that species of fish are swimming in our bays that have yet to reveal themselves ! This variety has added to the fun and excitement of the action in the way of “what am I going to catch next”? I have this Sunday morning and afternoon available for anyone interested in getting in on the action! Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,Captain Steve PurulReel Fantasea Fishing Charters609-290-1217
As Labor Day came and went we have been very busy! Here is a recent report from the past couple of days.
Sunday 9/15, we had a last minute cancellation for a blowfish charter. With the boat already loaded up and ready to go, we made a phone call and were able to get our friend Mike out for some blowfish. It was a short trip, but with only 2 hours of fishing time we caught over 70 blowfish and kept 40 for dinner. We also caught juvenile kingfish, porgies, and sea bass. We will have Mike out again in November for striped bass.
Monday 9/16, Jess and I were able to sneak out after work and do some prospecting to prepare for what to fish for and where to fish once fluke season closes this coming Saturday 9/21. We worked several areas, throwing plugs and poppers with light tackle. With less than 2 hours of day light we caught 10 striped bass up to 26” and 30 bluefish in the 2-6lb range. We have our striped bass bonus tags which will allow our customers to keep an extra striped bass between 24” and 27.999”.
As for this coming weekend, I have Saturday 9/21 available for anyone who would like to get out and take a last shot at fluking before the season closes. After Saturday, we will be running multi species trips for striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, blowfish and whatever else would like to bite. Blowfishing is an awesome trip for bringing home dinner or taking kids out after school or on the weekends!
We will also be wreck fishing for sea bass/tautog once the sea bass season opens on 10/8. If you are interested in getting out please give us a call to book your trip. Call or text Captain Mike to get out on the water or send us a message through our website! (609)-709-7264
Here’s the Fisherman’s Headquarters fishing report update from September 10, 2019.
The Long Beach Island surf offers fluke, kingfish and blues. We heard of a couple resident striped bass too. Two separate pompano reports off the surf this past week. Recently Rob Vallone reported catching both kingfish and fluke on the surf.
It’s time to Sign Up for the Fall Derby! The 65th Annual LBI Surf Fishing Classic kick off is only 25 days away. Be sure to sign up soon while the early sign up goodies are still available. Also be sure to pre register (free) for the Opening Day Seminar.
Reports from the north end bayside and inlet all talk of fish. Lots of out of season sea bass eating baits. Jetty Jockey Jeff got an 11# sheephead and a 3.6# trigger on Sunday. We got a report from an angler in the shop who got one bass bucktailing the jetty. Expect more linesider action in the coming days and weeks.
Speaking of striped bass… they need everyone’s help! There is a meeting this Thursday September 12, 2019 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the Bay Avenue Community Center. It is located at 775 East Bay Avenue Manahawkin, New Jersey.
The short hand is there are three options on the table. Option 1 is Status Quo. This will not rebuild the stocks. Option 2 calls for an 18% reduction for the recreational sector and an 18% reduction by the commercial sector. This is the option I choose because it calls for a fair and equal reduction. Option 3 would require a 20% reduction for the recreational sector and only a 1.8% reduction for the commercial sector. Under Options 2 and 3 there are various sub-options. From what we hear, it is likely that the ASMFC will approve all or most of them.
Weakfish and blowfish continue to bite good in the bay. Yesterday store staffer Sam was fluke fishing the Barnegat Bay. He reported, “Lots of fluke still in the bay. Got 25 flounder up to 22″ fishing the outgoing tide. Water was 71 degrees. Live minnow and Gulp being bait of the day.”
Offshore Captain Jeff Warford had two good trips out at the edge. He said, “The fall bite is here!” One trip he got two allisons and a swordfish. He shared, “Two sickles came steaming across the spread all light up and crushed the baits. It was one of the best feeds I’ve witnessed.” The next trip out they caught seven large yellowfins (not allisons). He said, “Extra large yellowfin tuna blowing small mackerels out of the water right off the transom. There’s nothing better than hand feeding these hammers!”
Hi Folks,Presently the back bay and near shore waters are brimming with bait such as bunker, mullet, spearing, bay anchovies and a vast array of juvenile of other species! This will surely keep any newly arriving migrating species on hand for extended stays before continuing their southern sojourn providing excellent opportunities for anglers everywhere. As the summer starts to wind down I can’t help to look back at all the fun the 2019 fishing summer season has brought our anglers with tons of light tackle action with not only the usual cast of characters [ stripers, blues, fluke and weakfish] but the fun and excitement of every day being a surprise from any number of possibilities. Inshore saw a surprising amount of southern speedsters in the way of bonito, Spanish Mackerel, cobia, just to name a few!! The bay is loaded with a variety of species such as blowfish, king fish, seabass, porgies, puppy drum….. which lends itself well for both young and experienced anglers looking for non stop action. There’s tons of action ahead between now and as we approach the Mecca of the season “The Fall Migration” . The last few years has been outstanding for sight casting to blistering speedsters such as False albacore aka Albies, aka fat alberts, aka Little tunny . I call them just flat out fun!! Combining speed, power and keen eye sight make these worthy adversaries for even the most experienced angler. This is actually one of my favorite catch and release fish to target with light spinning tackle , There’s nothing that makes your reel drag scream louder and harder than these blistering fast dragsters!! We are once again part of the striper bonus program which allows our anglers to keep an additional striper of 24 – 27.9999″ along with larger bass.
Don’t forget to reserve your fall fishing date[s] today!
Time flies when you are having fun! It’s shocking that the (unofficial) summer has come to an end. BUT! We are stoked for the weeks ahead.
Sept 1 = Holgate is open!
As of September 1 the Holgate Beach Buggy access is open. Beach conditions are good however with a solid north east blow coming it will be interesting to see how the area fares. The “new” Terminal Groin has really changed things. Only a few weeks back the ramp area was looking very bad at a time when it usually fills in with sand. It changed the way the current flows long shore and threatens the area south of it, beach and access ramp.
“All of the sand that was there last year is gone. The ramp was rebuilt back up against the dunes.” John P. reported on opening day (Sunday), “It’s good for now but might not last long. The sand is good, a little on the sugary side. As always, watch the tides! There’s a few sections that are impassible.” John went on and shared a fishing report from the south end. “I put in about two hours fishing and caught plenty of short fluke on bait and Gulp. Other anglers were catching too.” We got word that store staffer Joe C. got a keeper fluke in the mix.
On the fishing front these species are up for grabs… Bay: Blowfish, Blues, Weakfish, Fluke, resident bass, sheepshead… Inlet: Blues, Bass, Triggerfish, Tog, Fluke Surf: Kingfish, Fluke, Blues & Pompano… Inshore: Fluke, Sea Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Bonita. Offshore: Yellowfin Tuna (Some Allisons), Big Eye Tuna, Swordfish, White Marlin
We hope that everyone had a great Labor Day weekend with family, friends, and fishing!
Saturday 8/31, I had return client Mike along with his wife Lisa, and her cousin Melanie, for a 5hr blowfish/clamming bay charter. We spent the first half of the trip catching over 50 blowfish, keeping 30 for the table. The second half of the trip, we had a clamming spot all to ourselves and they were able to rake and tread close to 300 clams to go along with the blowfish for a nice dinner. We look forward to seeing you guys again in November for striped bass!
Sunday 9/1, we attempted to make it outside for a 6hr ocean fluke trip, but were greeted with with over 20 knots of East wind and short period and steep seas to go with it when we broke the inlet. We could not get to where we wanted to fish, and with a drift of over 2 knots we decided to call a quits and reschedule the trip, hoping for much better conditions next time.
Labor Day Monday 9/2, I had Andrew and his 12 year old son Aidan from Chester, NJ out for a 4hr bay trip for blowfish. Once we got set up on anchor with the chum in the water, the father son duo wasted no time catching blowfish on their first drops. They had a blast catching close to 80 blowfish as well as juvenile porgies, sea bass, and 2 nice kingfish. Aidan was all about catch and release, so they kept 30 blowfish and 1 of the kingfish for dinner and released everything else to swim and catch another day. I taught him how to clean the blowfish, which was easy since we are both lefties, and he was very excited to say that he caught, cleaned, and cooked the fish all on his own. Great job today guys and we look forward to getting you out for striped bass in the fall!
There are only 3 weeks left before fluke season closes. This time of year is the best, and personally my favorite time to fish for fluke. I have the next two weekends available to get out on the end of season fluke bite. I also have afternoons available for blowfish if you are looking to take home a tasty dinner. If you are interested in getting out please contact us to book your trip. Call or text Captain Mike to get out on the water or send us a message through our website! (609)-709-7264
The final days of August are here and the stage is set for a great September. The cool nights, recent North East blow (during the work week) and the ground swell on Thursday had strong FALL vibes shake things up. Here’s the Fisherman’s Headquarters Fishing LBI Fishing Report Update For Labor Day Weekend, Friday August 30th.
Get your fluke fix!
With only a couple weeks left now’s a great time to get some quality fluke fishing in. Reminder: The NJ recreational summer flounder season closes on September 21st.
This is the time of year when the fluke stage up in the ocean and fishing can be awesome. Recent reports were mixed with some saying great things but others saying poop. It seems that certain areas are holding fish while other areas are barren or loaded with sea robins. We expect it to be good right to the end.
Today local angler Chris stopped in and reported, “Got 11 keepers today fishing an ocean spot working 40′ of water.” Chris is a great angler and clearly dialed in!
Another good report came from Ryan Mollicone. He fished aboard the Jen Jen with Tyler Leary and his brothers. He said fishing at one of the local Long Beach Island reef sites was good but shorts ruled the roost, “We had a great fishing with over 40 fish. The hat color was salmon red. At times they are inhaling jigs.” Also at the reef and wrecks… some decent sea bass fishing.
Great Time For A Barnegat Bay Slam
Late August & September is one of the best times to seek out a Barnegat Bay Slam or better yet a Grand Slam! We reported on the fluke above.
Striped Bass Fishing On LBI
On the striped bass front there’s an abundance of resident striped bass in the local water. Very few off the surf, but the bay (especially at night) offers great opportunities. These linesiders have been around all summer long so we expect these same fish to stick around right into fall.
LBI Bluefish Report
Snappers and cocktails can be found at just about any area of water around LBI. From the street ends and docks on the bayside to the inlets and surf small bluefish are cruising and feeding. They are a ton of on light tackle.
LBI Weakfish Report
The weakfish are still going strong with reports from the north, mid and south end of the Island. The Fishing Musician Rick stopped in today and caught up with us. He’s been into a lot of fun fishing this summer and said the past week has been great on the bayside. He caught 15+ weakfish up to 21″, four this morning up to 20″ and most are eating very good as they are stuffed fat bellied fish. Rick’s go to secret is a 1/2oz lead head with a 5″ Jerk Shad.
Other Points of Interest
Kingfishing slowed due to the recent blow but we expect it will pick right back up. Blowfish is steady at the classic main bay areas. A teen size black drum was reported by a customer fishing the Ship Bottom Bayside. He also mentioned that the kids were having a blast catching snappers and one got a ribbon fish.
The Inlet still has sheepshead, triggerfish and tog. Andrew (photo below) stopped by to check in a 4.5# tog and a 5# triggerfish.
Saturday 8/24 and Sunday 8/25 we had to cancel both trips due to the northeast blow. Saturday evening the wind laid down enough to be able to take Mason and Brooke out crabbing and fishing in the creek. We caught crabs, bluefish, and even a baby sea bass in one of the crab traps. The kids has a blast and it was a nice way to get them out of the house and tire them about before school starts next week!
This coming weekend we will be back out and at it. I have Labor Day Monday 9/2 available for private charter or open boat. Spend Labor Day morning out on the water before you get stuck going to family barbecues in the afternoon! I expect the northeast blow this past weekend to stir up the ocean with clean water and really get the fish chewing. If you are interested in getting out please give us a call to book your trip. Call or text Captain Mike to get out on the water or send us a message through our website! (609)-709-7264
It’s been awhile for my last fishing report as we have been on the water everyday as we are approaching 100 charters for the season. The weather the past few days has allowed me to catch up on the reports and some required boat maintenance. We have two Minn Kota trolling motors with a third (longer shaft) on the way, which means we never leave home without it!!
We have been fishing the ocean when conditions permit. The ocean Fluke trips have been catching bigger Fluke to 7 pounds and limiting on Sea Bass along with some Triggerfish. The bay trips are still producing better overall numbers, but it has been a little tougher on keepers with most averaging 2 to 5 per trip.
With August almost finished, I do have weekends available in September for Fluke (Ocean is best) or Bay species (Blowfish or Fluke, possibly some Weakfish). October weekends starting 10/12 through 10/31 are available for Sea Bass and Tog. It’s best to check our website (www.reelreactioncharters.com) for available dates.
If interested in booking a charter, book our site (reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
