Today was another good day fishing the bunker pods. Those that took the ride north were again into classy fish.
One guy in the shop said, “I’ve been hearing all the reports. I couldn’t wait for the weekend, so I took off work today. Happy I did because fishing was great. We got 6 bass between 25-35 pounds.”
The snag and drop is producing. For those into trolling, the method is also working very effectively. It’s been good. Bunker spoons and mojos are absolutely mohawking the bass. Reports spoke about limiting out in an hour, “Fish are piling on before we can set out the spread!”
Austin Pounds jumped aboard this morning. We got an early start and went back to where we’ve been fishing the past week. The area looked good but no bites for us early. We made some moves, bobbing when we should of weaved but eventually got into some activity. Wish we could have stayed out all day but obligations back on land had us packing up at noon. We finished the day with only two bass, but they were both nice ones. Our numbers would have been better but we had some mouthings and run offs. I also dropped a fish that wasn’t hooked good.
Here’s Austin Pounds with a nice bass that couldn’t resist a live bunker.
Captain’s meeting beings at 7pm (Location: St. Mary’s Parish 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin, NJ 08050) with FREE BEER and Hors d’oeuvres for all registered anglers. This location is also where weigh-ins take place.
Fishing begins at 9 am and continues until 3pm (11/18). On Saturday Weigh-ins start at 1pm and end at 5pm.
Here’s a photo of Kemp with a linesider from Thursday morning
Excellent Striped Bass fishing continues to entertain our anglers aboard the Reel Fantasea with tidesd proving it’s relevance as we progress further into the mid Fall stages. Tuesday open boat started off a little slow but as we worked away and patiently kept at it the cows came home!!
This is the run we have been waiting for. 30 to 40 pound stripers on bunker pods up and down the coast from Island Beach to Long Branch. Some of the best fishing is in 10 to 20 feet of water. Finback whales, bunker, and bass made for some exciting visual fishing the last few days. If the wind blows and the ocean gets uncomfortable, we have live bait to catch 22 to 36 inch stripers in Barnegat Inlet. Your choice: stripers or stripers. Either way, fish for dinner.
Tomorrow (Wed), and Sat are booked but I will be running Open Boat or Charter trips on Thurs and Fri, Nov 16 and 17, departing at 10 AM, returning at 5 PM and also Sun and Mon, Nov 19 and 20 leaving at 5:30 AM, returning around 1 PM. The weather will dictate if we run outside or fish the inlet so only people that are flexible should reserve. For the most part the wind has some velocity through the weekend but mostly W/NW which makes for a flat ocean in tight to the beach where the action has been. $175 person, four people max on the Open Boat trips, all fish are shared.
You can call right up until go time because we might have a spot. It happens all the time.
Capt. Dave DeGennaro
Hi Flier Sportfishing
732.330.5674 cell
hiflier.com
Pics: Joe Parente (with his hood on) of Springfield, NJ with a 30 pounder that ate his bunker that he just snagged right at the boat.
Tom Tosco of Whitehouse Station, NJ with his pounder on a live bunker.
Although the weather was not the best, today was a great day of fishing. I headed out early with Chris Colasante of Surf City and we started off with tight lines quick. Live spot had stripers piling on every drift. Thanks to Captain Mark from Laura Sportfishing for offing some live baits at the dock in the morning. It paid off big time because the little striped ones did not want to touch our lures. After boat pressure took over we headed up the beach into dicey seas. With the forecast calling for easing winds we figured a trek north to the promise land was a good bet. The ride was long and bumpy but it paid off big time. We got into the same body of classy fish in the 20-30 class live lining bunker.
Here’s Chris C with one of the nice bass we caught today.
On our way back we crossed paths with Captain Cody aboard the Heavy Metals heading out to the grounds. Turns out they got into the fish too and some bigger ones!!! This evening the crew weighed in a 48.4 pound monster bass they got live linging bunker.
Here’s a photo from the Heavy Metals Crew.
Now is the time to get out fishing! Both the beach and boat offer great opportunities to catch migrating striped bass.
Anglers fishing the surf are catching bass fishing cut bunker. The entire stretch of beach is worth a shot. Recently reports came in from the north, mid and south end. Tuesday morning we got a call from the town of Holgate on the south end that spoke of a whale breaking on bait. Monday morning there were two whales on a big mass of bunker right at the mouth of Barnegat Inlet. These whales are also up the beach along IBSP and further north.
The he LBI Surf Fishing Class surf fishing tournament is active. For updated results go to the tournament website at www.LBIFT.com.
Today Wednesday November 15 is the last day of tog at the one fish bag limit. Starting Tomorrow November 16th the bag limit goes up to 6 fish until the end of the year. Sea Bass is 15 fish bag limit at 12.5″ this is until the end of the year when it closes.
Wreck fishing reports are strong. Mike D was out fishing a piece of structure not far off and said the tog fishing was very good. Anglers fishing the Barnegat Inlet Jetty are still into tog on a daily basis.
Tuesday was another great day of fishing. I got out early with store staffer Dan and run up the beach. We pulled into where I had them yesterday and the screen lit up. In 25-30’ of water the sounder was reading 8’ with big bass blobs on the side scan. Dan casted out and before I pulled the boat out of gear… “I got one!” Dan exclaimed. I told him, “Nice, let the bunker drop down. The blobs are deep.” “NO! I got a fish!” As the drag goes screaming! It started off with a bang and continued for us. Every single drift we had one or more fish until 9am when it slowed up.
My biggest bass of the day pulled the Boga Grip to 40 pounds.
We even raised some bass on top water lures. Again the Doc Top Water Spook was the MVP! For me in the past two days, this lure has produced more than a dozen fish… most in the 30 pound class. Over the years, I was told by some sharp striped bass hunters that I had to have this lure. I’m ashamed to say I never took action.
One of the best top water spook baits for striped bass, the Doc!
Big thanks the Stormr and Grundens for making top quality foul weather gear. Here at Fisherman’s Headquarters we are proud to be an elite dealer with both brands. Running a center console fishing boat I depend on their gear’s performance. I can say neither have ever let me down. This past weekend I was happy to be warm and today I was happy to be dry.
We got a weigh in and report today from Ken Daimond and Ray Hartmax. They were out trolling off of LBI’s mid-island beaches. They reported good fishing catching quality bass on Mann’s Stretch deep diving plugs. They had a couple fish in the thirty class; 33 & 37#.
Last minute cancellation for tomorrow afternoon 1pm -5pm open [ need 3] or private charter – $150.00 pp All bait, tackle, rods,fish cleaning,…… included.
As predicted last report the end of this week the bass fishery should open up. And open up it did. Starting Thursday good number of slot fish to fish around 30” were found around the inlet and well into the bay. By the weekend this fishery even got better. I personally slipped out one morning and landed 10 bass from a short to 29”. Picture of a sunup shorty. Then Sunday morning the big girls moved within striking distance of Barnegat Inlet. Unfortunately, I was busy not fishing. The fish ranged from 20 lb to 40 lb + At first light the bass were spraying big bunker and catching was easy. Attached is a picture of 13-year-old Justin with a 41.5 lb cow caught on board my friend Capt Dan of the Becky D. Well this is what everyone has been waiting for so get out there!
One for the record book! Today’s fishing was the real deal. Definitely in the top ten best bass on bunker bites I’ve experiences on the New Jersey Coast. The cold snap really turned it on.
Bass On Bunker Explosions!!!
I got out on the water earlier this morning. Ran up the beach in the dark and found massive piles of bass blasting bunker out of the water. The first two hours were great with classy bass blasting top water lures. With only one or two boats in the area with what seemed like every boat in the world flying north like a flock of geese in summer. Fortunately they were just a bit too far off the beach to see the unfolding mayhem frothing on top. By about 8-9 the masses came in and everyone was in on it. By that time it turned into a snag and drop bite which was very consistent for a good length of time.
For me the Doc Top Water Spook was the MVP. Big hungry bass just can’t resist the Doc’s slow top water walk the dog action. In my opinion, nothing beats a top water explosion especially from a trophy striped bass.
By all accounts, fishing was great. I lost count with the biggest 42 pounds on the boga grip, three in the 30 class and numerous twenties and teens. Here’s to many more bunker breakfast sessions like this right into the Holiday Season.
Here’s Tim W from the Boobie Trap.
Store staffer Dave was on the water with his buddy Chad. Dave reported, “We smoked the beast! Legendary snag and drop session today. We had a dozen fish up to 45 inches on the snag and drop. Epic-ness!!”
Here’s Dave with a big one!
The Smith clan was into them today! “We got a late start but found them chewing on bunker, catching six on the snag and drop. Biggest was 46″ 31 pounds. Young gun Justin Smith got a 28 pound 41″ bass.”
The Smith Family
Store staffer Max was in on the action today too. He reported, “We headed up the beach early and found good fishing. Good fish on the snag and drop in the morning. Then later in the day we switched over to the troll and caught some more. Tony Maja spoons were getting bites!”
Here’s Max with a nice striped bass.
Side Note
While stoked out of my skull, part of me felt serious pain with the mass slaughter. I saw a lot of fish caught but I didn’t see many go back over. I don’t want to be the catch and release broken record so I will not preach. I would like to remind all to harvest responsibility. Don’t get caught up in the excitement. These classy migrating fish are the life blood of the striped bass fishery.
Surf Fishing
The surf produced some fish but nothing close to what the boats did. This past weekend was a big improvement and we look forward to better fishing soon as the migration fills into our local water. Check out www.LBIFT.com for live results from the LBI Surf Fishing Classic.
Tog Fishing
Charles Young from Warminster PA checked in a 10.66 pound tog today for the Fisherman’s Magazine Dream Boat Challenge. He reported good fishing out on the Garden State North with live green crabs.
The weather gets cold and the fishing heats up! Today and yesterday were full of great fishing on both the beach and boat. New arrivals pushing in have the table is set for an awesome weekend and beyond. Most are in the “young” teen size range but classy fish and trophies are present and more are moving in. Now’s the time to get out and FISH!
The local waters have come down from their early fall holdings and currently range in the 50’s. Areas of the bay range from 52 to 58 degrees and after tonight’s cold temps it will be lower. The LBI surf temperature is currently 58 degrees. These numbers are prime for striped bass!!!
The weather is looking great! Saturday is sunny with moderate northerly winds easing over the second half of the day. Sunday is just about flawless with light winds!
Surf Fishing
This week things significantly improved for the surfcasters working the beaches of Long Beach Island. The LBI Surf Fishing Classic had a lot of activity the past couple of days! Today and yesterday were the busiest tournament days of the year. So far today six fish were checked in. Yesterday had five fish entered. It’s great to see anglers putting in the time and getting the reward.
At the time of this report update… Top Three Striped Bass: John Matt 48#, Anthony Mormile 35.52#, John Baxter 29.76#. Top Three Bluefish: Rob Vallone 15.16#, Gary Grippaldi 14.12#, Chet Bojarski 13.16#. Senior Division Striped Bass: John Baxter 29.76#, Merle Van Liere 22.74#, Steve Warren 18.96#. Senior Division Bluefish: Chet Bojarski 13.16#, Bill Montrey 12.98#, Dan Procida 9.74#. Youth Division: Striped Bass is held by Logan Johnson hold the striped bass and Quinn Rutan has the bluefish. Cathy Thiel holds the lead for the largest striped bass in the Women’s Division.
For updated tournament information check out the Live Results Page found on the tournament website www.LBIFT.com
Here’s some recent weigh in reports…
Tonight Anthony Mormile of Egg Harbouir Township NJ weighed in a 35.52 pound 46.6″ striped bass. He caught it off the North Beach surf on bunker at about 4:30 pm. This catch by Anthony is currently the second largest in the LBI Surf Fishing Classic.
Anthony Mormile 46.6″ striped bass
Early this morning Jim Larson of West Berlin weighed in a 23.54 pound 41″ bass. He caught it at about 10pm last night fishing a Daiwa SP Minnow lures on the Barnegat Light Inlet jetty.
Jim Larson’s 41″ bass
Joe and Cathy Theil stopped by yesterday afternoon to check in a nice striped bass from the surf. They were fishing the mid island surf in the town of Surf City. Cathy caught a 15.9 lb 38″ bass on a bunker chunk at about 1:45pm. This catch puts Cathy in the lead of the woman’s division in the LBI Surf Fishing Classic.
Cathy Theil with her 38″ striped bass from the surf.
Here’s a surf report from Steve George, “Well that was a rush today! Started slow but man did it deliver in the end. Blowing and cold, but once I found them and figured out how they were feeding, I warmed up quick with steady striped bass action. Numbers not size but I’ll take it with over two dozen fish up to 25″. It’s a start and better days are coming. Have a great weekend!”
Boat Fishing
Anglers hunting bass are having great results. Some boats are trolling while others are fishing live baits. Both are working. Those that prefer to fool game fish with lures are also doing a number on the fish too.
SELFIE!!! I enjoy fishing bucktails, fortunately bass love them too!
I’ve been fortunate enough to fish before and after work the past couple of days. The sessions were great. Picking off bass on bucktails is always lots of fun. Last night we got into a good late night bite. The photo below is one of many striped bass caught. (Check out the moon rise. Really wish I had my good camera on board.)
Store staffer Blake with a teen size bass that ate a Super Strike Bottle Plug.
Some of the boats working the near shore grounds are catching really nice fish. Yesterday Trevor Jones weighed in a 46″35.8 pound bass that he caught trolling off of Island Beach State Park. The fish went for a chartreuse bunker spoon.
Here a stomach contains photo that I found interesting. One fat teen size had this pile of food packed in its belly.
In the boat anglers are catching in the bay, inlet and ocean. Yesterday and today trolling pulled quality fish. Fishing live bait as well as lures will also effectively hook bass too.
The backwaters are still cock full of bass. Most are schoolleis but there are nice fish in the mix. Fish the docks, bridges, sod bank marshes and especially the tidal creeks.
BL Inlet Tog Fishing
Tog fishing is awesome. The inlet continues to fire on all cylinders. Joe O stopped in yesterday and report fishing was great, “Everyone is out having fun catching fish. If you know what you are doing, finding good size keepers is an everyday thing.” Joe had one pushing five pounds.
Dave Hershberger reported, “Nice day to go fishing with the boyz.”
Tackle Talk
The Yozuri Hydo LC Minnow are in stock now! It’s been a long wait but it’s finally over. A big thanks to the guys at Yo-zuri for not only making another amazing fishing lure but more importantly releasing it before the expected availability date. They knew the North East bite would be on so they air shipped the lures in rather than having everyone wait for the lures to float over on a slow boat.
Yo-zuri is well known for making some of the finest, best catching fishing lures on the planet. Crystal Minnow, Mag Minnow, Mag Darter, Surface Cruiser, Hydro Pencil just a few. Their lure designers are always one step ahead of the market place and therefor responsible for some of the best new lure designs.
The Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnow LC Minnow is a brand new slender minnow style bait which floats and swims 2-3′ with a tight wiggle action. Featuring a new weight transfer system for long casting, the Hydro Minnow LC is a lure designed for the ultimate long cast. Even with a stiff headwind, the Yo-Zuri Hydro LC Minnow will cast like a bullet allowing the zone to be within your reach.
Available in two sizes in a great assortment of awesome time tested proven fish catching color patterns. The Hydro Minnow LC covers any and all fishing situations. Casting striped bass on the surf to hunting down inshore species like redfish, snook and tarpon. The ultimate coastal fishing lure.
Best of all Yo-zuri makes these lures to be the strongest possible utilizing extra tough and durable proprietary polycarbonate material as well as rigging the lures 3X strong treble hooks and heavy duty split rings. These lures are ready to fish right out of the box and will catch saltwater trophy gamefish.
Here’s the link to the Yo-zuri Hydro Minnow LC 6″ size and the larger 6-3/4″ size. Both sizes have a spot in my surf bag and will be in my every day rotation. I’m already looking forward to the productivity and versitility these lures will offer especially when fishing rough conditions and casting is the utmost concern. These lures are surf bag staples!
609-494-5739
My biggest bass of the day pulled the Boga Grip to 40 pounds.
One of the best top water spook baits for striped bass, the Doc!
