Long Beach Island has some really nice warm summertime waters and with it a lot of different species on tap. Currently we have the full moon of August so be prepared for more extreme tides. These higher highs and lower lows mean stronger tides at times so focus on the slower current windows for the best bite. Here’s the LBI Fishing Report Update video from this evening.
Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Report
The LBI surf is in the lower to mid 70’s; 72-75º. Just beautiful from the easterly winds. Despite a medium size (2-4′) summertime easterly swell churning the surf, fluke and kingfish as well as a few croakers are being caught off the sand. There are also cobia near shore as well as a few mahi. Check out the cobia and mahi video footage from 1/4-1/2 miles off LBI the other day! It was captured by Jack Keating at Stack Tackle. Check out the video report above and look for them at the 4:30 mark! Be on the lookout for blues, spanish mackerel, bonito and possibly false albies the next few weeks.
Barnegat Bay & Inlet Fishing Report
The inlets adjacent thoroughfares are particularly good as of late. The fluke movement out of the bays has been underway and will continue. These main arteries are where the fluke funnel on their way out. The past few days there have been many 4 to 8-pound fluke caught on Gulp and live bait (spot, minnows, snappers, peanut bunker. Jetty Jockey Jake Smith weighed in a big 9# fluke today. He speared it up at Barnegat Inlet. There’s also spot to catch as well as crabbing and clamming to enjoy.
Anglers fishing the rocks at Barnegat Light are finding a good multi-species bite, with plenty of action. Tog (opened August 1) and there’s mostly smaller fish but some keepers are possible, triggerfish, sheepshead, fluke, blues, weakfish and striped bass are all present. Here’s a spread from Keith Soycher.
Inshore / Near Shore Fishing Report
Inshore fishing has been good with great bottom fishing for fluke on the reef and wrecks. Depending on depth, some areas also have tog, sea bass, trigger, ling, porgy and other critters (sea robins, squid, mackerel). As long as the water temps (and bottom temps) remain warm and stable we should a have great fishing for the rest of the summer flounder fishing season.
Bluefins Tuna Recreational Tuna Quota Met
The recreational bluefin tuna fishing has been shut down because the quota has been reached. All anglers should check with NOAA Fisheries for updates.
Fortunately the yellowfin bite has been good so angler have them as well as big eye, tilefish and swords. We are looking forward to the 56th Annual White Marline Invitational Tournament hosted by the Beach Haven Marlin And Tuna Club this week… August 11-16th.
Angling category – All sizes, all areas CLOSED August 12, 2025, 11:30 p.m. local time – December 31, 2025. During a closure, recreational fishermen may continue to catch-and-release, or tag and release, bluefin tuna of all sizes, subject to the requirements of the catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. Additionally, recreational fishermen may continue to recreationally harvest other highly migratory species, including other tunas, during this closure.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna.
Recreational fishermen aboard vessels with an HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permit, while fishing recreationally, may not retain, possess, or land any Atlantic bluefin tuna, including school, large school, small medium, large medium or giant-sized Atlantic bluefin tuna, from 11:30 p.m., August 12, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
Commercial fishery is not affected by this closure.
