Spring was on the mind today! What a beautiful sunny day with a high of 62 degrees. That forecast sounds more like a spring day and it felt that way on the beach. Thanks to a strong sou’wester, I enjoyed the south swell that was pumping on the Ship Bottom beach today.
While walking the beach (up current) I talked to a couple surf anglers, but notta. With the mild ocean temp and abundance of birds roaming I’m confident there’s linesiders roaming the surf.
Just a heads up… the ocean/surf is open to fishing; however the inlets, back bays and rivers are close. With the striped bass stocks in need of help, please know the law and respect the species. Right now there’s basically two fisheries… tautog and white perch.
Tog Fishing Report
NJ Tautog Fishing Season is open Jan1 to Feb 29th, 15″ 4 fish creel.
Store staffer Blake was out this week (a couple days ago) aboard the No Moores. He reported some a savage bites on the ever so deadlyMagictail Tog Jigs.
This late season 14lb togzilla went for a crab baited Magictail tog jig aboard the No Moores!
Blake landed a monster, his new personal best 14 pounds, on a 1.5oz jig! Word is Dave will be keeping his boat in the water cause the fishing and weather is good. We are looking forward to more solid reports from the crew. Dave and the boat has had a killer 2019 and their 2020 is off to a great start!
Dante at Magictails was into good fishing recently aboard the No Limit down Delaware. He said the hogs were hammering, “Seven biggins from 10-18.5 pounds!!!!”
White Perch Fishing Report
So far this year, white perch fishing has been good. We got a few reports from local angler Gary Adair. A few days back “I caught a quick 70 perch for a fish fry. It was fun fishing because it bring me back to my childhood.”
Florida Fishing
Store staffer Frezza and Jay are finishing up a strike mission down in the sunshine state and they reported fishing has been good all week. Frezza said, “We have mangrove snapper at our dock along with pinfish (catching for bait). We hunted down some sheepshead and got them up to 20″. Looking for redfish but only found a couple. Lots of speckled trout at the mangroves! In total we caught 11 different species and had a blast doing so. We are already planning our next trip back.”
Here’s store staffer Jay with one of many speckled trout caught along the mangroves.
5 Extraordinary Saltwater Fishing Reels great for targeting a variety of species from inshore, offshore and from shore. Here’s our top five picks which cover a lot of ground from Dependable Fishing Reel Brands…
Are you looking to buy a new saltwater fishing reel? Do you have questions or need help with a Fishing Reel?
Here at Fish Heads we are ready to assist. We fish and want to help you catch both more and bigger fish! Stop in, Call Or Email Us Today!
Penn International Big Game Reels
The Big Game Brute
Sea monsters demand the most because they didn’t get that big being stupid. When it comes to big game fishing reels drag, gearing, bearings and line capacity are four of the most important specifications. But none of that matters if the frame (body) isn’t rock solid. Penn International Fishing Reels have a strong ridged body holds everything together and aligned during a long heated battle. Proven over decades of big fish, tournament wins, and record setting the Penn International Reels are a family of extraordinary saltwater fishing reels that are dependable and made in the USA. Redesigned in 2017, the Penn International Big Game Reels are better than ever.
When going to hunt down tuna, billfish or sharks gear up first with Penn International Series Reels for the ultimate big game weapon.
Van Staal X-Series Spinning Reels
Made For The Salt & Surf
Van Staal Fishing Reels are hands down the best spinning reel for surf fishing. All metal, sealed and built like a tank… Fish With No Limitations… Fish Van Staal and own the surf.
Van Staal Reels are made for the salt and surf. Photo: Brad Bankos
These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels come in a full size ranging from 100 to 275 there’s a size for every fishing situation. The VS100 is perfect for kayak fishing as well as ultralight wade fishing. The most popular and most versatile for surfcasting, the VS150 & VS200 sizes match up great with rods in the 8-10′ range. The VS250 is the right choice when targeting big fish in big surf. It’s a perfect match on 10-11′ surf rods for fishing lures of all sizes. The VS275 is a specialty reel that’s great for launching lures the furthest (3″ spool diameter) and cranking quick in fast current (40″ per turn, the fastest retrieve of the bunch). Learn about Van Staal VR Series, a more affordable series of reels here.
Compact, versatile, powerful, durable… These key traits anglers demand are what Avet Fishing Reels offers. Precision machined in the USA, Avet Reels have a one piece frame and stainless gearing for ultimate strength and durability. The indestructible anti-reverse system, combined with Avet’s dry carbon drag offers one of the most smooth, wear resistant, reliable stopping power drag systems. The corrosion resistance anodized finish really tops off these beautiful reels.
Avet lever drag fishing reels are powerful and compact allowing anglers the freedom to target a variety of species utilizing different tactics with the same reel.
Avet has a reel for every type of saltwater fishing from jigging, live bait, chunking and trolling. They even offer a Magic Cast, magnetic cast control option, for those pitching irons and looking to launch long distances. These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels have a cult following. Experience an Avet and join it today!
Available in a variety of options there is an Avet Reel for everyone. This photo details a blue Avet with the Magic Cast options. The magnetic cast control system is fine tuned by using the adjustment dial shown here.
Daiwa BG Spinning Reels
Quality Features At A Great Price
Quite possibly the best value in saltwater fishing reels, the Daiwa BG Series offers a ton of quality features at a great price. Packing the largest main gear in its class anglers love the smooth cranking power. The sloppy play found in most other reels is NOT present in the BG due to its solid screw in handle design. The powerful waterproof drag and dual anti reverse (on 4500 sizes and larger) stop big game fish fast.
But if you are looking for a reel with a little extra bells and whistles… take a look at the Daiwa Saltist. The added Magseal feature in the Saltist Series offers extended performance and long lasting smoothness. Both the anti-reverse roller bearing and line roller bearing are Magsealed. Daiwa also offers the Saltist Back Bay Series that’s a perfect specialty lineup for shallow water anglers.
The joy of fishing Daiwa reels is fully understood once used and hooked up! Here’s a happy anglers aboard Fish Head Charters with Captain Greg Cudnik.
Shimano Tranx Levelwind Reel
The Ultimate Saltwater Low Profile Reel
The Shimano Tranx is the ultimate saltwater low profile reel. It’s the perfect level wind reel that fits right in your palm. Offing all day comfort the Tranx is perfect for casting and jigging targeting all inshore species; striped bass, fluke, tautog, snook, redfish and even fresh water bass and musky.
Fish all day in comfort with the Shimano Tranx, the ultimate saltwater low profile fishing reel. From casting and jigging to bottom fishing, the Shimano Tranx reel can do it all. As shown in the photo above the Shimano Tranx HG models comes with a round power grip knob. The standard models have a dual paddle handle.
What sets the Tranx apart from the rest?
Exclusive X-Ship & HEG designs provide massive cranking power yet smooth and effortless retrieve. Special water resistant technology (CoreProtect) provides long-lasting durability. Available in two sizes and two gear ratios as well as right and left hand there’s a Tranx for everyone! These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels are a favorite among the team at Fish Heads for fluke, striped bass and tog!
Why ask a Facebook group and get conflicting info from the unknown? Why watch an influencer’s video on Youtube about something they were paid to produce? Why not ask an expert?
Outfitting anglers with fishing tackle since 1962, factory trained and authorized service centers for major tackle brands, it’s safe to say the crew at Fish Heads is AN EXPERIENCED & accredited source. Experience The Fish Heads Difference Today!
Kicking off the new year, serious anglers are taking advantage of the mild temperatures. The weather has been surprisingly warm but it isn’t going to stay that way all winter so get out and enjoy! Here’s our first fishing report for 2020.
Striped Bass Still On The Surf
Recently reports from anglers fishing the suds in the fog this weekend were good. A couple reports from the longtime legends of surfcasting who are still hitting it hard even though it’s January. Shell E. fished with his son and reported, “Caught 9 between the two of us.”
Another report came in from DJ Muller who shared, “Still having fun! All fat and health bass juiced up on the beach. Two were almost keepers.” He caught them on rubber paddle tails.
Inshore Tautog Fishing Off LBI
The tog fishing in 2020 picked up right where it left off at the end of the year. Fishing has been very good for most anglers.
Very good fishing reported today reported by Swagmattic. Matt shared, “Three guys today with over 30 keepers up to 12lbs. We had a number in the 6-8 pound range.”
NJ Saltwater Tog Fishing Regulations For 2020 – Currently 4 Fish Bag Limit January 1 – February 29 (it’s a leap year). Then it’s closed for all of March and reopens April 1st.
NJ Sea Bass Fishing Regulations For 2020 – Currently Black Sea Bass is closed until spring.
The 2019 season is finishing off with a bang! Thanks to a mild and tranquil weather pattern the fishing front this past week has been strong. Here’s a fishing report update for Saturday Evening December 28, 2019.
Tog Fishing
On the boat, the Tog fishing is arguably the best it has been all year. Lots of double-digit sized blackfish are coming over the rail and it seems to only be getting better the past two weeks. Magictail Tog Jigs continue to outperform being one of the most effective big fish approaches responsible for remarkable catches. From winning a number of tournaments to putting daily double digit blackfish on the deck these tog jigs are the real deal! Recently shop regular Chris O’Brien got a 16# male tog fishing with Captain Steve Moran of White Crab Charters.
Captain Mike Kelly of On Point Charters has been on the white chins all season and really dialed in recently. He had 4 fish over 10lbs since Monday with countless 4-8lb roasters. It’s prime time for big fish now! So if you are looking to break your personal best, now is the time! Stop by Fish Heads and gear up with the right equipment and go wreck hunting!
Here’s store staffer Frezza with a recent large catch that fell for a Magictail Tog Jig.
Fish Head Ambassador Matt “Swagmattic” has been out on the water just about everyday this past week. He knows that the brutal winter could set in soon so he’s getting every hour of fishing in he can. He reported, “The fishing has been very. I’m catching a lot of tog with some good size ones!”
Here’s a recent photo of Matt with a double double from a recent trip.
Today (Saturday) Matt reported, “(We had) Slow fishing today. We put our time in and made some moves. Ended up working for them and put together a respectable catch. Four guys, fifteen fish, two 8’s and a 12# so it wasn’t a bad day. But it was much slower compare to the last couple of days. I’m looking forward to fishing tomorrow before this weather comes.”
The weather he's referring to is an area of low pressure that's expected to develop offshore of us, giving rain, blowing ENE winds and swell. It clears out Tuesday with offshore winds, becoming more breezy Wednesday. Thursday look looks like the first day to get in the first fishing of 2020.
Sea Bass Fishing
Deep water sea bass fishing offshore is and has been very productive. The light winds and fair seas as of late offered prime opportunities for anglers even in small boats to get out to the Edge. Most are running 60-80 miles where anglers are fishing hot jig bites with knuckle head sea bass in the 4-7# range. Over the rail and into the pale drop and reel fishing is reported by most all going. Also in the mix… nice sized Haddock, Pollack, Cod, and even Weakfish.
Striped Bass Fishing
School-sized striped bass are still running the beaches. The same deadly late season approach is doing the trick… metal and soft plastic sand eel imitations. Jeff Shapiro stopped in the shop today (Saturday) and reported catching over a dozen bass in the 16-22″ range on the North End surf.
Another surf report came in from Rob Swift, “Got a 22″bass on the south end surf at dusk fishing a green teaser.”
We only got one report from bassin’ on the boat. Professor Fish Head Dave Werner reported, “The flattest ocean but so dead. Ran all over and couldn’t find a bass. We should of went tog fishing!”
Finally we get a nice break from the brutal winds and all reports were very good fishing. The year is winding down fast but the fishing continues strong. Get out and enjoy fun fishing before the death grip of winter sets in. Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update for Saturday December 21, 2019 the shortest day of the year.
Days are getting longer from here on out!
Striped Bass Fishing
All of the classy ones are down in Virginia entering the Chesapeake Bay. Here’s Fish Heads Ambassador Dan releasing his new personal best.
Dan reported, “It was an awesome early Christmas present! Was chasing this fish since I was a kid. Came close many times. Finally! Fish was 52-53lbs on the Boga. I can’t thank Chuck Tyman and Mike Greene enough for taking the time and showing me the ropes!”
While the big ones are was south there’s an abundance of hungry linesiders still here! Today we heard some promising reports from both beach and boat anglers.
LBI Surf Fishing Report
There’s lots of striped bass cruising the beaches of LBI. While most think it’s over, the skeleton crew (or should we call them the Eskimos) are still grinding and catching!
Bill Heade fished a few time in recent days and had this report to share. “I fished the incoming tide on Thursday 19th on the north end of LBI at first light. I caught one schoolie bass. Had four other bites, two dropped on way in and two others didn’t come tight. A metal with a teaser and a sand eels soft bait tail got all my bites. Seemed like a slow retrieve worked best. Called it quits at about 9:30am when my plug bag froze up. You know it is cold when things start freezing up. The water beads were freezing on my jacket. Shout out to Mike at Fish Heads for recommending a neoprene Stormr Jacket! Kept me warm all morning! Had a thermal and a long sleeve underneath and I was sweating. The jackets awesome and worth every penny!”
Bassin’ On The Boat
One report came in from Professor Fish Head Dave Werner who fish with the Coen brothers Jon and Brian. “We bundled up and went for a morning trip. There were a few fish off Island Beach on the jig with some birds picking. Everything was scattered.”
Another report came in from Mike Kelly… Heading in from wreck fishing we came across piles of fish right outside the Inlet. All dinks.”
Tog Fishing!
The Jersey tautog season has been very good! By all accounts it’s firing on all cylinders right into 2020!
Zach Michot from Magictails was out today aboard the No Moores. “It was another good day with a four man limit of quality tautog. Magictail products doing the magic!”
Fish Head Alumni Swag has been getting out every break he can get. He shared this report, “Fished Monday on the Osprey out of Atlantic City and had a fantastic day catching with 8 keepers. Headed back out Friday but it was a different story I only had 1 blackfish all day, but other caught. I was planning on taking the day off but had a buddy ask me to head out with him. I decided to go today. You never know when the weather will turn sour and blow for an extended period of time, so I want to take advantage of the fishable days when I can. I’m glad I did! I had a double limit+ with the big fish just shy of 11 pounds.
Jared Grady did a double on the Osprey fishing Friday and Saturday. He had a great day on both trips.
Deep Water Sea Bass Fishing
Anglers are heading out to the deep hunting sea bass and getting in on drop and reel fishing. Nick Perello has been getting out and each trip is loading up! His most recent trip was was today. They limited out with all over 18″.
Earlier in the week Nick reported some big weakfish mixed in with the sea bass and porgies.
Another customer in the shop (local Manahawkin angler) fishing on the Voyager reported great fishing on his recent trips. “Lots of good sea bass jigging as well as weakfish in the 3-8# range. There’s also large bonita and some jumbo porgies. Everyone is limiting out on the boat. Some days I’m catching double and triple limits jigging. There’s lots of sand eels out there so the slender jigs are the way to go. Hands down the Nomand Streaker Jigs Are The Best!“
The Nomand Streaker Jigs are by far the most popular jig in the North East the past coupe of years. The slender profile is well knows as the hottest jig when fish are keyed in on sand eels. The past couple of years the Nomand Streaker Jigs are responsible for out fishing just about any and all jigs on the mid-shore bluefin grounds. They also shined all fall for striped bass and now are working great on sea bass. If you haven’t fished a Streaker nows the time to grab one because we have some in stock. During the “season” they sell out as fast, usually one to two days after arriving. Take a look at them today!
Dates available: If the temperatures stay above freezing or don’t dip below 32F for multiple days, we are planning are running through the New Year. Currently, I have the following dates available: 12/21, 12/23, 12/26, 12/29, 1/4/2020 and 1/5/2020. All green and white crabs are included on Tog trips!!
I had the opportunity to run after school and hit one of my favorite pieces south and the ride took longer than the bite. Quick 5 fish limit to 7 pounds!
If interested in booking a charter, book through our site (reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, bait, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
The weather has not been the best but fishing is surprisingly very good! Anglers are catching on the beach and in the boat. Here’s a short fishing report update for Friday the 13th, December 2019.
Juvenile striped bass continue in good numbers. Local anglers are catching matching the hatch…. think slender sand eels. Here a photo from Joe Medica “Epic night on the beach with bass and a crazy full moon!” Photo of Tyler Medica above.
It’s prime time tog fishing here! Store staffer Frezza was out Wednesday aboard the No Moores and got his personal best, 10.54# and fellow angler Johnny O got a 12.46#. Both were caught on Magcitail Tog Jigs baited with live crab. Here’s a photo of Dante from Magictails with a fat female that he caught and released this week.
Outstanding striped bass fishing this past weekend!
Wednesday 12/4 – We had a slow start with a very strong finish in OT. We had return client Chris along with his nephew Colin, as well as Rob and Rick out for a 6hr striped bass trip. Chris had high expectations after his outstanding trip last week, but what a crazy difference a couple days off made! We started in the same area we’ve been fishing. We had whales putting on a show, bait everywhere, and marked tons of fish that didn’t want to bite. After hours of only managing one 22” fish and not much time left, we picked up and made a move. We caught 3 fish right away, tagging one for a slot fish. In overtime mode, we put the boat on drift and instantly caught 15 bass on jigs, tagging one more for the table. The slow start turned into ending the day with 20 bass. Great job champing out the cold and fishing guys! Sorry we didn’t get more pictures because the ending was a blitz with everyone catching fish!
Saturday 12/7 – We had James, John, and Scott out for a striped bass charter. James won one of our giveaways for a free trip and after cancelling for weather, we were finally able to get him out today. We started where we jigged them a couple days ago but the weather was not in our favor and the fish were scattered. We set up on the troll to look for fish and instantly hooked up with a double header. The guys put a beating on the bass today catching 32, keeping our 5 slot fish up to 27” and releasing the rest. Great job in the cold weather and sloppy seas today guys!
Sunday 12/8 – Outstanding bass fishing with doubles and triples all day! We had Jim and his son James from Moorestown, NJ out for a 6hr striped bass trip. We started the morning off with a double header right away and got James his first ever striped bass! Within the first 30 minutes we had our limit of slot fish in the box. We played catch and release with many more. We made a moved to hunt for bigger fish and were rewarded with a 29” fish after weaving through some more slot fish. We ended the trip with an insane drop and reel jig bite. The father son team did awesome today, catching almost 40 bass. We sent them home with smiles and sore arms! Great job today guys!
Availability
We will be continuing to fish for striped bass as long as the bite remains good. We will also be throwing in a few blackfish trips as well up until the New Year, or as long as the weather will allow us to keep fishing. The upcoming weather forecast does not look promising this week but we will be back out whenever the weather allows. We have this coming Saturday 12/14 available, weather permitting. Now is the time to get in on the action while the bass are here in full force!
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
It has been another good couple of weeks of fishing out of Barnegat Light. We have been doing well on Striped Bass and Tog when we can get out due to the winds/weather. This weekend looks a little tough, but hopefully it changes. There was a very good Striped Bass bite this past weekend with both of my charters limiting on their slot tags and each trip averaging 30 to 45 Striped Bass. The sizes of the Stripers have ranged from 20 to 29 inches and almost all of action has been on metal jigs or plastic shads. I have a few “Tog only” trips coming up, so we are planning to hit some of my choice snags and will be using both white and green crabs. Our facebook page always has the most recent fishing reports…
If the Striped Bass are still around, we will continue to target them as our NJ issued slot tags expire 12/31/2019. Tog fishing is also an option and we have Green crabs and White Leggars (when available) are included on all Tog trips. Our Tog setups feature G.Loomis rods, Lamiglas, and St.Croix with fantastic feel and excellent backbone for muscling the big boys out of the wrecks.
If the temperatures stay above freezing, we are planning to run into the New Year and having the heated cabin makes a world of difference. I have the following dates available: 12/21, 12/22, 12/23, 12/26, 12/29, 12/30, 1/4/2020, 1/5/2020 – only if the temperatures stay above freezing.
If interested in booking a charter, book through our site (reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, bait, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
Another good weekend of fishing the waters of Long Beach Island. Saturday started off sporty with stiff northerly blow but things settled down mid day and the second half was beautiful. Sunday followed it up being a flawless day. Those that got out and fished were rewarded. Small fish but don’t complain. It’s December… enjoy it while it lasts! Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update.
On The Surf
The small bass action continues on the LBI surf offering great catch and release fun on light tackle. Finding a keeper size fish or better is a long shot but the consistent of action is awesome. Anglers fishing the same tackle as previously reported numerous time are getting it done.
Chris Masino post this photo and reported “Another Fun Night” fishing Sunday.
Sarge tagged us on a video releasing a bass on the surf Saturday. He said catch and release fishing has been fun.
Steve George shared a report on his Facebook page, “It’s been a great couple of weeks (day and night) tagging all these juvenile striped bass that have invaded the surf line. Hope they get a chance to double in size and return some migration data research to better understand these very important inshore fish. If they do the fishing can be very good again. We will See.”
LBI Surf Fishing Classic
This weekend concludes the LBI Surf Fishing Classic. Administration wise it will be wrapped up soon.
Looking back it was a slow year for quality size striped bass and there was a missing species. Not one bluefish! We know a good mass of striped bass hung around the three mile line and the deeper waters all fall. But where were the bluefish? This was not the year for bunker chunkers! The spiny dog fish ruled the suds and wreaked havoc on those soaking baits. It really shows with the top six biggest fish, none on bunker. Surfcasters shuffling their lures worked some magic and the night shift crew put together some good nights eeling. The North End of the Island was most productive early, mid and late season. As expected the largest and best fishing was late October and early November. In the end there was an influx of bass but nothing that would show for the tournament record purposes.
On The Boat
Last run of the year for Brendan Craig today. He reported, “We had doubles at sunrise. It was a good day.” Dave Werner was also out with a couple friends. He reported an “Epic December Bite” on lures.
Friday morning Tyler Wilk reported, “Fished out of BI this morning. Went north and caught shorts. Headed back south to Harvey Cedars Lump and trolled up several 25-29″ fish on umbrella rigs. Swell picked up and the bite died. ON the way in we hit a massive bird play and jigged up another keeper.”
The Miss Barnegat Light did good over the weekend but Sunday was their last trip of the year. “Lots of action! Fish lighter tackle and have a ball!”
The Ultimate Angler Experience
The First Ultimate Angler Experience went down on Saturday (12/7/19) and was a huge success. What a great group of guys! The conditions were sporty in the morning but as the day went on things settled down. For the intents and purposes, the fishing was good. Every stop/spot the tog were hungry and the first 20 minutes or so would be good. But it just wouldn’t last much longer. Fortunately the Captain kept moving and adjusting to keep us active with fish all day.
A couple anglers limited out with Crazy Fast Eddy being the high hook. Congrats to Johnny O, the big winner of the day! Not only did his big fish (right about 10 pounds) take home the pool, but he was one of the anglers who won 1 of the 7 rods and reels that were raffled off. Our wonderful and generous sponsors made it possible for everyone to win something; rods, reels, gift cards, fishing line, apparel, tackle. There were loads of giveaways!
Thanks to everyone who attended. We hope you enjoyed the whole experience. We already got some great feedback from anglers who loved the trip. We are already looking forward to the next Ultimate Angler Experience.
Huge Thanks to Swag (Matt Sorrentino) for coming up with the idea and making the event happen. Also a big thanks to Magictail’s Dante Soriente and Frank Mihalic for sharing some of the their knowledge accumulated over the years. All three of the short seminar talks (Matt, Dante, Frank) were great!
Thanks to the Captain and Crew of the Osprey NJ for hosting us. Also a special thank you to Daiwa’s Chris Shoplock and Jigging World’s Mike Kim for providing an incredible amount of products for everyone to demo on the boat. It was great sharing the rail and fishing with you guys! Also thanks to Cortland Line Co and The Fishermans Magazine!
Keep your eyes out on or social media page for some photos and video from the trip. We’ll be sharing periodically over the winter.
609-494-5739
