fluke fishing Archives - LBI NJ Fishing Report - LBI Surf Fishing, Barnegat Bay & Inlet

LBI Fishing Report 7/15/25 – Mid July Brings Good Fishing With Stable Warm Waters

Last week we had a minor upwelling event (Wednesday/Thursday) that coincided with the full moon (more extreme tides). This made for some challenging conditions with strong current and large temperature swings. Fortunately it warmed up (70º+) over the weekend due to the downwelling from breezy onshore winds. With the full moon of July behind us (July 10th) we are locked into the heart of summer here on Long Beach Island. The fishing is great and so is the water and weather. Here’s the LBI Fishing Report Update for Tuesday July 15, 2025.

LBI Surf Fishing Report

Today Tuesday July 15th the LBI Ocean Temp is 75º.

With the warm clear waters on the beach of LBI a variety of species are present and surf fishing remains active. But be sure to fish the early mornings and evenings for the most breathing space. The two best surf side targets are fluke and kingfish.

Kingfish are trending and providing fun on bloodworms and Fishbites. The kings really showed up in better numbers this past week and we expect them to stick around for the remainder of the summer. Cocktail blues continue to show in spurts and when active will hit bait or lures; small plugs, poppers and jigs.

This summer’s fluke bite off of the beach has been really strong, possibly one of the best in years. It continues, but seems to be best at/on non-replenished (recently) beaches. Ship Bottom to Beach Haven has produced as well as Barnegat Light. Maybe some anglers are catching elsewhere but these areas seem to be the best and most consistent. There were a couple days last week that were slow/dead due to the minor upwelling chill but once the waters warmed back up the it snapped back too.

Here’s Jake Kloss with a 25″ fluke he caught off of the LBI surf a couple days ago. He shared, ” The surf is producing. After weeding through a ton of shorts, I finally hooked into a stud.” We thing the Fish Heads hat added some good juju!

Mark Myjak reported catching a 22.5″ fluke off the mid-Island surf Sunday, “I fought through the weeds to get five shorts and a nice one!”

PRO TIP: Some beaches in recent days have been weedy and when trying to fish it can be frustrating. When fishing with grass try to fish with the current and not across or against it. Try a different angle to maybe not eliminate all together but lessen the effects. Utilize shorter casts and try to simplify rigging. There’s times when a hi/lo will rake in weed, but a single jig shakes clean with a few firm snap jigs. Other times utilizing a teaser and an extra long drop to the main lure can act as a weed catch to keep the main lure clean. When really thick and terrible, move around to find a clear or more clear area.

Long Beach Island Bay Report

The bay is rich with life but also getting to the season’s warmest. Fishing can be tough when in the 80’s as a lot of small critters tare up the baits. These critters are small snappers, spot, croakers, baby sea bass, kingfish, spike weakfish, sea robins and small tropicals among others. But, there’s plenty of great fluke fishing going down and should last all month or more. As the fluke stage up to make their move out over the next couple weeks and months be sure to focus on the deeper channels and cuts as well as the gutters and bowls. They all don’t leave in one big wave and a lot of areas are holding fish. It’s not so much the right place but the right time, right presentation and right bait! Know the tides, but you best know the current. The current windows are key. Also natural baits are producing very good right now. Without getting into the natural bait vs Gulp debate, all I can say is some days you need both! I’m still fishing gulp but I have focused on live minnows, live spot and frozen spearing and it’s paying off.

Captain Dan aboard Hog Moon Charters has been on the bite all summer. He shared a recent Barnegat Bay Slam… weakfish, striped bass, bluefish and fluke.

Rick Bragg got out and enjoyed good fishing the bay on Sunday. He said the fluke fishing was active most of the trip with the best fishing around noon, “We caught a lot of fish, one after the other but only two keepers. The classic squid and minnow was doing it.”

Store staffer Keith was out fishing today (Sunday) with his buddy Dylan. The duo scored five keepers up to 23″ all on live minnows and Gulp. “We stayed in the bay and caught plenty. There was one really good hour in the tide window that was On Like Donkey Kong.”

Inshore & Offshore Fishing Report

Inshore anglers are finding a variety of species from fluke and bluefish to sea bass, triggerfish and sheepshead. The reefs and wrecks are not firing with fluke but they should start. Sea bass and ling have offered good catching fun the past couple weeks. Ocean fluking is only getting better from here.

Offshore anglers are taking advantage of the good weather windows to box up tuna, mahi, tilefish and wahoo. A couple days back, Tim Woodless fished the mid-shore grounds and went 2/4 on yellowfin and got a big wahoo.

Store staffer Grey fishing outside the shipping lanes and scored this bluefin tuna on Sunday.

Remember, July is also prime time for crabbing, clamming, and getting the family involved. Whether you’re hitting the beach, bay, or inlet, there’s action to be found. Stay hydrated, fish smart around the tides, and don’t overlook the simple joy of a sunrise or sunset session. There’s plenty of summer left but now’s the time to get out there and make the most of it!

LBI Fishing Report 7/27/23 – Beat The Heat Fishing

The late July time frame LBI offers a variety of on the water activities to enjoy. From crabbing, clamming and fishing there’s something for everyone of all ages. Looking for guidance and help? Stop by and see us 7 days a week!

There’s no better way to best enjoy the hot “Dog Days of Summer” than on the water! Anglers from shore, inshore and offshore are beating the heat and catching many different species right now fishing LBI. Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update for July 28, 2023.

The Surf & Jetty – Fluke & Blues +

Anglers fishing both bait and lures on the surf continue to report good action on cocktail (1-3, 2-4# class) blues. For lures, fish small metals. For bait, fish small strips or chunks of bunker or mullet.

Fluke fishing has been good with lots of anglers reporting consistent action. There is and has been an abundance of short fluke in the suds. Anglers are catching slots (17-18″) as well as the occasional over 18″ and we have even heard of some really impressive now to mid 20″ range fluke. There’s no better way to approach the surf then with Gulp and light tackle.

Steve at Night Strikes Guide Service caught this fluke recently on the surf. He has been catching fluke on the beaches all summer. If you are looking for a surf guide reach out to Steve today 609-276-6983. Rocking my “new favorite summer shirt” our fresh new Fish Heads Fluke performance hooded sun shirt. These sold out fast but don’t sweat, we anticipate a the restocking to be here soon (hopefully next week, Early August).

Other options for surf angling is soaking some meaty baits for the bigger critters (sharks or rays). Know the laws!

The Barnegat Inlet has blues, flukes, a few striped bass, sheepshead and triggerfish. Some locations in the back bay have sheeps too. John weighed in this 5# sheepshead earlier this week.

Fishing Is Water Temp Dependent

Fishing activity in the surf and at the jetty is water temperature dependent. Fluctuations due to localized winds are important to consider and important to your success. The hot summer sun warms the surface waters to a tropical temp but a hard south wind pulls the surface away from the beach and the cold bottom waters fill in. This phenomenon is called upwelling. The mix of these two, the pushes and pull can have a profound effect on the fishing, the type of fish and the activity of those said fish. To read more about upwelling events on LBI check out this detailed post… Upwelling Events On Long Beach Island

LBI Surf Temperatures
Wednesday: Cedars 75º, Ship Bottom 70º
Thursday: Cedars 72º, Ship Bottom 65º

In The Boat

Late August fishing in the bay is mainly focused around fluke and blowfish however the blow toads have been few and far between. Those trying have reported catching spot (photo below Petey E. with a jumbo spot), fluke, burrfish (a spiny puffer) and weakfish. In the bay there’s also snapper and cocktail blues as well as sheepshead. Wanna catch a doormat fluke? Drop down a small live spot! Fishing for fluke and getting frustrated with bait stealers? Some of those might be super small blowfish but the majority are most likely spot. Best way to beat them is fish live bait, Live Minnow and Live Spot!

Todd Luyber and his father Joe were out Wednesday and fluke fished the ocean not far from Barnegat Inlet. They reported a bite on fluke, catching shorts as well as their two overs, one 18.5 and one 19″. Joe also pulled this monster! It’s the biggest bluefish we have seen or heard about in some time. Way to go Joe!

Ocean fluke fishing has been good with anglers catching on the wrecks, reef sites as well as open bottom areas. The next month and right to the end of the season should be good in these areas. Here Jaime Grant with a nice 23″ fluke (her new personal best) she caught a couple days ago. Way to go Jaime!

Offshore – Tuna & Tiles

Offshore anglers have had a great run of weather (until recently with the southerly blow) allowing for fair seas and good fishing… yellowfin, bluefin, bigeye, marlin and tilefish. There’s still some bluefin popping in the inshore waters as well as mid-shore grounds as well as yellowfin mid-shore 50-70NM. Store staffer Tyler got out with some friends and filled the boxes with yellowfin tuna. Tyler reported catching two on poppers and more fish on the troll. Also reports coming from anglers jigging and chunking. Their one fish got hit by the tax man. Yup, there’s plenty of sharks in the mid-shore and inshore waters too.

The local canyons are producing groceries too. Scott Sari reports, “When the tuna don’t bite, drop to the bottom!” Here’s one of many monster golden tilefish he caught on a recent trip offshore.

LBI – Fishing Report (Barnegat Bay)

We have been averaging 6-10 keeper fluke per 4hr charter and now that school is out I’ll be running. 6 days a week. This year we will also run some shorter evening bay sunset and ocean sea-bass sunset fishing from July 1st to August 31st.

Our most recent trip had 10 keepers for the day: We were off Monday due to the weather – but Tuesday ran a double with regular client Bob Dodds and his two PA buddies. The guys had very tough conditions due to the rain last night. We ended with 3 keepers and only about 15 shorts. The afternoon trip fared much better with new clients from California Jeffrey Lambie and his son Arthur. We worked a few different areas and put 7 keepers in the box. The father and son team released a few other keepers, but what a difference from the morning. Great job by 10yr old Arthur at catching his 1st keeper fluke!!!

FishHQ has a wide selection of fresh and artificial baits which we have been using to consistently put clients on fish so check them out.

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.

Capt. Brett Taylor ~ Reel Reaction Sportfishing LLC ~ 609-290-7709

reelreactioncharters.com

The Largest Fluke Tournament anywhere in 2021 is happening in New Jersey! Here’s everything you need to know!

Saturday July 10th at 5am from Cape May to Keyport, New Jersey boaters will be on the prowl for the biggest summer flounder in our local waters. “The right fish could net the captain and crew north of $50,000”, says club president and founder Matt Sorrentino! The NJ Fishing Club’s inaugural Beat the Fleet Fluke Tournament is kicking off this year and the club is holding nothing back! With the cancelation of the Rhode Island and Delaware tournaments this will effectively be the largest Summer Flounder Tournament ANYWHERE!

Fluke Tournaments along the Jersey Shore are not uncommon. In fact most weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day anglers have a multitude to choose from. There are a few things however, that make the NJ Fishing Club tournament stand out. For starters, the prize pool is guaranteed! Oftentimes you’ll see an advertised prize for first, second and third but when it comes time to collect, those numbers magically shrink. That’s because most tournaments advertise their prize structure based on the number of boats they think will enter… more often than not these numbers are simply a fabrication fo the tournament committee.

As advertised!

This time, the prizes will be paid out as advertised. $16,000 total across three regions to the anglers with the largest Fluke in each North, Central and South Jersey. With the largest fish in the state taking home the lions share of $4,500. There are prizes from 1-4th in each region and 1-3rd overall for the largest summer flounder. With a $1,000 bonus to the boat with the biggest fish who registers prior to June 28th!

Thats without even getting into the Calcutta’s (where the real money is made in any fishing tournament). These winner take all categories bring in big bucks and stiff completion. They also offer a multitude of ways to win. For this tournament, we’re looking at single fish, 3-fish bag, and a bycatch category. Entry into each Calcutta puts you in for the chance to win both regionally and overall. We mentioned earlier about a $50,000 fish. Let us explain how we came to that number, assuredly it’s not a fabrication like previously discussed.

Since this is the first year the tournament is running we can’t go off of last years statistics. However, we can look at other tournaments to gain some perspective. In the last 5 years similar state run tournaments have seen participation in around the 200 boat range, for a much smaller pay day. We also looked at regional tournaments like the Duke of Fluke, Flukeamania and the Bass River Classic which all see paticpation from 40-80 boats.

Based on this information, we’re shooting for what we believe to be a conservative goal of 180 boats. If we break these entries down based on the data we have available into our Calcutta options (40% going all in, 30% selecting option 2, 10% selection option 1 and 20% fishing no Calcutta’s and just attempting to win the advertised prizes and youth prizes) we arrive with a Calcutta prize pool of around $90,000. If a team is able to sweep both the single largest and 3 fish Calcutta categories, they’re payout could potentially be anywhere from $30-50,000 depending on the breakdown of signups. This thing could break down countless ways. Actually this thing could breakdown with potentially 36 different teams cashing in.

In addition to our prizes… each weigh station is offering a $100 gift card to the largest fish weighed at their location!!!

Let’s get into some questions we’ve had so far.

Is there a youth division?

There is not a separate entry for youth participants. Thanks to our sponsor Tsunami, there is a youth prize package in each region. This is awarded to the angler 16 and under in each region who catches the largest summer flounder. You will certify this on your weigh slips and include the anglers name and age. If weighing in for a youth, they must be present at the weigh in.

Is there a women’s division?

No! Women can do anything men can do. Stop asking this question.

How do the Calcutta’s work?

For those of you who don’t know, the Calcutta is basically a winner take all tournament within a tournament. Only those who signup for this optional class are eligible to win. In our tournament there are several, but we have them broken down into options.

Option 1 includes a $50 buy-in for both a 1 fish and 3 fish Calcutta. This is the cheapest Calcutta option*

Option 2 includes the $50 and also $100 Calcutta’s in each 1 and 3 fish.

Option 3 includes the aforementioned choices as well as a $250 entry into the 1 and 3 fish categories.

All options include a bycatch category we’ll discuss later.

Let’s say you enter Option 1 and you catch the largest single fish in the tournament, and in this example you also have the heaviest 3 fish bag. You will win the money from everyone who entered the $50 Calcutta, however, you will not be eligible for the $100 or $250 entry money. On the other hand, if you enter Option 3 and have the same results, you will effectively win all 6 Calcutta options and take all the winnings.

Not all the money however. Your entry money into the Calcutta’s covers you in both regional and overall contests. 65 cents for every Calcutta dollar entered will be paid out regionally. While 25 cents will go to the overall winner. The other 10 cents goes to the Fishing Club (We’re not doing this for free, sorry if that’s surprising news but hey it’s a lot of work!)

It is possible for there to be 22 different Calcutta winners!

Again, looking to level the playing field and increase your chances to win. Here’s something unique we are trying in this tournament:

Bycatch Bag Calcutta!

We’re often greeted with bycatch when looking for summer flounder. These fish are often met with disgruntled anglers then discarded. Well this is your chance to cash in on that “trash”. Our bycatch bag Calcutta is the combined weight of 1 Sea Robin and 1 Sea Bass OR the total weight of 1 Skate. The payout split is identical. You do not need to catch all 3 species, you can weigh in 1 sea robin, 1 sea bass or 1 skate and still be eligible for prize money. Entrants can also weigh in 1 sea bass and 1 sea robin together to increase your odds.

*If you choose to weigh in the skate, you may not weigh in the other species.

Why do a 1 fish contest instead of a bag limit?

We chose a 1-fish tournament as opposed to a 3-fish bag limit to level the playing the field. The thing is, the anglers with more experience and more time on the water are definitely more likely to come through with overall better quality than your weekend warriors or family fishing teams. Nonetheless, there is always some aspect of luck when it comes to fishing and it’s a lot easier to get lucky once then it is 3 times. Some words of wisdom… “Anything can happen at any time.” Position yourself with the right bait in the right spot and with a little luck the right fish is in your box and you’ll be on your way to cash a pretty hefty paycheck for your efforts. There is still a 3 fish Calcutta option which will more than likely carry a much higher payout than the tournament itself.

Where do you think the biggest fish will be caught?

If you haven’t caught on by now, we’re all about an even playing field. That’s why we chose an early season date for this tournament. The big fish can literally come from anywhere. The bay, the ocean, north or south. If we we’re gamblers (and we totally are) we would guess in an inlet, in about 20-30’ of water drifting live bait near structure, but only time will tell.

Here are some hot spots we give the nod; Raritan Bay, Navesink, Shrewsbury, Manasquan Rivers, Sandy Hook Reef, Shrewsbury Rocks, Sea Girt Reef, BB and BI buoys Barnegat Bay, Barnegat Inlet, Axle Carlson Reef, Barnegat Light Reef, Garden State North and South Reefs, Main Marsh Thoroughfare, Broad Creek at Intracoastal, Brigantine Bridge,, Absecon Inlet, Rainbow Channel, Corson’s Inlet, Townsends Inlet, Atlantic City Reef, Ocean Drive Bridge, Old Grounds, Reef Site 11

Any advice?

1. Fish as long as you are physically able to. Spend the entire day on the water if your body and time allows it. Anything can happen at any time. (Where have I heard that before?)

2. Talk to your local tackle shop. Stop into our weigh stations BEFORE the tournament! Tell them you’re fishing the tournament and ask for their advice. They’re business thrives on repeat customers. It is not beneficial to them if you go out and don’t catch fish. They’ll point you in the right direction and make sure you’ve got the proper gear!

3. Don’t forget about the calcutta’s. You have to be in it to win it.

The JCAA tournament lesson. The long running JCAA tournament offers a $50,000 prize if someone is able to catch a fish over 12 pounds. It’s unlikely but again… anything can happen at anytime. In order to win the prize, you need to put in something like $25 to cover the entry. It won’t take too much digging to look around and find the story of the guy who caught it and didn’t enter, and let $50,000 slip away.

4. Register now! Get your money in before June 28th and you’re eligible to win an extra $1,000. You know you’re fishing. There is no reason to wait!

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

If you plan on fishing the bay, it’s best to cast net live baits and hit the inlet area. The fluke or summer flounder fishing in the area has been absolutely exceptional for us this year. In our last 3 trips, we boxed 35 fluke and all within the 5hr time limits. When time permits, we have been adding some blackfish action with quick 1-fish limits.

Currently, we have some weekday trips available in September for fluke and we will start running our 3 hour twilight skiff trips for Striped Bass, Weakfish, and Bluefish along some of backbay areas. These trips will focus on light-tackle artificial action with the potential for the NJ Striped Bass Bonus Permits.

October & November will be here before you know it for Striped Bass and Tautog!!

Currently, we are booking for September, October, November, and December. 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. Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

The bite in the backwaters has been exceptionally good this year with our charters averaging 6-7 keepers per 4 hour trip. We will start targeting the ocean fluke soon in our Parker Sport Cabin, but as for now we are staying in the bay with the bite going on. Our new 20 foot skiff coupled with the MinnKota trolling motor has been amazing on the fluke bite!

We were out Friday July 3rd and the Bob Reim charter boxed 14 keeper Fluke to 5 pounds. The bite slowed a tad for July 4th with the Ralph Rodio charter boxing 6 keepers, but rebounded for July 5th. With the Don McCoy charter hammering 8 keeper Fluke to 6 pounds. On most trips, we are releasing close or over 50 fish.

Yesterday’s action was an EPIC bite with Jerry Fanelli crew boxing their 9 fish limit in just under 4 hours and the afternoon trip was similar with John Wittlieb and his wife Jenna bringing home 8 keepers – one shy of another 3-man limit. Jenna lost a nice one, but they will be out again with me next week.

We have very limited dates left for July, but August has a much better mix of dates available. August is generally a prime month for the ocean fluke bite. 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. Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

I have been off the water since Father’s Day (6/21/2020) as our newest crew-member decided to come 3 weeks early. Jakob “Jake” Sawyer Taylor was born 7pounds 1oz and 20 inches long. We are all a little tired, but doing well. I will be back on the water 6/30/2020 and will continue doing 2-3 trips a day until September.

Our fluke fishing in the backwaters has been amazing with 6 to 10 keepers per trip coming with regularity and we have been catching on both vessels. The skiff is a little more conducive/productive as we can get into less pressured areas which have been “loaded” with keepers.

Here are some pics of our recent trips.

Fishing Report – Reel Reaction Charters – More Fluke

We have been running charters nearly everyday and have been using our shallow water vessel to hit the extreme backwaters to find keeper Fluke to 6 pounds. 4hr trips have been averaging 4 to 10 keepers and our last 3 trips had 10, 9, and 9. So the Fluke fishing has been off the charts. The key has been finding the right water temperature for keepers to bite. This week we will start running 2 trips a day until September 6th, when school is back in session and we go back to afternoons and weekends.

We will start hitting some of these same areas for schoolie Stripers in the evening / twilight as this is when they come alive. I have to do some more scouting before we roll these trips out – these will be perfect for light-tackle / fly fishing. More on that in the future!!

Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709

Fishing Report – Reel Reaction Charters – early June

First, I want to thank all of my return and new clients for waiting for the state to allow us to run trips and our phone has been ringing off the hook as we have been running everyday.. The fishing has been excellent as most of our charters are picking 30 to 45 Fluke with keepers numbers ranging from 2 to 6 keepers per trip. With certain tides on the skiff, we have been adding in some Striped Bass action and filling our Striped Bass bonus tags (24-27.99 inches). The new skiff has performed amazing allowing us to hit areas that do not get pressured.

On the ocean front, the Sea Bass fishing has been excellent as reported from local captains. Our Parker Sport Cabin is back up and running as we had a slight issue which was delayed our Sea Bassing – due to the slow COVID shipping of the engine part. We will continue to run everyday (2 trips per day on weekends) and starting June 15th will begin running 2 trips per day through September. With two vessels, we can target inshore to 30 miles, backwaters to 1 foot depths, and everything in between.

Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

With lesser tidal current, the backbay Fluke fishing is definitely start to improve, but we still have to contend with slime grass and close to 20 degree temperature swings. The key has been to finding cleaner water and you can really do some damage when the wind is close to calm. We have been averaging 20 to over 35 fish per trip and the keepers are varying 1 to 5 depending on the winds. With the end of the school year and finals, I got a little behind on my reports (too many to list here), so check them out on our website (www.reelreactioncharters.com), click on reports. I’m out of school and I’m running charters 7 days a week through September 1st.

We are 7 days a week (morning/afternoon). If interested in booking a charter, book our site (www.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.

Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709