The reports are in.

It’s first and 10 on the twenty. We have all been tailgating for weeks, waiting for the game to get going. I can’t tell you if it is going to be an epic or a nap on the sofa yet, I can’t tell you if all the action is going to happen in a blinding instant right after the half, but I can tell you one thing. The clock is running and the game is most definitely on!

Three phone calls and texts this morning (Thursday) from Captains working stripers and monster bluefish inside a mile off of Island Beach. Reports from Barnegat yesterday of schools of 7- to 12-pound stripers being jigged under birds within a short shot of the inlet. Reports of some bass of significant size being taken on the beaches of Brigantine and a new member of the 50-pound club who was chunking bunker for the very first time in his life in the Delaware Bay (I know, that ain’t right!). These stories and more as we take a short run around our network this morning to see what is happening in your backyard.

Brick Fishing Report

Tom Wolfe from Jersey Tackle in Brick is always dialed in and happy to share good news. He truly has some this week. Tom tells us that he really feels like this is the first real big shot of stripers coming through. This morning they were both tight to the beach and in 45-50’. Bait they are on is sand eels so think long and skinny for profiles. Fish running from 20-30# mixed in with really brutal 15 pound bluefish. Reports of bluefin tuna in 80-100’ of water are confirmed, however, Tom just saw them on the inshore reefs but could not get a take. That’s a mile off the beach folks.

Manahawkin Fishing Report

From Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin news that some really nice sized stripers are being trolled up on umbrella rigs and bunker spoons 2 to 5 miles above Barnegat Inlet. Fish in the 20- to 25-pound range There was some jigging going on as well, but trolling was the best way to get on the meat. The magic number seemed to be 55-60’ of water. Big bluefish also creeping closer to Barnegat. Surf was quiet yesterday but my guys in the boats this morning reported birds right on the beach… has to be good news coming for sand stompers later today.

Absecon Fishing Report

Bouncing down to Absecon Bay Sportsman’s Center Capt. Dave was out on a charter so Curt was holding down the fort. The fishing in the back still seems to be the best bet with some keepers taken but lots of action on shorter fish. Capt Dave had a 22 pounder on Tuesday in the back on spot and there has been some real action popping up on the beach in Brigantine. The beach fish seem to be hitting clam better than anything with fish up to 30 pounds on the North end.

Brigantine Fishing Report

Mike Ferrara nailed a 49-pound, 13-ounce monster Wednesday on clam in the middle of Brigantine Island. Said it was the toughest fight he ever had from the surf. Capt. Andy from Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine measured her up. 47.75 inches long with a girth of 27.5 inches.

Egg Harbor Township Fishing Report

The crew from Tackle Direct on Tilton Rd in Egg Harbor Township has been beating the backwater the last couple of weeks with lots of action on smaller bass on poppers, bucktails and smaller swimming plugs. There is no question that there are plenty of fish with some 2 hour evening trips connecting with as many as 15 to 20 caught. Of those numbers, on one or two may keep but plenty of action and spectacular sunsets make you wonder why you would do anything else after work. Still a few red drum popping upon the beach as well.

Ocean City Fishing Report

Over at Fin-Atics in Ocean City there is lots of talk about what is going on around 9th Street. Stripers in good numbers are still being caught, but no size to speak of. The togging in the area of the bridge has really be very good, but we all know it is still just one fish until November 15 when the limit bumps back up. Not much action on the Ocean City beaches. Smaller bass also being taken in Corsons. Try flipping a few eels around at night over there for some fun.

Sea Isle City Fishing Report

Mike at Sea Isle Bait & Tackle runs a guide service out of the shop and had a bunch of short stripers in just an hour last night on Bass Assassins just after sunset. It was just a one hour shot but a great way to end the day. One customer dragging around an eel skin by the bridges hooked up a nice 34-inch bass. Beaches in Sea Isle… quiet. A few sea bass fisherman have been out and although it has not been red hot, most anglers are going home with at least a couple dinners. Biggest problem for sea bass fisherman on the reefs… too many flounder. Go figure.

Bill at Two Chums in Sea Isle, has had good results from the rental boats popping and throwing bucktails at structure for smaller stripers. Weekends are still pretty busy, so call ahead if you are interested in getting out in a rental.

Cape May Fishing Report

Down the end of the Parkway at Hands Too Bait & Tackle the word is FRESH BUNKER! That is what is turning the trick out at the C&B for those chasing big bass. I could not get my hands on a picture of it but Mike Trainor, a long time fisherman that for some reason never chunked bunker for stripers in the Delaware Bay connected on a 50-pound cow the first time he tried. I’m guessing it will not be the last time. Even though there are lots of fish being marked in the rips, it seems the chunk is the way to go, at least until the water cleans up a little more and the bay becomes more manageable. Beaches are slow but some fish in the canal at night.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Push as far North, or South as you can in our area. There is no question that the invasion has begun in the Barnegat area, although still not red hot. There are plenty of fish being caught up there and you can hear the pressure building for a blowout. In the Delaware Bay all the stars are lined up perfectly for things to light up at chunking spot of your choice and the rips. Water is clearing up and this weekend is looking good down there. Tight for time, grab and hour pre-dawn or just before the sun disappears and pop up a storm in the back. You will surely connect.

Like I said at the top… no question that the game has started. This weekend and next week holds great promise. If you have been waiting to use a couple of those sick days you might want to start complaining of a raspy throat at work on Friday… just in case.

Stay Tuna-ed!