The big fluke might be in, but the smaller ones seem to have disappeared from the waters of Northern New Jersey. Late summer patterns are developing in these waters, and thankfully it seems to be going well.
A varied fishery was reported by the people at True World Tackle; with snappers, larger bluefish, keeper stripers and big fluke from shore all making solid appearances this past week. The stripers in the area recently have been in the 30- to 32-inch size range. One notable fluke was caught from the shore in the Bayonne area and weighed in at 8 pounds even!
Skylarker Sportfishing has been having plenty of luck offshore on trips for cod, which might be getting smaller but fish hitting 15 pounds are still around. The pollock haven’t been biting, and ling fishing has slowed down but not to a halt. Inshore, fluking is still day by day but this week an 8.2 pound doormat topped their charts for the season. Sea bass season may be closed, but the fish don’t seem to notice with the Skylarker releasing tons of monster sea bass while bottom fishing.
Reports out of Keyport Marine Basin indicate that Raritan Bay has been just as spotty as other areas for fluke. Some people can’t get a bite all week, then one day with fill their limit of keepers. Hopefully things stabilize, but at least there is a solid bite when conditions are right.
Mariner’s Mart in Middletown has told us that a heavy influx of spearing into the area has activated the fluke fishery around Sandy Hook. In terms of offshore fishing, the local marinas have been seeing solid tuna catches coming in, and whispers of the Mud Hole suggest that area has been productive.
Fluking has continued to be consistent using 6 inch grubs outside of Manasquan inlet, according to Harry’s Adventure Outfitters.
The Shark River inlet, the Avon Jetty, and the beaches around Bradley Beach have all been full of fluke, as reported by The Bait Shop in Bradley Beach.
Towards Belmar, Fluke fishing has been strong as well with the Suzie Girl pulling 7- to 8-pound fish in consistently throughout the past week. With the sea bass fishery closed, they are hoping this success continues.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Fluke is easily the dominant fishery in northern Jersey right now, so targeting them is definitely your best bet moving into the week ahead. The smaller fluke seem to be departing from some areas so focusing on catching more trophy-size fluke with heavier tackle might be the best option.