We finally have hit July and the action has definitely begun to hit it’s stride along for fluke at the artificial reef sites along South Jersey. We should be full throttle and the bite should increasingly get better as the inshore waters warm. As of late, anglers working bucktails tipped with mackerel strips, Gulp, or fluke belly are producing some nice fish to 7 pounds. The shallower reefs are producing consistent bites over the past week. Meanwhile, offshore action has exploded at the canyons from the Lindenkohl south to the Baltimore with good reports of yellowfin, bigeye and some nice sized makos closer in. July is one of the best months for anglers to hit the inlets and jetties as a variety of species will be in play from flounder to sheepshead, this is the month to get the gear and go.
Fishing Report For Southern New Jersey
Lacey Marine in Forked River had good reports of sharks being caught and released from the Long Beach Island surf during the night tides. The inlet has been giving up some bluefish and short striped bass during the incoming currents and fluke fishing has been good from the channels. Anglers reported excellent yellowfin action at the canyons over the past week.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown in Waretown had some reports of blowfish from the BB to BI and on the east side of channel. The key has been to chum heavily and move around when the action is slow. Fluke fishing has been excellent from the back bays with Gulp, spearing, and minnows providing the best bites. Action outside has started with good numbers of fish coming from the inshore reef sites, especially the Axel, Barnegat Light, and Garden State South reef sites.
Reel Reaction Charters out of Waretown and Barnegat Light has been averaging 4 to 5 keepers for 4hr trip while shorts have ranged from 20 to over 50 per trip. The biggest fish this week has been over 24 inches caught on artificials.
The Super Chic out of Barnegat Light finished up their sea bass season strong and the boat has switched over to inshore fluking and offshore tuna charters. With the water temperatures rising inshore and the Gulf Stream action heating up, July should be an excellent month for fishing. The boat has limited openings, so give them a ring before they are booked up.
Tony’s Bait and Tackle in Manahawkin reported back bay fluke fishing has been very good. Shallow water in Oyster and Double Creek channels have been producing some nice flounder. Toothy sharks more prevalent along LBI with some nice size sharks being landed on the surf along with the boats. Crabbing with hand-lines and bunker has been excellent from Manahawkin to Barnegat.
One Stop Bait & Tackle in Atlantic City said good fluke action from the deeper holes behind AC and nice weakfish being caught from the jetties and bridges. A few anglers brought in weakfish weighing close to 6 pounds. Fluke fishing has been pretty good with jigs tipped with Gulp and minnows.
Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor City reported a good week of fishing from the backwaters of Atlantic City and Ocean City with some nice flounder hitting the scales to 6 pounds. There has been alot of action along the Intercoastal waterway. Ocean flounder fishing has been getting better at the reef sites and offshore action for yellowfin tuna at the Lindenkohl produced some nice fish.
Tight Lines Bait & Tackle in Somers Point has been busy at the shop with weigh-ins from both inshore and offshore anglers. Some nice bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna have been caught from the Lindenkohl canyon area this past week. Spreader bars have been the hot ticket to tuna action. Inshore and bay fishing off Ocean City has been excellent with better numbers of keeper fluke to 6 pounds hitting the scales. Jigs tipped with Gulp or live-lining spot has been the best for these fish. Anglers fishing the suds are reporting kingfish, fluke, small bluefish and sharks at night.
Sterling Harbor in Wildwood had good flounder fishing over the past week with solid back bay and ocean action. The Wildwood and Cape May reef sites have been good for the ocean bites while the Delaware bay (sites 10/11) are producing some decent flatties to 7 pounds. Yellowfin and some bigeye have been caught from the Poor man’s, Baltimore and Wilmington canyons with most of the action occurring on the troll. The shop is running their big Duke of Fluke tournament in a few weeks, so be sure to get signed up as it’s a great event.
Cape May Bait & Tackle in Cape May reported flounder fishing is picking up as the shop has been getting reports of keepers caught on the beaches and reef sites. The surf has been full of croakers and weakfish, while some of the Cape May jetties have been holding short striped bass. Anglers fishing fiddler or small crabs are finding a few sheepshead off the jetties as well.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for the weekend will be to hit the local reef sites to hunt down larger-sized flatties close to the wrecks. Bucktails tipped with Gulp are excellent choices when jigged close to the structure. Along the backside of our coastal islands, fluke or flounder fishing will be better in some of the deeper holes and anglers should be able to pull a few in the 7 to 9-pound range this week. It is key to locate areas that will hold baitfish and also have clean water as these areas will be hot for the bite. Jetty fishermen will have great shots at snapper bluefish, fluke, and even some sheepshead at our southern inlets. Crabbing and clamming (as long as not on Sundays for the bivalves) are another great option as warm bay waters provide great opportunities to get the youngsters on the water. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!
