“There is no joy in Mudville,” as low-pressure systems from the south has threw strikeouts to New Jersey’s fluke season. Most anglers have been trying to scratch up a bite with most of the reef sites showing little activity on the fluke front. It seems the hurricane that went by us last week had the fluke high tailing it to deeper waters. The good news is the bluefin tuna are still around with some in the 400 pound class as reported by some of the shops. Togging was pretty active over the last few days with anglers easily bagging their one fish limit on the boats. Bluefish, false albacore, and keeper weakfish provided some excellent action from the beach to 3 miles off.
Here is this week’s rundown:
Hook House Bait & Tackle in Toms River had good crabbing from the back marshes and some of the docks along Seaside Park. The Toms River and adjacent bridges were the spot for schoolie bass and cocktail bluefish action. Anglers going for blowfish between the “BI” and “BB” are finding an assortment of fish: spot, grunts, sea bass, and blowfish. The state park was good for bluefish and some short fluke off the surf.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown reported a tough go on the fluke seen for anglers as lots of fish have been making their way far offshore. The reef sites have been quiet for the flatties, but there are good numbers of tautog and out of season sea bass. A few anglers found some big bluefin from 7 to 15 miles out of Barnegat Inlet as the fish were feeding on the surface. Bayside action has been a pick for blowfish as there are lots of different species to fish through.
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Reel Reaction Sportfishing out of Waretown was able to sneak out on a few weather appropriate afternoons with the bay charters mostly targeting blowfish for the table. Ocean fluke fishing has been extremely tough as the fish have moved well East since last week’s blow. With the upcoming weekend, the boat will be stripping and re-equipping for the Fall sea bass and tautog season.
The Super Chic out of Barnegat Light performed some maintenance over the course of the week and has an offshore trolling charter coming up early next week. This weekend’s weather will unfortunately have the boat tied to the dock.
Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin reported lots of tautog action off of the Barnegat Inlet from the tip to the condos. Green crabs tipped on traditional rigs and jigs has been working well, but the trick has been finding crevices that are holding keepers. Bay fluke fishing has been a very slow pick of short with the occasional keeper, but there are plenty of bluefish and some weakfish around. The bridges are holding cocktail bluefish, blowfish, and some schoolie striped bass during the night tides.
Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor City had spotty reports of flounder at the reef sites with anglers doing slightly better at the wrecks in the 80- to 120-foot range. The Hudson canyon has been the spot for solid yellowfin action. Meanwhile, all of the canyons seem to have a good number of mahi. The shop said, “September and October” are usually red hot for offshore tuna action, so stop in and stock up. Bayside has been solid on bluefish, weakfish, and nice sheepshead off of the bridges.
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Tight Lines Bait & Tackle in Somers Point said fishing has rebounded offshore, but flounder remain on the slow side. Bayside action on the rivers produced schoolie striped bass and lots of perch for anglers dipping bloodworms. The shop is gearing up for the Fall run and has restocked a large number of tackle and clothing.
Badfish Charters in Ocean City took last weekend off due to the storm, but has been on the water over the last few days. Striped bass, small bluefish, and weakfish continue to round out the backwater catches. The skipper is booking trips for the remaining dates of the month.
The Cape May and Fortascue region are still showing a good number of kingfish, weakfish, and croakers from the Delaware beaches. Boaters are also finding these species with some short flounder in the bay and along the ocean front. The Cape May reef was very tough for flounder, but a few tog and triggerfish helped out the catch for boaters.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for the weekend with the current weather outlook will be to check and ready the gear for the Fall. Winds to 35 knots and heavy rain are on the current prediction, so fishing will most likely be a definite “No” for at least Saturday. If you absolutely have to fish, Sunday may be the better day to get out and hit the jetties for tautog and triggerfish. Green crabs or sand fleas seem to be working equally, so just tip the jig and drop down for quick bites. Storms usually churn the waters, but they all move fish around so look for an influx of Fall fish after the blow. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!