The Jersey Shore has awoken from its winter slumber, and the fishing scene is now in full bloom. With the summer flounder season opening, the state’s favorite fishery is abuzz with excitement. Anglers are eager to get their hands on these prized fish, and the fish are equally eager to put up a fight. As we head into the weekend, the striped bass, drum, and bluefish are already hitting the beachfront and bays. The warm waters have brought these fish to the surface, making them easier to catch. The surf fishermen have a great opportunity to land migrating stripers, and there have even been a few blitzes south of Atlantic City. However, the tog season has come to an end, a disappointment for anglers who were looking forward to a good catch. The closure of the tog season protects spawning fish, ensuring their survival for future generations.
Hook House Bait & Tackle: A Hotspot for Striped Bass
Hook House Bait & Tackle in Toms River reported a surge in striped bass activity, with fish hitting 4- to 5-inch white paddletails around the area bridges. Bloodworms and clams have been effective in catching striped bass and drum on the bottom. The IBSP and Seaside surf showed promising results on striped bass, with some catches reaching up to 30 inches and a few big bluefish. This is a great sign for the upcoming fluke season, which is expected to be a good one.
Creekside Outfitters: Tog Season Comes to an End
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown reported a good ending to the tog season, with a few keepers to 11 pounds being weighed in. However, the shop noted a slower bite for the month. With the start of the fluke season, Gulp and jigs are in good supply for bayside anglers. Stripped bass are around the inlets on live spot or bloodworms, and also around the local bridges on small plugs and plastics. This is a great opportunity for anglers to get in on the action.
Reel Reaction Sportfishing: A Mixed Bag
Reel Reaction Sportfishing out of Waretown had a few charters over the past week, but the skipper reported only a few small striped bass. Togging action was good, with the crews releasing over 67 shorts, but it was tougher to find keepers. The boat will be working the bay areas on opening day for fluke, and the skipper will have a full report next week. This is a great opportunity for anglers to get in on the fluke season and experience the thrill of reeling in a big catch.
Get Ready for the Fluke Season
The summer flounder season opens this weekend, and anglers are eager to get their hands on these prized fish. The back bays are the places to be, with a variety of species including fluke, stripers, blues, and drum. To get in on the action, anglers should work the surf or inlets for striped bass and blues on Saturday. Brigantine to Ocean City has the best concentration of fish at this time, followed by the Long Beach Island area. Spike one rod to soak clams or bunker while casting around artificials to cover your bases and cash in on the migrating fish. Drum fishing is also in play for the weekend, so pick up a bushel of surf quahogs and make it happen. Sunday should be full-ahead fluking, with the afternoon outgoing tide working in favor of anglers using Gulp, mackerel, or minnows.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for this week will be to work the surf or inlets for striped bass and blues on Saturday. Brigantine to Ocean City has the best concentration of fish at this time, followed by the Long Beach Island area. Sunday should be full-ahead fluking, with the back bays being the places to be. If you can work the afternoon outgoing tide with Gulp, mackerel, or minnows, you should be in business. Remember, fluke regs call for a limit of three fish at a minimum size of 18 inches. Good luck, be safe, and tight lines!
“The Jersey Shore is a fisherman’s paradise, and the summer flounder season is always a highlight of the year. With the right tackle and a little luck, anglers can reel in some of the biggest catches of their lives.”
The Jersey Shore has a long history of producing some of the best fishing in the country, and the summer flounder season is no exception. With the right tackle and a little luck, anglers can reel in some of the biggest catches of their lives. So, grab your rod and reel, and get ready to experience the thrill of Jersey Shore fishing.
