Final Days Of Fluke, Bluefish Blitzes, Moving Mullet & Pompano
The days are getting shorter, mornings are getting cooler and fall is in the air, but the ocean hasn’t gotten the memo yet. Long Beach Island’s surf remains exceptionally warm for mid September, measuring 75°F on the Ship Bottom surf this morning. That warm, clean water is keeping plenty of late summer fishing opportunities alive while the first pieces of the fall transition are beginning to come together. Mullet are moving, spearing and bay anchovies remain abundant, bluefish are feeding aggressively and bonito and false albacore continue to chase small bait. Summer officially ends September 22, but from a fishing standpoint we’re currently enjoying a great overlap between summer and fall. Here’s the Fisherman’s Headquarters Fishing Report Video from Wednesday September 16, 2026.
LBI Surf Fishing Report
Surf fishing hasn’t been great recently, but there are definitely fish to pick at while enjoying some beautiful September beach weather.
Kingfish remain an option and will be available for at least a few more weeks if the warm water sticks around and no big storms churn it up and sweep them out. Fish Head staffer Paul fished the north end surf yesterday and caught a couple kings on Fishbites. Bloodworms are the number one bait. Fishbites, sand fleas and small pieces of fresh mullet can all produce too.
There are also still fluke on the beach. Anglers only have until September 25 to target them before New Jersey’s season closes. Wayne Smith reported short fluke chewing Gulp this morning.
For these final days of surf fluking, keep things simple. A single jig is one of the most effective presentations. On calm days without excessive current, sweep or swell, a 3/8 to 3/4-ounce lead head paired with a Gulp Jerk Shad covers most situations. Pink Shine and Chartreuse Pepper Neon are two of the most popular colors.
The Jerk Shad is an especially good match right now because of the small, slender baitfish (particularly spearing) along the LBI surf. Unlike a Gulp Swimming Mullet or Grub, it doesn’t have a curly tail creating its own action. Fish it with subtle pulses and twitches to bring the bait to life.
Pompano Are Back on the Radar
Here’s an interesting report: Pompano!
Joe from Keeper’s Liquor Store in Barnegat Light reported a pompano caught recently in the north end surf on a small jig. We heard more pompano reports around this time last year and while one fish doesn’t make a bite, where there’s one there could certainly be more.
Pompano can be targeted much like kingfish with small hook rigs baited with bloodworms, Fishbites, sand fleas or small pieces of bait. They can also be caught actively fishing micro jigs.
We have two good options at Fisherman’s Headquarters: the JYG Pro Mycro Jig and Buccaneer Pompano Wiggler Jig with Stinger. With 75-degree, clean surf water, pompano are certainly a species worth keeping on the radar over the next couple of weeks.
Mullet Are Starting to Move
This might be the most important development to watch in the coming days and weeks.
We’re now waxing toward the first quarter of the Harvest Moon and mullet movement has increased. We’ve had reports/catches of mullet on both the north and south ends of Long Beach Island, and Fish Head’s staffer Emmett is keeping our coolers stocked with fresh baits.
While on the topic of local baits… there are still plenty of spearing and bay anchovies along the beachfront. These small baits have been abundant in the bays throughout the summer and for a few weeks (or more) long the surf. These guys make up an important part of the surfside action right now attracting bonito and bluefish. Albies could be showing up to the party anyday.
When these fish are feeding on small rainbait, match the hatch. Small epoxy jigs, compact metals, diamond jigs and other slender presentations are excellent choices. The Yo-Zuri Hydro Shot is another productive option.
As September progresses, watch for the forage base to gradually shift. Spearing and anchovies are important right now, but increasing mullet movement could be the spark that pushes us further into fall fishing. Our fingers are crossed some bunker will school up this fall, but we aren’t holding our breath.
UPDATE: Here’s a photo of Mark Sparks with a 34″ striped bass he released fishing Thursday evening (9/17/26) fishing Barnegat Inlet.
Bluefish Provide Some of the Best Action
Fluke and bluefish are probably the two best local opportunities right now.
Bluefish remain around in a variety of sizes and we’ve heard several reports over the past few days of fish balling up bait and breaking loose with feeding frenzies.
Barnegat Inlet and the north end of LBI have been particularly productive. Steve Cammann reported bluefish crashing bait recently and Rob Crossley took his daughter out after school and found another round of feeding blues.
Above: 9/19/27 – Saturday morning tournament weigh in from Fred Finger. Fred caught this 3.42# bluefish on a lure fishing Barnegat Light.
These yellow eyes provide outstanding light tackle fishing when they’re chasing bait. Small metals, epoxy jigs and small plugs are all excellent options.
As increasing numbers of mullet begin moving toward and eventually out of Barnegat Inlet, hopefully these bluefish stay right with them. That’s one of the classic ingredients of our early fall fishery.
Barnegat Bay Fishing
The blowfish bite has improved considerably compared to what we saw through much of the summer. The last several reports have included better numbers of blowfish in Barnegat Bay, providing another fun option for anglers looking for steady bay action.
There are also still fluke available in both the bay and Barnegat Inlet during these final days of the season.
Weakfish have been part of the September mix as well, particularly smaller spike weakies. That bite is another one worth targeting as we move deeper into the month.
Sheepshead & Tog
Sheepshead are still here and fishing has been good. Fish Heads alumni Willie Davis recently stopped into the shop to load up on Bottom Sweeper Jigs and reported good sheepshead fishing. With the water still extremely warm, these fish should remain available for several more weeks.
Tog are a different story. The local inlet tog bite has been slow. The better (not great) fishing has been further out on the jetty. The warm water certainly isn’t helping. In the low to mid 70’s on the surf, we’re still well above the cooler conditions normally associated with improving fall tog fishing around the inlet rocks.
As water temperatures eventually cool, we expect that bite to improve. Anglers will soon catch with green crabs and sand fleas. October is historically a great month for land base anglers fishing the rocks at Barnegat Inlet.
Nine Days Left to Fluke Fish
The clock is ticking. New Jersey’s fluke season closes September 25, leaving just nine days from this report to get in those final trips.
There are still fluke on the surf, in Barnegat Bay, around Barnegat Inlet and on the inshore wrecks and reefs. The ocean has produced some quality fish this month, so don’t put the fluke tackle away just yet.
Summer Water, Fall Fishing
September is a transition month, and right now we’re seeing that transition happen in real time.
Get out and enjoy the final days of summer and the final days of fluke season. Keep an eye out for working birds and nervous water, have a small metal or epoxy jig ready for hardtails and blues, and start paying close attention to the mullet run.
Fisherman’s Headquarters is open daily, year-round in Ship Bottom. We’re fully stocked with bait and tackle for the surf, bay, inlet and offshore fisheries. We’re also a full-service rod and reel repair shop specializing in Penn and Van Staal service and parts.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Friday, September 18, 2026 — President Trump announced the “Restoring America’s Saltwater Angling and Recreation” Executive Order in the White House Rose Garden Thursday night. The order establishes a national policy to elevate marine recreational fishing in federal fisheries management and directs federal agencies to pursue better data and more modern management approaches, strengthen State-Federal partnerships, remove unnecessary barriers to access and advance innovative solutions for American anglers.
“This Executive Order is a historic recognition of what millions of American anglers and coastal communities have known for decades: marine recreational fishing deserves a management system built for the way Americans fish,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “By prioritizing better data, stronger state partnerships and modern management approaches, President Trump’s order builds on our conservation gains creating a path to more reliable access and opportunity in America’s oceans.”
“The American Sportfishing Association thanks President Trump for this decisive action to improve management and data collection for America’s saltwater fisheries,” added Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “This Executive Order will have long-term benefits for the sportfishing industry and America’s 15.5 million saltwater recreational anglers.”
Under the Executive Order, federal agencies are directed, consistent with existing law, to:
Modernize recreational fisheries data collection by evaluating outdated survey methods, expanding electronic and mobile reporting and incorporating real-time catch, effort and observational data into federal fisheries management;
Strengthen State-Federal partnerships and improve the use of state data, including consideration of more precise state recreational catch-and-effort data in federal management decisions;
Improve recreational fisheries economic data so the economic value of recreational fishing, for-hire fisheries and shoreside businesses is more fully considered in federal fisheries management decisions;
Advance technology-based approaches to marine mammal avoidance, including directing NOAA to work with the private sector to integrate new technologies that can improve marine mammal detection and avoidance;
Fast-track artificial reef and habitat creation, including establishing a federal Reef-in-Place Program for eligible offshore structures and streamlining permitting for qualifying artificial reef projects, and
Address shark and pinniped depredation and their impacts on recreational fishing by improving research and coordination among federal and state fisheries managers, anglers and the recreational fishing community and advancing management strategies to reduce harmful interactions.
The order also directs federal agencies to streamline permitting, remove administrative barriers to recreational fishing and habitat projects, improve the delivery of Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration funds, and strengthen coordination of habitat restoration efforts.
The order builds on a bipartisan history of presidential support for recreational fishing. President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order 12962 in 1995 establishing recreational fishing as a federal policy priority. President George W. Bush strengthened that order in 2008 by explicitly protecting recreational fishing as a sustainable activity on federal lands and waters.
This Executive Order recognizes the significant economic contributions of America’s outdoor recreation, noting that the sector generates more than $1.2 trillion annually, supports 5.2 million jobs and accounts for 2.4 percent of U.S. GDP. Recreational boating and fishing are the nation’s largest conventional outdoor recreation activity, contributing $38.4 billion in value added to the U.S. economy. Saltwater recreational fishing alone generates $145.4 billion in sales impacts and supports nearly 700,000 jobs nationwide.
“President Trump is sending a clear message that America’s saltwater anglers matter. Better data, modern management and stronger state partnerships can deliver what anglers and coastal communities have needed for years: healthier public fisheries and more reliable access to them,” Angers continued.
“Recreational boating and fishing are the foundation of America’s outdoor heritage and an important driver of our nation’s recreation economy,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “Today’s actions further reaffirm the importance of ensuring Americans can access and enjoy our nation’s waters. Access supports American manufacturing, jobs and small businesses across the country. Thank you to President Trump and his administration for recognizing the value of outdoor recreation and the American industries and communities it supports.”
“We’re grateful the Administration has taken this opportunity to emphasize the social and economic importance of recreational fishing,” said Pat Murray, president and CEO of Coastal Conservation Association. “State-based management has never been more important for our federal fisheries, and we applaud this critical need being highlighted in this Executive Order.”
“America’s anglers were among the nation’s first and most dedicated conservationists, and this Executive Order recognizes that commitment while charting a path towards increased access to healthy fisheries,” said Jeff Crane, president and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “We thank President Trump for elevating recreational fishing as a national priority and look forward to working with the Administration to turn these directives into meaningful results on the water.”
ASA and our partners have long advocated for federal fisheries policies that recognize the distinct nature of recreational fishing, improve the quality and use of data, promote innovation and provide meaningful public access to sustainably managed marine resources.
We have had some good fishing inshore and offshore lately. I have to give a lot of the credit to the live peanut bunker that’s been working on both fisheries. On Saturday, I headed out with Paul Perpiglia Sr and Jr from PA, and a livewell full of peanut bunker, for bonita and albacore. After catching a few on jigs we switched over to live peanut bunker and then things heated up. We caught a bunch of each, bleeding and slushing the bonita for some very cold tuna-ish loins for everyone to take home. We even sliced one on the cutting board for everyone to try some chilled sashimi with the Ponzu soy I packed for just such an occasion and it was delicious! Ponzu is a citrus infused soy by Kikkoman that is perfect for this. We used light spinning gear for these speedy powerful fish and it was a blast.
Yesterday, Tuesday, I was not sure if we were going to be able to get offshore. I had Jim Hutchinson, editor of The Fisherman Magazine, Mike Viviano from Galloway Twp, NJ and John Korn from Washington, NJ. The wind was forecasted to drop down to a lower velocity, but it was NE with a few days of NE momentum, so I wasn’t hopeful. I castnetted a bunch of peanut bunker for whatever we would wind up targeting. On board I had a pail of spearing to chum the bonita and albies, squid for tuna bait, live shedder crabs to try the back bay for weakfish and the variety of species that eats that bait, and 18 rods ranging from 6 lb blowfish rods to 30 class conventional setups, and everything in between. I just didn’t know how far we would get and what we would be fishing for. We got to the inlet and the wind had not yet dropped, and the sea condition was a little more than I like to start out in for heading offshore. The tide was just right to cast lures at the inlet jetty. Halfway in to the incoming tide and the water was turbulent on the North Jetty. And the terns were picking and squawking. It was going to be a turkey shoot. I was partially right, the only other boat fishing there boated a bluefish on each drift while we watched and caught bupkus for a solid hour. Scratching my head, I opted for a new plan. Let’s go inside and try fluking. We dropped down our rigs baited with the live peanuts and for the next two hours we had the best fluke fishing I have had all season, boxing six keepers up to 6 pounds, and releasing countless respectable throwbacks between 15″ and 17 7/8″.
Available every day for charter. Looking like bay and inlet fishing for a little bit, as the marine forecast has some wind for a stretch. As soon as it subsides we will add some offshore fishing dates. Fluke/Blowfish combo would be a good trip right now.
We have one spot available for tomorrow’s (Saturday, Sept 12) Open Boat Bonita-Albies-Bluefin trip. We are departing at 4AM and running right to where the hottest fishing grounds are. They caught again today. Lots of big bonita and albacore on light spinning rods. There is another spot that is producing bluefin in the 27 to 30 plus inch range which we are going to beat up as well. Maybe even hit that first, it’s on the way. We will call an audible in the morning. It’s going to be a great day of light tackle fishing. I spent all day icing up, acquiring the best chum, and cast netting live bait.
You don’t want to miss this one!
4AM to 2PM $375 person, 4 people max, all fish are shared among the passengers. We provide everything for you. Just bring whatever you want to eat and drink. If you have a favorite rod, bring it, but just know that we have more than enough rods and gear for everyone.
We are also sailing Open Boat for this same fishery Monday Sept 14 and Tuesday Sept 15.
September fishing is underway on Long Beach Island and while the calendar says fall is getting close, the water is still holding onto summer. Warm and relatively clean / clear waters are present on the LBI surf with plenty of bait (spearing and other micro minnows). This has kept a diverse mix of fish around the LBI suds. Here’s my recent fishing report video from Tuesday morning 9/8/26, followed by a test report below…
Variety On Tap For Those Fishing LBI
Fluke, kingfish, weakfish, blowfish, croakers and small bluefish are all in the mix, while bonito and false albacore continue to offer opportunities when they find the schools of spearing along the beaches or inshore waters. Tog fishing as well as crabbing and clamming are also options too!
Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Seminar 9/12 9AM
This Saturday September 12, 2026 from 9am to 12 noon the LBI Surf Fishing Classic presents their annual Surf Fishing Seminar at the Ship Bottom Fire House. This year it’s $5 at the door but registered tournament anglers are FREE. It’s $40 to sign up for the 13 week tournament which runs from 8/28 to 11/28/26. Sign ups are available at the door. There will be coffee and doughnuts as well as door prizes from AFW. Everyone in attendance will get more than $5 in quality tackle from AFW plus the sweets (coffee and doughnuts). If you have attended in the past you already know! See you there!!!
The Late-Season Fluke Countdown
There are only 15 days remaining in New Jersey’s 2026 fluke season, which closes September 25. Now is the time to make those final fluke trips count!
Surf fishing continues to produce fluke, with plenty of shorts and a few keepers mixed in. The inlet remains a great location, while the best opportunity for numbers and quality fish continues to be the ocean wrecks and reefs.
Store staffer Sam recently fished one of the inshore wrecks with friends and reported a four man limit along with a pile of shorts. His best was a fish around five pounds. That’s a great example of the action available when conditions cooperate.
More recently (the past couple of days), strong current has made ocean fluke fishing challenging. With the upcoming full moon Friday, expect that current to eventually back down. If the weather cooperates, bottom fishing could get back to firing later this weekend and into next week. We could be looking at an excellent final stretch of the 2026 fluke season.
For ocean fluke fishing, keep it simple. Gulp, strip baits and appropriately sized bucktails or jigs are all excellent choices. Carry enough weight to stay in contact with the bottom, especially during periods of stronger winds / current.
Weakfish Reports Are Picking Up
One of the more encouraging developments over the past couple of weeks has been an increase in weakfish reports.
Store staffer Emmet reports plenty of spike weakfish on the west side of Barnegat Bay. Salt Sam also recently got into a serious weakfish frenzy while surf fishing for fluke. He had then turn on late in the day, into sunset and the dark.
He started the trip targeting fluke with a small lead head and Gulp Jerk Shad, catching several shorts and one keeper fluke. Then the trip completely changed gears when the weakies. He got into a pile of spike weakfish and his fluke trip into a weakfish whacking.
Small soft plastics and lightweight jig heads are perfect for this fishing. When weakfish are feeding on small bait, there’s no reason to overpower the presentation. Small metals and a teaser also work great. Fish light tackle, keep the bait moving naturally and pay particular attention to low-light periods and slower current winds which weakfish love.
Blowfish Finally Showing Better
Blowfish reports have also improved. We’ve heard more positive reports during the past two weeks than we did for much of the summer.
They certainly aren’t everywhere but there are enough reports now to make them worth mentioning and targeting. The bay is also holding croakers and small bluefish, creating the classic late summer/early fall mixed bag fishing that can be a lot of fun for families and anglers looking for action.
On a recent nearshore trip with the kids, we caught a complete smorgasbord that included triggerfish, sea bass, small porgies, blowfish, spots and croakers. If the warm water remains warm we will continue to have a variety of species. But expect them to wane once October comes, he days get significantly shorter and temps fall.
LBI Surf Fishing: Fluke, Kingfish & Hardtails
On the surf, fluke and kingfish remain two of the most dependable targets.
The wild card is the hardtail fishing. Bonito (more) and false albacore (less) have been around, along with small bluefish, and they should remain possibilities all month.
There are plenty of spearing around right now. When the hardtails find them, the action can happen quickly. Small epoxy jigs and other compact metals that imitate 1-4″ slender baitfish are ideal. Keep a rod rigged and ready because these fish can appear and disappear just as fast.
Kingfish remain another excellent option from the beach. Small pieces of bloodworm, Fishbites or cut mullet on a small hook hi/lo kingfish rig will produce.
The Bait Transition Is Beginning
The bait situation is something to watch closely over the next few weeks.
Spearing are still a major part of the current picture, but eventually that will transition toward mullet and peanut bunker. There are already mullet in the bay, and as September progresses we should see more bait begin moving.
Shorter days, cooler nights, moon phases and weather systems can all help push that transition along. Sometimes a good northeast blow gets things moving.
Once mullet become more abundant along the beach, they become an important factor for surf side bluefish, striped bass and fluke. Fresh mullet fished on a traditional mullet rig is a longtime LBI fall favorite, while smaller pieces and strips can also be excellent for fluke and kingfish.
Porgies & Black Sea Bass
Don’t overlook the changing September regulations either. New Jersey’s porgy/scup season opened September 1 with a 30-fish bag limit and 10-inch minimum size.
Looking a little farther ahead, the New Jersey black sea bass bag limit increases to 10 fish beginning September 23. That gives bottom fishermen another option just as the fluke season reaches its final days… last day for NJ Fluke is Sept 25, 2026.
September Is Just Getting Started
Labor Day might mark the unofficial end of summer, but it certainly doesn’t mark the end of fishing on Long Beach Island.
In many ways, we’re entering one of the best stretches of the year. Warm water keeps things active as we eventually transition into fall. But the immediate focus should be making the most of the final fluke season stretch. After that, attention will increasingly shift toward sea bass, tog, weakfish, bluefish and eventually the fall striped bass fishery.
There’s a lot to look forward to!
Fisherman’s Headquarters is open daily in Ship Bottom with live, fresh and frozen bait along with everything needed for surf, bay, inlet and offshore fishing. Stop in and see us or shop online at Fisherman’s Headquarters.
The fishing is really hot right now and it’s only going to get better as the days go by. We are catching big bonita, albacore, and 27 to 30 inch Bluefin Tuna which are on the right side of the legal measure. Fishing light spinning rods armed with jigs and bait, all three of these species make the reel sing. The albies are catch and release, as they are great sport, but inedible. The bonita and the bluefin are delicious.
We are running between 30 to 45 miles to the fishing grounds but that’s where the bite is, number one rule: Fish where the fish are. I could run 14
miles to the Barnegat Ridge but so far, that’s been all albacore, and this variety at the longer run is too good to pass up.
The weather window coming up is the best I have seen all season. Friday to Wednesday are all light winds and calm seas in the marine forecast.
4AM to 2PM, $375 person, 4 people max, all fish are shared among the passengers. There will be a deckhand, so be prepared to take care of them at the end of the trip. Everything is supplied. The fish will be cleaned for you. Just bring whatever you like to eat and drink. If you have a favorite rod, bring it, but just know we always have more than enough gear for everyone.
Call to reserve a spot.
We are also available on these dates or any dates to fish the bay, inlet, or closer ocean grounds for your private charter.
It’s been an interesting week of fishing. Tuesday we had good blowfishing in the bay with shorts and a dozen jumbos making it into the cooler. Nine species in all, including bay anchovies, croakers, spots, fluke, weakfish, snapper blues, juvenille sea bass, and I can’t remember the last one, just that the count was nine. We also got spooled by I am assuming a cow nosed ray. A lot of action at the blowfish spot near the research buoy north of the BI Buoy.
Thursday, after an unproductive effort of fishing with live shedder crabs in the bay, we headed out to Barnegat Ridge, where we managed three albacore on the troll for Jeff Fail and his friend Jim, both from PA.
On Friday, we took a long trek north……no, really long, but it paid off. We boated a dozen big bonita on the Fishermans Headquarters inshore spinning rods. These rods are so versatile, I use them from April to December for so many different fisheries. We were casting jigs and using bait. For a while we had them visually eating our chum right at the boat. These bonita were solid 3 to 5 lb fish, which are big for the species. If you take the time to bleed and slush them, they are like little tuna loins…..Delicious! We also had albies in the mix. Whenever you can catch bonita and albies on light tackle, it is a blast. They both scream line off your reel. Here’s Vinny LaPrete from Roselle Park, NJ boating one of the big bonita on Friday’s trip: https://youtube.com/shorts/y83IxM2e2bg?si=zjIV0uXyERVe66rx
Monday (Labor Day) Sept 7 and Tuesday Sept 8 look really good for offshore fishing. Clear skies and light winds. I do have some intel on tuna, as well. Give me a call to fish for blowfish, bonita, albacore, or tuna.
Summer isn’t over, not even close. But the first hints of fall are beginning to show here on Long Beach Island. Cooler nights and mornings, lower humidity and the back-to-school transition are reminders that September is right around the corner. More importantly for anglers, the bait and fish are beginning to respond. Spearing have shown up big time along the LBI surf, peanut bunker are abundant in the bay and mullet are moving around. There’s plenty of micro bait in the mix too. Bonito and false albacore showed this past week and are chasing bait along side bluefish. Fluke fishing is good and we have a tremendous variety of late summer species on tap right now. Here’s my latest fishing report vlog from Monday 8/25/26…
Clean Water, Warm Temperatures & Lots of Bait
The past couple of weeks has featured some of the warmest water of the summer. Ship Bottom lifeguards have reported 75º water during the day, while my own sunset reading at the water’s edge came in just under 70 degrees. The exact temperature will fluctuate with time of day, tide and wind, but the theme has been warm and clean water without any major upwelling events that can plague our summer fishing.
That consistency has helped keep the inshore fishing active and it has welcomed in some uncommon surf catches. Spearing have been plentiful in the bays all summer, but this week they showed up in force along the surf. There are also peanut bunker, mullet and tiny one-to-two-inch micro baits.
This is an important time to start paying attention to those bait movements. We’re approaching the period when mullet become an increasingly important forage along the beaches, inlets and bays. That mullet theme should only become more important over the next eight weeks or more as we progress into the Mullet Run, through September and into the Fall Run.
Bonito & Albies Are Here – Match the Hatch
One of the most exciting developments has been the arrival of bonito and false albacore. In my opinion it is one of the best light tackle and fly fisheries we have. The action isn’t everywhere and it isn’t necessarily a consistent everyday thing, but both species are here and showing in different areas around the inlets and along the beaches.
I recently had two great trips with Lexi Pepe and her father Rob. Lexi is a passionate fly angler and we set out looking for an opportunity on light tackle. We found bonito feeding on very small bait and she put together an awesome day catching a handful on the fly. Small epoxy anchovy style flies, surf candies and 1/0-#2 Clousers are good matches for the smaller forage.
Danny Frederico with LBI Surf Fishing Services found bonito off the south end surf earlier this week (Tuesday). He reported, “They were breaking about 100 yards out and then 50 yards and closer. I was stoked to be able to catch a couple!” Danny shared he needed a diamond jig for distance and rigged up with a sand eel teaser. This is a very effective way to get a small “fly” a long distance on the surf and can be just effective right now as it is all fall.
For spinning tackle, Hogy Epoxy Jigs, Stack Tackle Chovie Jigs, Savage Glass Minnow Jigs are my three favorite choices right now. All of the different sizes and colors have their place especially when considering if fishing from surf, jetty or boat. You must choose a lure size/weight based on the rod you are fishing as casting distance is many times a very important factor. Distance helps for long cast to reach a school or moving bait. It’s also important for covering more water when searching via blind casts. This style of fishing is not always run and gun blitz chasing, but it is always best with light tackle. and I commonly use Hogy’s two smallest sizes, 2.5″ and 3″ (3/8 and 5/8oz). These can’t be fished with heavy line and heavy rod. 15-20# braided mainline with a 15-20# fluorocarbon leader is as heavy as I would ever go.
Don’t overlook the teaser either. Small epoxy Surf Candy flies are great teasers to match the tiny bait and spearing we’re seeing right now. Sand eel teasers are always worth carrying when fishing the Jersey surf too. Pairing a small teaser with a diamond jig gives you an excellent long distance presentation when the fish are feeding outside normal plug range.
Speed is another important part of this fishery. Bonito and albies are fast predators and a fast retrieve can be extremely effective. Don’t be afraid to occasionally get the jig skipping across the surface. That sudden burst of speed and erratic action can trigger a reaction strike. It’s also a-o-k to employ the stop and go retrieve to let the lure free fall at times too.
Ocean Fluke Fishing Is Still Going Strong
Late August and September is my favorite times of the year to target fluke in the ocean. The reefs and wrecks have been producing and that is most likely due to the consistent warm ocean waters. The Barnegat Light Reef has received a tremendous amount of fishing pressure as it always does being in close proximity to Barnegat Inlet. But it’s location also makes it a great staging spot when fluke exit the Inlet. But it’s not the only place holding fluke. Great reports have come in from anglers fishing all of the local reef sites; Garden State North, Garden State South, Little Egg and many inshore wrecks. Any and all nearshore and midshore pieces can produce. Learn the bottom and better your fishing!
We’ve had some excellent trips recently, including limits and a few quality sea bass mixed. When the bite is on there isn’t much better bottom fishing than ocean fluke fishing!
My approach is simple: bigger baits and simple rigs.
For Gulp… I like the 6″ Grubs (White/glow, Pink Shine, New Penny and Salmon are some of my favorite colors) rigged on a long shank wide gap hook. My favorite hook is the Trokar TK135 by Eagle Claw. I fell in love with this “Monster Flipping Hook” last summer because of it’s unique plastic bait keeper which has exceptional holding ability. It grabs and holds better than any other hook I have tried. I also really like the hook gauge, bend, length and GAP! The 7/0 is perfect for 6″ Gulp Grubs and has room to tip off with a good size strip bait. The only other hook I suggest is the BKK Mother Fluker which was made just for us Flounder Pounders featuring a large gap and long shank that has two (welded on) extra large bait keeper barbs. Both of these are great hook and far superior to the standard offset baitholder hooks.
I almost always tip off the Gulp with a long strip baits in the 7-9″+ range.
There’s no reason to overcomplicate the rigging with terminal tackle. My rigs are made of only mono and hook(s). No swivel, no clips, no terminal tackle gadgets nor gizmos. A single jig, jig with a teaser, hi/lo chicken rig or simple single-drop rig will all catch fish. I generally tie up with 40-50 pound Ande monofilament leader. I’ll use fluorocarbon when I want a stiffer longer dropper loop that helps stands the bait away from the main line.
I tend to stay away from the classic long-leader three-way rigs loaded with beads, spinners, floats and other jewelry. They certainly catch fish for some, but for the way I like to fish the ocean tight to structure, a simple presentation is best. They are easy to tie up. Require only two ingredients (line and hook). Snag less and are way cheaper. I also like to be in direct contact with bottom and bites which a long leader three way or long leader hi/lo doesn’t provide. What they do offer is great freedom for live bait fishing. Use them if fishing spot, snappers, mullet or peanut bunker.
On nice days, 2-3 ounces is commonly enough weight. Wind, current and tide can require 4-6 ounces, but I rarely want to fish much more than 3-4 ounces. Instead, I’ll work to control the drift. Short drifting while bumping the engine into reverse against the sea/current back trolling to slow the drift or commonly use my Rhodan trolling motor to hold my position and creep around productive bottom. I will also utilize a drift sock making longer drifts. By controlling the drift speed one can fish without the burden of unnecessary weight.
My goals are simple… Fish as light as the conditions allow while maintaining consistent contact with the bottom.Fish structure with large baits.
Don’t Give Up on Bay & Inlet Fluke
The ocean isn’t the only fluke option. There are still quality fish inside Barnegat Bay and around the inlet. Don’t abandon the bay just because September is approaching.
As summer progresses, more fish begin filtering out of the backwaters and using the main channels and thoroughfares leading toward the inlet. The inlet itself becomes a natural funnel, but that doesn’t mean every fluke has left the bay. There are still plenty of fluke with some very respectable size ones left inside.
Above, Jimmy Nacion holds a 9# fluke and a just over 18″ keeper. Both were caught Friday August 28th fishing live mullet. He was not in the ocean! Jimmy said, “It was a grind but when the tide switched it was game on. Not a bite before.” Anyone who doesn’t know Jimmy, he’s no stranger to big fluke.. He weighed in a 12.18# fluke on August 1st and has caught many other sizable fluke this year and past years.
Live minnows, mullet, spot, snappers, peanut bunker and spearing can all be excellent fluke bait choices. Gulp is also a dependable producer. One recent surf angler told us he struggled fishing Gulp while an angler nearby was doing very well using live minnows. This is a good reminder that sometimes changing the bait and technique is more important than changing locations. Speaking of the surf…
Surf Fishing – Kingfish, Croakers, Fluke & Blues
The Long Beach Island surf offers a mixed bag right now. Kingfish remain one of the most dependable targets . Croakers have been a major part of the 2026 summer story. There are also spot, fluke, bluefish and other species like bonito in the mix.
For kingfish, keep things small. A traditional kingfish rig with #4-#6 hooks is a great setup. Either J-hooks or circle hooks work. Bloodworms are excellent bait, and Fishbites are convenient and very productive alternative. Red is my first choice in the clean water we’ve had, although pink and chartreuse also catch.
For sinkers, a pyramid is the standard surf choice. Two to four ounces will cover many situations, but always select enough weight to hold bottom based on the swell, wind and current.
Also remember that fluke frequently close to the sand if there is a tough or pocket at the lip of the beach. They are rooting around the shell piles picking off sand fleas and other crustaceans. We’ve had reports of anglers catching numbers of shorts with many of those fish sitting right at the lip. Don’t automatically start bombing every cast. You might be casting over the fish and not working it in slow enough. Work the trough and water immediately in front of you by stepping back and taking your rod from the straight up 12 o’clock position and come down to the 2-3 o’clock angle to side arm fluke off the lip.
The Summer of the Croaker
If there’s one fish that has defined the variety of this summer it is the croaker. After being relatively scarce for a number of years, croakers returned in good numbers this season and have stuck around for many weeks.
Croakers are being caught throughout the bay and along the surf. We have heard reports of croakers and spot closer to and outside the inlet. That could be an early indication that some of these warm-water “summer time saltwater panfish” are beginning to move out. On a recent trip I caught both croakers and blowfish in the ocean less than 2 miles from Barnegat Inlet in 35′ of water. We started getting our Gulp baits pecked alive. Then snagged a few jigging. Eventually switched over one rod to a small hook spot rig and lit em up catching double headers every drop.
Hopefully the croakers stick around into the fall. Years ago we enjoyed some very good croaker fishing from the LBI surf. It would be great to see that develop again. Time will tell.
Blowfish have been a different story. We never really experienced the strong blowfish bite we’ve enjoyed during recent summers. However, more anglers targeting croakers and spot have begun picking a few. There are also more spike weakfish around to add to our current mixed-bag fishery.
Did you know weakfish are members of the drum family, Sciaenidea… along with spot, croakers, black drum, red fish and sea trout. These fish can make a drumming or croaking sound by using special muscles around their swim bladder. Below is a weakfish store staffer Emmet caught fishing in the bay on the evening of Friday August 28th. He reported the area he was fishing was, “Loaded here!”
Bluefish From 6″ to 6 Plus Pounds
Bluefish continue to provide action with a tremendous range of sizes. On one recent trip, our first cast of the day produced a yellow-eyed bluefish around six to eight pounds. Then the last baited drop of the day produced a six inch snapper. In between those extremes are plenty of cocktail blues racing around the bay, inlet and occasionally the surf.
For the larger and medium size yellow eyes, a slender swimming plug such as the Daiwa SP Minnow is one of my favorite choices. They’re easy to cast, easy to fish and extremely effective day in and day out. Don’t be afraid to retrieve them fast. Also adding aggressive rips and sweeping movements can really bring the lure to life and trigger a strike.
For snappers, it’s hard to beat the classic snapper popper with a miniature metal trailer, often called a Snapper Zapper. This popping-cork-style rig is an easy and productive way to fish bayside bulkheads without the need for bait.
If you want to bait fish with spearing, a spear/skewer rig is another excellent choice. It uses a stiff wire with a removable hook and is essentially a miniature version of the classic mullet rig. This rig can be fished on bottom with a leader and weighed three way or it can be fished off a bobber or popping cork/float.
As the mullet become increasingly abundant, larger blues can be targeted with mullet on a Fireball Rig or traditional mullet rig. Keep this technique in mind because the importance of mullet should only increase as we move into and through September.
Tog, Sheepshead & Triggerfish Around the Structure
Barnegat Inlet and other local inshore structure continue to offer another mixed bag opportunity. Tog, sheepshead and triggerfish are all possibilities. Expect the tog fishing to improve in both size and abundance as the water temperatures cool during September.
Anthony Butch (above) scored this triggerfish, one of many wreck fish catches fishing with his dad aboard the Wreck Taco. Below, late summer mixed bag success aboard the Wreck Taco this past week; fluke, tog, triggers, sea bass, bluefish.
Green crabs and sand fleas are the two most popular baits, but if I could only pick one right now I’d go with sand fleas because of their versatility and ease of access. Tog and sheepshead love them, but so do so many other game species like kingfish, fluke, sea bass and striped bass. Just about anything will eat a mole crab aka sand flea.
For anglers specifically hunting sheepshead, gathering fiddler crabs or ghost crabs can be the golden bait. But catching them can be a lot of work and at times a dirty job.
Small Bottom Sweeper Jigs and Magictail Back Bay Jigs in the 1/2 to 1-1/2 ounce range are excellent options. Choose the lightest jig that allows you to effectively reach and hold bottom or maintain a depth if elevating without sliding back in the current. Traditional rigs don’t need to be complicated either. A simple hi/lo with a loop for the sinker at the bottom or a single-drop rig gets the job done.
Bottom Sweeper Jigs
Bottom fishing jigs that are great for Tog & Sheepshead!
Late summer marks the time of year when every boater, surfer and coastal angler needs to start watching the tropics more closely. Tropical activity is beginning to ramp up and even distant systems can send long period ground swell toward New Jersey.
Long period swell combined with an outgoing tide deserves particular respect in and around our inlets. Barnegat Inlet as well as BI’s east bar can become especially dangerous when incoming swell begins feeling the shallow bottom and standing up. The same general caution applies around Little Egg Inlet and its shoals. Conditions offshore can appear manageable and then a set wave pops up out of no where.
Know the conditions. Know the location of shoals. Understand the tides and current. Don’t underestimate the energy of long-period swell!
We’re entering one of my favorite stretches of the entire fishing season. The crowds begin to thin, mornings become cooler, the water remains warm and there’s an incredible variety of fish available with tons of bait! Summer isn’t over yet, but the hints of fall are showing.
Brayden Jany caught this 38″ striped bass plugging the Barnegat Inlet Wednesday evening.
Right now inshore you can target fluke, bluefish, striped bass, sea bass, bonito, albies, croakers, kingfish, spot, weakfish, triggerfish, sheepshead and tog! That list will continue evolving as the water begins cooling and our fall bait migrations develop. Pay attention to the bait, water temperature, wind and tide. Be willing to change techniques and don’t get locked into fishing the same way you did a few weeks ago. The transition itself creates some of the best opportunities.
If you’re heading out fishing Long Beach Island, stop into Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom for the latest local fishing information, fresh and live bait, rigs, Gulp, jigs, plugs, leader and any tackle needs. We’re open daily year-round.
Helping anglers catch more fish since 1962!
Get out there and enjoy it. Local summer is just getting started and some of the best fishing of the year is still ahead this fall!
Almost made it out this morning. Had a full boat of people anxious to get to the tuna grounds. Met at the boat at an un-Godly hour of the morning. Loaded with bait, fuel, ice, rods, gear, and rations. Made our way through the bay and when we got near the inlet…….dense fog. Gave it an hour of idling near the Barnegat Lighthouse to see if it would lift, but it did not, so we turned around to go back to the marina. A bunch of disappointed people, myself included, but no regrets. I don’t knowingly head out in dense fog. We do have radar, but it’s not the same as actually seeing the freighters or barges in the shipping lanes. It’s all about your own particular guidelines for what you are comfortable sailing in. Me personally, I do not want to be in the fog, and with the forecast calling for overcast conditions with light and variable winds, there was no hope for it blowing or burning off. I tell you this long winded story in case you are considering sailing with us. Our rate of cancelled trips is higher than most. I am looking for near perfect conditions to head offshore in our 25 ft center console. It’s a very capable catamaran with twin outboards, and we have all the safety gear, including a 6 man survival raft, EPIRB (satellite search and rescue beacon), as well as a Garmin Sirius XM satellite weather station that allows us to see the storm cells as they are born. I tell people all the time, if you want a better chance of your trip getting off the dock, book a bigger boat or a more aggressive captain. We are not the right fit for everyone, but a great many of our customers sail with us because of how selective we are about conditions.
Things have really come to life in a few different spots for bluefin tuna and bonita. We are going to target both. The bite is on jigs and bait, so we will be prepared to do both. This is maybe the most fun way to catch these fish as you are holding the rod when the strike happens. Sunday’s marine weather and traditional weather forecasts both look really good.
Sailing Open Boat Tuna on Sunday August 30. 2AM to 2PM. $450 person. All fish are shared. Call to reserve a spot.
As we close in on the middle of August here on Long Beach Island, there’s a lot happening on the local fishing front. We had the new moon phase today, warm ocean temperatures generally hovering around the low 70s, some really hoy humid days and most importantly, there’s a lot of fishing variety and bait around. Small sand eels have been around Barnegat Inlet for the better part of two months and now we’re seeing more spearing, mullet and peanut bunker showing up (there’s a lot more of these around back still). It’s the Dog Days Of Summer but I can see some fall vibes ahead.
As time goes on way too fast we’ll see more signs of the transition with shorter days, cooling temperatures and more bait schooling up. There will also be plenty of opportunity for everything from fluke, kingfish and tog to bluefish, striped bass, triggerfish, sheepshead and even other species.
August is one of my favorite months to fish LBI because there are so many different options depending on where and how you want to fish.Here’s the Fishing LBI Fishing Report Update for Tuesday August 11, 2026.
Barnegat Bay Mixed Bag
Barnegat Bay continues to offer a summertime mixed bag with quantity easier to find than quality when it comes to fluke. There are lots of short fluke throughout the bay with a few keepers still mixed in, but many of the better fish appear to be transitioning toward the inlet and ocean. I suggest fishing spearing, live minnows and of course Gulp. Don’t over look real bait this time of year, especially when croakers, spot and blowfish can destroy a tub of Gulp baits fast.
Croakers are and have been abundant this summer. They offer easy light tackle action and are tasty. Croakers can be found around deeper holes and channels, just like blowfish. We haven’t seen the blowfish fishery really develop this summer. But some are around just not in big numbers. Maybe that changes soon but I’m not holding my breath.
There are also spike weakfish around. I’ve encountered them on numerous trips and also heard reports from other anglers. Small Gulp shrimp, live minnow, small soft plastics and other light-tackle presentations can be very effective for both the weakfish and bay fluke. Live grass shrimp is the best but good luck finding it. Snapper blues are also around and will hopefully pick up some as August progresses.
Barnegat Inlet Consistent Variety
Barnegat Inlet continues to be one of the most consistent places to find a variety of action. Bluefish have been around for the better part of two months and providing excellent light-tackle fishing. Most of the blues I’ve personally encountered recently have been around 3-4 pounds, with smaller cocktails as well as some better fish pushing into the 6-8+ pound class.
Summertime striped bass are always an option around the inlet for anglers willing to put in some early mornings, sunset sessions or even nightshifts especially during the prime stages of the tide. Land based anglers can fish lures working the rocks and bulkhead lights all summer long to score striped bass and weakfish.
Triggerfish and sheepshead are another possibility around the rocks and tog season is now open with a 15″ minimum size, on fish summer bag limit. For anglers new to tog fishing, you don’t need anything complicated. A small tog jig tipped with a green crab or sand flea is a great place to start. Fish it tight to the rocks and structure. Keep it more vertical and not scoped out and try to remain in contact with the bottom. BUT NOT JIGGING! Leave it lay still on bottom and be ready to set the hook when you feel the bite. Some anglers swing at the first bite. I like to feel them scratch with their front buckteeth and keep my tip low and ready to fire. Don’t swing on the little nibbles that is the tog investigating and sniffing out the offering. Sometimes they bite right away but many time (especially when it is colder) there is a little patience needed to get the right bite. And I’m ok with small tog stealing my bait and swimming off.
A simple single-hook bottom rig with enough weight (1-4 oz) to hold bottom is another good option. Just remember that tog live right in the structure, so snags are part of the game. If you’re never getting hung up, chances are you’re probably not fishing close enough to where the tog are hanging out tight to the structure.
Prime Ocean Fluke Fishing
It’s prime time ocean fluke fishing now, right to the end of the season. As long as the ocean waters stay warm it should remain good. August is my favorite month for fluke fishing. Over the past couple weeks there has been some very good fishing around the local reefs and wrecks as well as some open sand shell areas. I’ve recently had trips with 4-7 keepers, along with plenty of shorts.
Fish Structure
If you’re struggling to find better fish, my first suggestion is to fish structure and fish it tight. Don’t just aimlessly drift and dream. Learn the wrecks and reefs you fish, pay attention to where the bites occur. Short drift, work the motor, use a trolling motor… whatever you gotta do to work those nooks and crannies! If you aren’t snagging, you aren’t tight enough to the structure.
Big Baits
My second suggestion is to increase your bait size when targeting quality. Six-inch Gulp grubs will still catch small fish, but they can help select for better fluke. Whole squid, mackerel strips, bluefish strips, spot and even snapper blues can all be excellent big-fish offerings. I love long strip baits! Bigger baits aren’t magic, but combined with productive structure they can definitely improve your odds of connecting with a better class of fluke.
Simple Rigs
My third suggestion is don’t fish all the complicated rigs with hardware and jewelry. Keep it simple with a single jig, a single drop or a chicken rig (hi/lo). And make sure you have a rod that can handle a good size fluke with a strong backbone but not a pool cue. I also like rods with a longer butt section which makes jigging more comfortable on long days.
LBI Surf Fishing Options
The LBI surf is another great option right now, but it can be congested during this part of the summer. However in the coming days and weeks things will open up a bit.
Kingfish are probably the most dependable target along the beach, and all you need is a light rod, small hooks, enough weight to hold bottom and a small piece of bloodworm or Fishbites.
Fluke are also spread along the surf with plenty of shorts and some very good fish mixed in. Sal (photo below) recently checked in an impressive 27-inch fluke from the surf, showing that quality fish are absolutely available from the sand. Mark Kovich shared he has been getting into the action, catching short fluke along the surf as well as a croaker,]. He mentioned landed and loosing a big fluke while fishing the Barnegat Inlet rocks recently.
For surf fluke, keep it simple with Gulp on a jig or a dropper-loop rig and work the troughs, cuts and other areas with structure. Croakers are showing up on the ocean side too and an occasional bluefish can cruise through at any time.
Finish Out August Strong
The second half of August is an enjoyable stretches of the season and should provide a variety of challenging fishing targets. Before you head out, stop by Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom and get geared up with the right bait and tackle for the fishing you’re doing.
If you’re not local, shop with us online and use promo code… FishHead5 at checkout to SAVE 5% on your online order.
Then get out there, put some time in and enjoy what August fishing on Long Beach Island has to offer.
