Captain Mikes: April Fishing Reports

April Fishing Reports So Far

April is off to a warm start and prime-time spring fishing is upon us! The weather in New Jersey has been stellar this week. We’ve been pushing 70-80 degrees this past week. The ocean temps are beginning to rise from the low 50 fifties into the mid-fifties, when the ocean heats up so does the rest of the fishery. Before you read the report check out our fishing profiles on our fishing reports page for detailed information on what species are actively caught throughout the year. We’re stoked to kick off 2023!

Captain Mikes: April Updates

Captain Mikes is open for limited hours completing the last of our spring cleaning to prepare for the 2023 season. We expect our rental boat fleet to be splashed and operational next week! We also still have a few more slips for smaller boats under 25″. Give us a ring at 609-296-4406  if you’re looking for a place to keep your boat for the 2023 season.

Great Bay Fishing Report

In the Mullica River anglers are catching striped bass off paddle tails and trolling stretches. For paddle tails, a 3″ NLBN is not a bad bet for the schoolie size fish. You also can’t go wrong with a chartreuse storm eye paddle tail either. Next, for the surf anglers we have Gaveling point. We’re getting great reports of anglers catching stripers and black drum fish off blood worms. Our local tautoug addict are thoroughly enjoying the spring weather. Captain Mike has gotten plenty of reports of anglers limiting out on tog in 90 foot of water. April can be hit or miss for these guys wreck fishing so it’s nice to see the weather cooperate. Season is closed 4/30 and will reopen again in August.

Long Beach Island Fishing Report

Our friends at Fisherman’s Headquarters have been getting great reports of striped bass and black drum caught off the island surf. A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. It seems like most bites are coming off of salted clam although blood worms have been great too. Furthermore, the back bay has been quite productive. Anglers are catching striped bass, black drum, and even white perch. With warm temperatures a 3-5″ popper might be a good play to try if the paddle tail isn’t getting any love. It’s no surprise with the recent warm temperatures the bass have been waking up.

Raritan Bay Fishing Report

The April fishing reports out of the Raritan always seem to boom each year. It’s no surprise that striped bass are in the Raritan and they’re active. If you can trailer your boat up north (or afford the gas bill) this weekend and don’t mind battling the potential crowd, then go!

Fluke Season Opens May 2nd

Just a reminder that Fluke season is reopening May 2nd. Same slot rules apply from last year. 2 fish between 17″ & 18″ and one 18″+ fish are permitted. For those of you who fished with Captain Mikes last year, you know it was a great year for fluke in Great Bay. Give us a ring at 609-296-4406 to schedule your trip in advance today!