We’ve been fishing before Memorial Day Weekend and the blue fish are blitzing through Great Bay and Barnegat Bay. There are 1-3lbers and plenty of fish to go around. The water temperature in the bay is high 60’s while the ocean has been low 60’s.
Still plenty of opportunities to catch a striped bass chunking the beach before the new regulations go into effect.
Flounder has been decent so far, one guy limited out using salted mackerel and spearing combo earlier this morning.
Tim will be guiding full moon kayak tours third and the fifth of the June, give us a call (609) 296-4406 for more details.
May Great Bay Fishing Report
Decent amount of black drum have been caught in the little egg inlet a few weeks back. Some anglers reported 50lbers drifting with salted clam.
Tim trolled stretch 25’s out front hunting for striped bass with no luck. Seems like the schoolie stripers are still around in the bay.
Seabass has been terrific if you can get out. Anglers are limiting out left and right. Get it while you can before the season closes 6/19.
Fluking the bay has been consistently productive using salted mackerel and spearing.
Mark Furrhman Visits Captain Mike’s Marina
Kayaker Mark Furrhman came and visited Captain Mikes Marina, he’s been on this journey since June 2nd 2022. He paddles 30 miles a day to raise money for doctors without borders. For more info on how to support Mark or see what he’s up to check out his blog.
His last shower was in Annapolis last we heard so naturally we got him a hoagie, a beer and a warm shower. It was Mark’s first hoagie!
Last we heard from him, he was in Mantaloking heading northbound heading for the last leg of his journey.
What to Expect this Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend typically doesn’t yield the best weather out front. However, if you can poke around the bays there are plenty of opportunities to hook up to bluefish, fluke, and the occasional schoolie bass if you’re lucky.
Fluke season starts off hot this weekend after a bit of a slow week.
The best fluke bait has been spearing and salted mackerel on bucktails. Some guys using bobbers and gulp too. You’ll need to come into the shop if you want to find out the secret colors of gulp they’ve been hitting!
Give us a call at 609-296-4406 to get geared up and get in on the spring action!
Most of Great Bay and Barnegat Bay Unmarked
Not sure why the marks haven’t been put in yet but most of Great Bay is unmarked. We hope you still have your tracks from last year!
We also got word that Double Creek in Barnegat Bay has finally been marked as of 5/8. You would have thought the opening of Fluke season would have made them open it but that hasn’t been the case.
As always be careful when navigating the channels on lower tides.
Fluke Fishing in New Jersey Begins
Gavin, Luke, and Miles with some nice fish
Fluke fishing in Great Bay has been off to a hot start.
Some of the best caught fluke have been in the bays, the ocean still needs to warm up a hair before the wrecks start producing quality doormats.
Fluke season at this point of the year is best to target the bays. Once the ocean warms up it’s go time to head out front and hit the wrecks.
How to Fish for Summer Flounder in New Jersey
To fluke fish in New Jersey you need to a rod & reel combo, a hi lo rig, a bucktail, and some bait whether it’s artificial or not is up to you.
You need enough weight to get to the bottom because if your bait isn’t tapping the bottom…you ain’t fluke fishing!
Rod: 7’6 ft medium or medium heavy rod
Reel: 3-5k reels will be able to handle most fluke
Bucktail: The more tide/wind in the water the heavier bucktail you’ll need to reach bottom. In the bay you typically need 1/2 oz, 3/4oz to touch bottom. 1oz to 2oz on the windier days. In the ocean it can be anywhere from 1oz to 6oz depending on tide and wind.
Bait: Spearing, salted clam, salted mackerel, live minnows, and gulp are all good baits. You can even mix them up on the top and bottom of the hi lo rigs.
Give us a ring if you need any help getting set up!
Finding the Right Spot to Fluke Fish
Anabelle & AJ with some nice fluke this weekend
Fluke love to attack their prey from below. These bottom feeders camouflage themselves on the bottom and spring up when they see a good meal.
Summer flounder and fluke in general love to hide at the bottom of holes and near wrecks with structure.
So if you’re wandering Great Bay or Barnegat Bay and find a 10-15 ft hole with some marks, throw a bucktail down and see what happens!
Bluefish Caught in Great Bay
Bluefish came in on Saturday in droves and seemed to be all over Great Bay.
These light tackle busters are great fun but can really beat up your soft baits and plugs. Which is why we recommend anglers to cast their old plugs.
Some bluefish had nice size to them, some in the 2-4 lb range.
Upcoming Fluke Fishing Tournaments
The Fourth Annual Raging Raymond Fluke Tournament is coming up June 3rd & June 4th. All proceeds go towards Nemours Children’s Health in Deptford and Cherry Hill.
For more information, check out their Facebook page or call Alex at 609-845-7653.
Price: $100, 4 anglers per boat, cash or check made out to Raging Raymond Fluke Tournament. Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd heaviest 2 fluke. Fluke and Bluefish super calcuttas as well
Raging Raymond Fundraiser at Jersey Mike’s
Details: Jersey Mike’s in Little Egg Harbor is doing a fundraiser all day on June 2nd.
Grab a sub or two before heading over to the Captain’s Meeting 7pm on June 2nd at American Legion – Post 493. Hell maybe even load up the cooler for the weekend if you’re an angler fishing in the torunament.
Weigh ins: Festivities begin on June 4th at 1pm American Legion – Post 493, $15 for wristbands. Food & beverages included. Alcohol is not included.
American Legion is located at 420 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087
Bass River Vahalla Flounder Open Tournament
The Vahalla Fishing Open begins May 20th at Bass River.
Entry is $110 per boat with $1,500 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third based on a two-fish total weigh-in; there will also be calcuttas for big bag (three fish) and heaviest fluke of the tournament.
No captains meeting. Festivities will be held at Breeze’s Dock Bar & Grill at New Gretna, NJ.
Lots of news in the fishing world this week. Dead dolphin, new striped bass regulations and fluke season kicks off!
It’s been a busy few weeks getting the marina up and running but Captain Mike’s is now open full-time!
May 2nd kicks off fluke season and we’re looking forward to another prosperous season down in Great Bay.
Reminder on Fluke Regulations: 2 fish 17″ and only one 18″+ are permitted this season.
Give us a call at 609-296-4406 to book your rental boat!
Deceased Dolphin Washes Up Near Captain Mikes
Deceased dolphin found in Great Bay
Unfortunately, Tim found a dead dolphin in Great Bay while scanning the sod banks.
According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center of NJ, the deceased dolphin had been found floating a week before and the recent onshore wind brought it in.
There’s a lot of speculation if the government’s Offshore Wind Project is to blame for the recent influx of deceased dolphins and whales.
However, nothing has been proven at this time.
What’s Causing Whales & Dolphins to Wash up Dead?
Again, while no one knows for certain there are a currently a few theories swirling around:
Offshore Wind Project – The sonar and sonic blasting used on survey ships is harming their ears.
Disease – A deadly disease is spreading and killing sea mammals
Ship Strikes – The whales food has migrated into shipping lanes causing them to be struck by boats
There’s lack of evidence because when the carcasses arrive to shore the ears have been too decayed to get a proper sample. Also, ship strikes could occur post mortem so it’s been difficult to put a finger on it.
Regardless of what the cause of these recent deaths, it’s a shame seeing these beautiful creatures perish.
If you have any comments/questions please contact the Stranding Mammal Marine Center center at 609-266-0538
New Striped Bass Regulations for New Jersey
New Striped Bass regulations coming July 2nd.
The NJ Striped Bass slot just got a little smaller with the maximum harvest of 31″.
Anglers will only be able to harvest one striped bass between 28″- 31″ once the rule goes into effect on 7/2/2023. For more info on regulations on local species.
No doubt most anglers will be up in arms over this move, especially spear fisherman who have a tough task identifying slot fish as it is.
Regardless how it makes us feel, we can only hope this will help replenish the stock that has been trending in the wrong direction for the past few years.
New Jersey Striped Bass Fishing Reports
50″ 45lb striped bass caught by Tim’s Nephew Shawn O’Mara
Barnegat Bay Fishing Report: Big Striped Bass
Speaking of Striped Bass, the bass are here and in large size and numbers.
Tim’s nephew Shawn was fishing the inlet with a few friends and caught a few decent bass throughout the week. All well within slot range the largest was probably about 38″ or so.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Shawn hooked into a 50″ striped bass on a cotton candy Yozuri hydro minnow plug (seen below).
Yozuri Hydro Minnow
The striped bass put up a helluva fight and took nearly 10 minutes to reel in on his 5k and nearly swam into the rocks of Barnegat Inlet last Tuesday.
When the fish was brought to the boat he was only hooked by a single hook out of 2 trebles! After a little photo shoot the trophy striped bass swam away strong.
Shawn reported Barnegat Bay sod banks have been productive on poppers and big white docs.
The Barnegat light inlet is beginning to show signs of blue fish working their way in too.
Fishing Report in Great Bay: Stripers and Drum Fish
Striped Bass are still thick in the Mullica River however, some can be found out front now.
Anglers are still finding success at Graveling point. Black Drum fish are also being caught in Great Bay as well.
It seems like up north is proving more productive than our local waters.
Luckily fluke season always seems to be better in Great Bay!
Fishing Report for Raritan Bay: Stripers & Blue Fish
Anglers are slamming bass and bluefish in the Raritan Bay.
This spot will be productive until about June once the water temperatures warm up and the migrants keep heading up north.
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.
36″ Bass caught off LBI on Easter Sunday Courtesy of Fisherman’s Headquarters
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!
Fear not anglers, fishing season is almost upon us. Captain Mikes Marina is almost open full time for business!
We will be open weekends and most mornings weather permitting. We’ll be open full-time May 1st.
Fluke fishing opens up May 2nd and closes on September 27th. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 fish between 17″ & 18″ and one over 18″.
Spring Striped Bass Report
Tough to believe Striper season is almost in full swing once again for 2023.
Raritan Bay continues to be the best spot for striped bass to kick off the spring run. Reports continue to be consistent although not many cows, yet. We’d expect things to heat up through April & into May.
Old reliable, Graveling point, is holding striped bass as one of the premier early season spots in the Mystic area. The bite at our local watering hole has slowed down a the last few days but has been consistent all of March.
Stripers are pretty active in Barnegat Bay behind Long Beach Island but, they’re in the schoolie range. Still fun to bloodworm if you have the patience for it or throw a plug or two.
White Perch Fishing Report
White Perch has been consistent in the Mullica River all winter long.
Anglers are using bloodworms along the sod banks since that’s where they tend to hang out.
The White Perch bite is also in the south end of the back bays of Long Beach Island. It’s not a blitz but they’re around.
We have some exciting updates coming out in the next few weeks that will make booking your rental much easier with Captain Mikes. We can’t wait to share with you once we’re able to. Stay tuned!
We still have limited slips, boat ramp passes, and dry storage available for the 2023 season.
Give us a call 609-296-4406 to reserve your slip, ramp pass, or to learn what the fish are biting!
No we didn’t get new docks. This is from aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Captain Mikes has slip rentals available for the 2023 season.
Even though that stupid groundhog from Pennsylvania said 6 more weeks of winter… we’re still looking forward to spring!
Call Captain Mikes Marina at 609-709-6425 to secure your slip today!
As we enter February, we can’t help but get that Spring Fever started when perch fishing turns slowly turn to the early season bluefish/striper bite.
Before you know it we’re into flounder season in May. Then we can finally get to the good part, summer!
Even cobias can be caught during summer if you’re lucky enough!
2023 Rental Slips are Available
We reopen Captain Mikes marina on April 15th. We have a few boat slips available for new customers to reserve your spot call Captain Mikes Marina at 609-709-6425.
Get your spot reserved with us now before it’s too late and you’re stuck at home wishing you were out fluke fishing in Great Bay.
Dry storage spots are also available for trailered boats and general storage.
Get geared up for 2023 and book your slip with Captain Mikes today.
2023 Ramp Passes Available
In addition to slip rentals and our rental boats, we also offer ramp passes for anglers who trailer their boats.
Pass holders have 24/7 access to use the ramp as they like throughout the entire 2023 season.
The fishery in Great Bay had a great fluke season in 2022, we had many ramp customers limit out in the spring and even into the summer months. It’s not a bad spot to get a ramp pass for fluke season.
Especially, if you’re within striking distance from Long Beach Island or Atlantic City! You’re only a 45 minute ride down the garden state parkway!
Note: Ramp pass holders have yearly seasonal ramp passes (with key to gates) available.
Call Captain Mikes Marina at 609-709-6425 and Tim will answer any questions or inquires relating to your slip rental.
The last week at Captain Mikes was a wild week for weakfish.
Many anglers who fished the Sunshine Tournament reported a good showing of weakfish. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a Calcutta for them!
There was even a 7lb bluefish weighed in! Safe to say Great Bay is still producing although, historically the bite will move out toward the ocean.
Inshore Fishing is Slow but Offshore Fishing is Heating Up
Anglers are finding their most success in inlet, especially with weakfish.
The fluke that are out in the ocean are sluggish as the bottom temp is in the mid fifties still. It seems the water quality is cleaner with more opportunities for bluefish, weakfish, and even some fluke.
If you’re going offshore for pelagic species, now’s the time. Most of the anglers going offshore are returning with coolers full of yellow fin and blue fin tuna. Make sure to check the weather before you go!
There are also tons of cow nose rays closer into Great Bay. So if your drag starts screaming it might not be that elusive Cobia but a cownose ray.
Best Bet: Head to the inlet and poke around by the stink house to target some weakfish.
Plenty of Fluke Left to Catch!
Justin, Gino, and Austin had a great day
This trio still managed to bring some keepers home for supper!
While the fluke fishing is trending more towards the inlet and ocean.
There are still opportunities to target fluke in the bay. One of our slip customers Victor caught a 3lb fluke in Great Bay.
At Captain Mikes we had excellent weather to report through the Fourth of July weekend.
Seth Katz caught a 27′ Cobia on Mike Yager’s boat off the stink house. Seth was bouncing a jig with a white mullet gulp (without a teaser). A surprise but a welcome one for sure!
Although it wasn’t a keeper, that’s a bucket list fish for many New Jersey anglers!
Shorter Fluke in The Bay
Many anglers came back with coolers full of fluke in the 17″ range. However, many shorts in the 15-16 inch slot are being thrown back.
It appears the larger doormat fluke are heading out to the ocean to the wrecks. However, a spearfish diver reported the bottom of the ocean floor is about mid 40s. He reported many of the fluke are sluggish on the bottom.
Bad for an angler but great for a spearfisherman.
Best bet: If you’re fishing out of Great Bay head to Garden State North or Garden State South for doormats.
Weakfish Bycatch and Bluefish
Many of the anglers fishing for fluke in the bay are catching weakfish bycatch.
Most of these anglers are bouncing bucktails with gulp on the bottom targeting fluke but the weakfish can’t get enough of it. Bluefish have been consistently in the area too, while striped bass are rare and should be targeted later this fall.
The weakfish are mostly shorts but some keepers have been in the mix.
Moving into July
July is typically an excellent month for offshore, ocean fluke fishing, and wreck fishing in general.
If you’re going offshore for pelagic species it seems the mid-shore grounds are starting to heat up too! Many charter captains are returning home catching yellowfin tunas on top water and jigs.
While this weekend looks dicey with high winds and the potential for scattered storms in the forecast.
With warmer water finally coming in who knows what you’ll catch. We’re sure Seth didn’t expect that cobia on the line when he went out earlier this week!
Call (609)-296-4406 to book your rental and let’s go fishing!
Great Bay Boulevard also known as “Seven Bridges Road” by the locals.
Great Bay may be one of the most underrated fisheries in New Jersey.
Every 24 hours the water is recycled back into the ocean preventing the bay water from growing stagnant and bringing in more fish. Giving anglers more opportunities to catch fish that cycle through with the tide.
However, Great Bay offers plenty of things to do than just fishing.
Bird Watching
A Great Egret prances around the marshes of Great Bay
Just like fish species in Great Bay, there are a myriad of bird species to view while walking down Great Bay Boulevard.
From the parking area at the end of the peninsula, walk to the edge of the bay with your binoculars and spotting scopes for views of the wintering rafts of waterfowl on the bay.
Look for mergansers, buffleheads, and old squaws. These birds feed on crabs, mussels, and clams, especially when the tide is low.
During the spring, summer, and fall, anywhere along the road to scan the marshes and mud flats and find sandpipers, willets, plovers, yellowlegs, oyster catchers, black skimmers, and ospreys. Look for brant in the fall and winter, and American black ducks, northern harriers, gulls, and terns during any season.
Bike Riding
Rutgers Marine Field Station marks the end of Seven Bridges Road.
The scenery of the salt marshes and canals provides an excellent place to ride a bike down Seven Bridges Road. It’s about an hour round trip from start of Great Bay Boulevard.
The 6 miles of terrain is decorated with the Atlantic City skyline, the saltwater marshes, and the old fish factory in the distance. Many residents and non-residents travel to bike, walk, and run the Great Bay boulevard because of it’s iconic views.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Terrapins crossing the road in the summer time!
Warning: Check the forecast forecast. Bugs in the summer will stick to you like white on rice if the wind is dead.
The Fish Factory, also called the “Stink house” by locals, is a derelict fish processing plant that was abandoned in 1973.
It’s original name in its hey day was called “The Crab Island Fish Factory“. Bunker boats used to haul their catch to the factory to process into fertilizer, pet food, and bait.
Warning: It’s hazardous to traverse the decrepit piers and unstable ground. However, if you have a boat you can safely view the mysterious fish factory from afar.
Anglers can also target blues, striped bass, and fluke around the good old stink house.
Although Great Bay is well known for its fishing, we like to think it’s much more than a fishing spot!
