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

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

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

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). 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.