The beginning of the fluke season in NY/NJ Bight is often slow due to cold waters, though that wasn’t the case this year,

The Prowler 5 from Atlantic Highlands reported lots of action in very shallow waters with both keepers to 5 pounds and lots of shorts.

, The Sea Tiger II from that port also did well despite poorer weather Monday morning.

It was no fluke that John Bushell of Betty & Nick’s in Seaside Park hooked while casting a metal jig into Barnegat Inlet this morning as a long fight ended with a straitened-out hook. John figured the fish had to be a black drum or a really big striper.

Fisherman editor Jim Hutchinson Jr. had to bow to his father on opening day with a 5-pound fluke.

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The forecast is for southwest winds at 5-10 knots plus patchy fog and possible showers.

Dave Lilly reports that yesterday’s striped bass fishing in Raritan Bay was about as good as it gets. Not only did his trip with Bryan Farmer produce a steady flow of releases, but the same thing was happening on all the party, charter and private boats as well, Twenty-foot depths were loaded with bass, making it possible to use light tackle rather than heavy wire line rigs. “Flip a mo-jo over and hang on!” Though there was nothing very large, all were over short size. Bunker schools weren’t showing, but were marking in the depths.

Jeff Merrill cast surface lures yesterday from his boat in Manasquan River

It’s likely that many N.J. and N.Y. anglers caught their first fluke of the year during today’s season opener, but Fisherman editor Jim Hutchinson Jr. can also brag about an impressive one — though that 5-pounder was boated by his father.

Capt. Frank Masseria reported another great striper trip on his Vitamin Sea in Raritan Bay as follows: When I texted Captain TJ this morning to find out how the trip was going, he wrote back one word “destruction”! I knew what he meant!! Below is his report for today.

Lock and load fishing for Bobby Bluefish and crew this morning! Got our bait and didn’t have to go far to find hungry bass. 2,3 and 4 on a bunch of times. Even had the bass blowing bait out of the water for over an hour all to ourselves. Full limit of keepers and several dozen released as well as 15 littoral society tags deployed.

We have 2 spots left for Wednesday morning.

We have 5 spots available for Thursday afternoon.

Monday’s forecast is for east winds at 10-15 knots with patchy fog in the morning.

Garden State anglers are used to fighting northeast winds on opening days of the fluke season, but that doesn’t look as if it will be a problem tomorrow as the forecast is for south winds.

Northeasters forced the fleet to jam up off the Sandy Hook Coast Guard Station in order to get protection and a good drift over a likely path for fluke to take into the warmer waters of Sandy Hook Bay. The fleet should be able to spread out with a forecast of south winds at 10-15 knots. There is a chance of afternoon showers.

Regulations are the same as last year with Jersey anglers allowed three at an 18-inch minimum except for the few differences noted here yesterday.

New York opens at the same time, though with just three fluke at a 19-inch minimum.

NY/NJ Bight will be open for fluke fishing on May 4, though the regulations are different in each state. The Empire State starts with a three fish limit at a 19-inch minimum. Jersey anglers will have to keep that in mind if they are fishing on the N.Y. side of Raritan Bay rather than on the Jersey side where the limit is three at an 18-inch minimum. Remember that you must be legal wherever boarded.

The N.J. regs are the same as last year, including the exceptions in Delaware Bay of three at 17 inches — and the 16-inch minimum for shore fishermen in Island Beach State Park.

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A small craft advisory is up from 4 p.m. through the evening before dropping to south at 10 knots by dawn. There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms tomorrow.

Johnny Calamari with the tackle dealer’s favorite fish!

The Big Mohawk from Belmar finished the N.J. spring tautog season with a pick of shorts and some ling, and will wait for the May 17 sea bass opener before resuming sailing. The N.J. fluke season will open May 4 with the same regulations as last year.

Raritan Bay striper fishing remains very good, and bluefishing is hot to the south where surfcasters are into the action.

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The NY/NJ Bight forecast is for south winds at 10-15 knots before increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon. Patchy fog and showers are possible in the morning – plus thunderstorms later.

Absecon Spportsman Center reports as foollows:”It looks like the Bluefish might just give us a visit. Reports have been snowballing the last few days, so I thought it best to give you a reminder of what the actual Bluefish Limits are. When the Blitzkrieg Begins sometimes memories are short and coolers get filled beyond legality. FRESH Bluefish iced, cleaned and cooked the same day is a treat. Beyond that it’s your choice. You may be using it for Shark Bait or Flounder Strip Baits or have some other justifying use, but there is no need to keep more than you are actually going to use. That being said, there is no fish that is more exciting to catch when they attack your surface poppers in the shallow flats.

Take advantage of every day they are in the area and have FUN, but do take care of this resource. You can sacrifice one to weigh in at the Absecon Bay Customer Appreciation Tournament this Saturday. a $100 Gift Certificate is on the line and there is a Calcutta Pool for $10 a person that could turn into some big money. Check the Absecon Bay Events Page or call 609-484-0409 for more information.”

Capt. Frank Masseria reports yet another 50 striper day on his Vitamin Sea in Raritan Bay. Leading the way was 91-year old Joel Benner. *****

The forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for northeast winds at just 5-10 knots before going southeast in the afternoon.

Capt.Nick Stanczyk is offering his Broard Minded charter fishing business at Islamorda for sale as he needs more time for his other ventures.

“If you or your company has ever wanted to own a charter boat in Islamorada, FL this could be the right fit for you! It’s a turn key operation with the current slip available at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina! The boat has an existing clientele base plus fishing is a great way to entertain new clients and employees!

The “Broad Minded” is a 2024 42’ Freeman powered by quad Yamaha 350’s with 900 hours. It’s equipped with top of the line Garmin Electronics. Included is a full set of tackle with everything from spinning rods to swordfish rods.

Available July 1, 2025

I will still be fishing myself but will be focusing my efforts on video production and content creation.

If interested please email me at bnmcharters@gmail.com and we can set up a meeting to discuss all the details. Management of the operation is available.” Call Nick at Bud ‘Mary’s -305 343-8351.

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A small craft advisory is up in NY/NJ Bight through Wednesday morning before a clearing northwest at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 25.

Vinny ‘Anton got into redfish up to 24 inches while wade casting at Sarasota just before heading back to N,J, The surf striper reports from Monmouth County haven’t been good, but there was a rumor about big blues heading into Barnegat Bay.

Capt. Frank Masseria said it was more of the same today with stripers on his Vitamin Sea.

“First timers to any kind of salt water fishing today. Never caught striped bass. Well we took care of that today. Big learn curve but Rad and his family got it done. Could have boxed up but 3 is all they wanted to take home. Great people and a fun day on the water.

We have 2 spots left for Thursday morning.

Thursday PM available for full charter.”

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The forecast is for southwest winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20 before going to 20-25 with gusts to 30 in the afternoon as a small craft advisory goes up.