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.

Great stripers on top as posted this week by Fishe Price IV

“Today was one to remember. This morning we had a very small group out due to some last minute cancellations. Loaded the wells and ran into acres of fish rolling on bunkers. Hands down best bite of the year with fish eating topwater plugs, metal lips, spoons, shads, and live bunker. Fish pretty much on top all morning and the guys put a beating on them landing 60+ fish to 37”. This afternoon we had Terry and crew out and had a steady pick all day with multiple fish on at a clip. Boxed an easy limit and had many releases to 35”.

Capt. Michael Ardolino” I will be running night trips aboard the Ebbtide Fishing Charters STARTING MAY2 at 5pm-10pm Friday and Saturday nights sailing from Atlantic Highlands NJ we will be chunking just like we did on THE HUNTER!!!!! CALL CAPT Robert Henn @ 7327420956

Will also be running capt Matt QuinonesSlaughter House FOR ALL YOUR 6 PERSON NEEDS SAILING FROM ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS AS WELL GIVE HIM A CALL FOR ALL CHARTER NEEDS ABOARD A 43 FT EGG HARBOR CAPT MATT 347 761 9169″

Capt. Dave Riback of Queen Mary from Pt. Pleasent has the larger 75-foot Point Princess.

Capt. Frank Masseria reported another hot striper bite in NY/NJ Bight this morning on his Vitamin Sea as the party was limited before 6:45 — and then enjoyed surface action for a half-hour.

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The forecast is for suthwest winds at 5-10 knots before going south at 10-15 with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.

Capt. Frank Masseria reports another fine striper bite today on his Vitamin Sea as young anglers limited out.

Vinny D’Anton is finishing up his winter fishing in Sarasota with consistent spotted sea trout while he also released a redfish this morning. Vinny isn’t betting any good surf striper reports so far in the Jersey surf.

The forecast is for SE winds at 5-10 knots.