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8 Hr Doormat Fluke Hunter

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Reel Fun Sportfishing, LLC
Fishing Reports for 2024 covering Sandy Hook, NJ
"Capt. John's Fishing Reports" gives you the latest information about our fishing charters as they occurred.
So bookmark this page and check back with us regularly.

November 20, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Had Phil Simon and friends out for a Striper fishing trip on Tuesday am. With high expectations of a good day we departed the marina and started searching Raritan Bay for those finicky Striped Bass.

First off, the big migratory females that arrived on October 23 and took up residence at the tip of Sandy Hook have since departed as of a few days ago. The past month saw some outstanding fishing with huge bass (that had to be released) by many anglers. The actual number of keeper fish for the cooler was down as all anglers had to adhere to regulations of 28 - 31" fish, so back in the water the big girls went. But that's a good thing. So I knew our trip for yesterday was looking for legal keeper Stripers in the bay as did a big fleet including most of the AH party boats.

Finicky was the only way to describe the fish I say on my fish finder as we trolled and cast shads at numerous locations only to have the fish turn up their noses at us. Regretfully, trolling was the only way we did put fish in the cooler as it allowed us to cover a lot of water to fish that were spread throughout the bay.

Tough fishing that required a lot of patience on the part of my anglers for the morning. We didn't see many other boats hooked up on fish, so all things considered for the day, we did alright.

Conditions play a big part in Striper fishing as we had water temps at 54 degrees, clear and clean but way too many boats out there which will put those fish down for a while. Saw numerous pods of fish under the boat but could not get a consistent bite going....very frustrating for the crew.

Look, I call it the way I see it for my business and my anglers. 2024 has been a VERY tough year. A ton of spring rains for 2 1/2 months put a big crimp in the number of trips I did. Then the Fluke season "in our area" sucked for lack of a better word. Where the hell these fish are is unknown, but I have my thoughts on that which I will keep to myself. And then here we are in the fall run of Stripers and I have to contend with constant high winds and big seas for my boat to sail and ridiculous regulations....tough, very tough.

Contrary to all the B/S on the internet, you can rely on me to give you the facts good or bad. I might add that the inflationary reasons didn't help my business either, as the number of charters for the year is off.

A couple of my charter friends called it quits and got out. Sad.

There is word spreading that the powers to be are considering another tightening of Striper regulations for 2025. What's next...half a fish per man? Total insanity.

It may be time to rethink my game plan for 2025.

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

October 17, 2024

Fellow Angler,

I am glad to report to you this morning that the fall Striped Bass run is beginning.

I kind of figured it would happen around this brief cold spell that we are in coupled with the full moon of this evening that the bass would show up here in our waters.

A few reports that I've gotten from fellow charter captains indicate that the bass are showing up in pods at various locations both in the bay as well as ocean side depending upon the day and where the pods of baitfish (bunker) are.

Remember, these fish are constantly on the move searching for food as they travel to their wintering waters to the south, as their time here is brief so make your plans accordingly.

As of now, the Striper regulations are like last year, 1 fish per angler, 28" to 31" in length. But that doesn't mean we can't catch and release some of these gigantic females swimming in our waters.

(**Please remember to register for your Striper Bonus Tag online with the NJDEP which gives you an additional fish 24-28" in length and is FREE.)

Anyway you look at it, a day on the water is a hell of a lot better than a day at the office. To make your reservation for your party of 4 anglers OR to schedule an "Open Boat" trip, call me at 908-421-4761 and let's talk.

Open Boat trips for single anglers are on Wednesday's and Friday's. As I prefer to fish fall Stripers on outgoing tides, October 30th and November 1st are currently available for the Open Boat anglers with the fare running $160.00 plus tip for the mate per angler.

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

September 26, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Well, the 2024 Fluke season has come to a close as of yesterday. Disappointing to say the least. Some fair trips, some stinkers. If you want my opinion, the substandard Fluke season rests squarely on the shoulders of the regulators. Very sad what the charter and party boat owners have had to go through this year. Boats sitting in the slips growing moss and barnacles is a disgrace. But hell, they don't give a s*** about us. Not only that, but we've been subjected to summer long cold water in areas Fluke usually hang out as well as stubborn easterly winds that kills Fluke fishing. Poor summer for the flatties. Maybe next year will be better.

Now we turn, hopefully, our attention to the migrating Stripers that are about to invade our waters. To that end, the crew and I are getting our gear ready. As of now, the Striper regulations are like last year, 1 fish per angler, 28" to 31" in length. But that doesn't mean we can't catch and release some of these gigantic females swimming in our waters. (**Please remember to register for your Striper Bonus Tag online with the NJDEP which gives you an additional fish 24-28" in length and is FREE.)

If you are like me and not really looking to take home fillets, but rather arm wrestle with some of these magnificent fish, then come join us for a morning of sporting pleasure. But then again, if you're looking to put some fillets on the dinner table, there is no better way than to fish for the males that hang around the females during migration.(Sounds like the bar scene during the 80's...ha ha ha)

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

September 9, 2024

Fellow Angler,

As you can tell, the fall is on its way with some very cool nights and crisp windy days.

It won't be long now until the fall run of Striped Bass begins to appear here in our waters.

(As a reminder, Wednesday September 25th is our final day of 2024 Fluke fishing season)

The first Stripers to arrive are usually the big females migrating from the north to our waters as they head south for the winter. (Can't believe the summer is coming to an end...where did the summer go?).

To that end, the crew and I are getting our gear ready tor those big females. As of now, the Striper regulations are like last year, 1 fish per angler, 28" to 31" in length. But that doesn't mean we can't catch and release some of these gigantic females swimming in our waters.

If you are like me and not really looking to take home some fillets, but rather arm wrestle with some of these magnificent fish, then come join us for a morning of sporting pleasure. But then again, if you're looking to put some fillets on the dinner table, there is no better way than to fish for the smaller males that usually hang around the females during migration.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

August 31, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Did a charter today with Joe Colianni and friends and as you can see not a bad day with the Fluke.

Ocean conditions weren't anything to brag about as a leftover swell was still present and drifting conditions were poor with wind/against tide existing. So it was onto plan B for another location that proved to be a winner.

Within 5 minutes of our first drop, we had a keeper fish in the cooler. All during the incoming tide, we had nice action with a wide variety of fish...fluke, dogfish, skates and sea robins. No lack of action that's for sure, but the Fluke is what we came out for and it is what we got...not in fantastic numbers, but some really fat quality fish just the same.

So as the saying goes, you never know from one day to the next what the hell you're going to find on the water. It can be a desert one day and good fishing the next...go figure!

As a reminder, Wednesday September 25th is the final day of 2024 Fluke fishing season and as you see, these fish are still around and ready to commit suicide...ha ha ha.

So if you're interested, I still have days open for your charter.

After the 25th, it's wait the Stripers to show up.

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

August 17, 2024

Fellow Angler, I am currently looking to fill one (1) spot for our upcoming Open Boat fishing trip for Fluke on Wednesday August 21, 2024.

It appears some much bigger Fluke have finally appeared in our waters after a long an brutally slow summer of quality Fluke. (an 8.5 lb Fluke was landed the other day on a head boat, so I know they're out there)

Water temps have inched their way into the 70's on the surface, but in deep waters from 40-60 feet, it still is quite cold which could be the reason the summer Fluke season was a slow one.

Make no mistake, my fishing reports have been on the light side mainly because anglers are watching what they spend their dollars on, which is understandable considering the high cost of retail items. For the most part, people fish with extra play money. I get it and so do many other charters as they are also feeling the pinch.

Couple that with unfortunate poor timing as storms Debbie and the current Ernesto have forced me to cancel trips for everyone's safety. But this too will pass as we have the rest of August and September to target Fluke.

If you are interested in filling the final spot for this coming Wednesday, please call the number below to hold your spot.

Thank you. Call 908-421-4761 to reserve your spot.

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

July 3, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

Did an Open Boat trip today with (from left to right) Sam, Greg, Joe and Dick for a 6 hour trip for Fluke. As you can see by the photo, not a bad day as we had plenty of action most of the morning until anasty 11am SE wind kicked in and we had to find cover within Sandy Hook Bay.

Fluke, both legal keepers and shorts, Dogfish, Skates and Sea Robins kept these 4 fisherman quite busy.

Water temps dropped a few degrees from our last charter (crap) but we did manage to find keeper fish for dinner to have for our patron's. This persistent southerly winds just won't give up. Almost 2 months now and counting...it's got to stop sooner or later.

South winds keeps ocean water temps cool to cold (up welling) and for Fluke fishing to get really good, we need some persistent westerly winds.

Oh well, say a prayer.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

June 12, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

Had Bob Corduan and friends on an Open Boat trip for Fluke that was a busy day to say the least. Whatever was swimming under or near the boat we caught...Fluke (shorts and keepers), Sea Bass, Skates and Dogfish. You name it, we caught it for a busy day for mate Rich.

Decided to fish oceanside as we had incoming water in the bay which Idon't like for Fluke fishing. Water temp was a steady 66 degrees on the surface, but was much colder in 40 feet of water at various locations.

Bucktails and fish coming up from the bottom were still very cold to the touch. Once the bottom waters warm up a few degrees, the Fluke bite will heat up. Had a light breeze which made our .5 knot drift ideal for fishing proven by the almost nonstop action with everything around us.

Fished sticky bottom areas and flat sand bottoms near all the rubble at some of my GPS marked locations on a totally flat calm ideal drifting day. Mother nature doesn't give me many days like yesterday on the ocean so it was a no brainer where we fished yesterday....gorgeous day on the water (top 10 day for fishing).

The anglers worked their bucktails hard, so to them I say...good job guys.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

June 1, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Had Tim Balas and friends from PA out for some Striper fishing, but someone forgot to tell the fish to show up.

Ugg....tough, tough day and 70 miles of travel to show for our feeble cooler. Fished numerous locations in the bay and then shifted our efforts ocean side regretfully with the same poor results. Obviously, not our day.

Look, lets call it the way it is. The 2024 spring migration of Stripers from the Chesapeake was far from normalas compared to last 2 years. Aside from some monstrous females being caught in the ocean, that are not legal to keep, smaller fishing in the 28-31" size range have been few and far between for my fares. Add to that fact that bunker in the bay has not come anywhere near the levels of last 2 years (thanks State of Virginia and Omega Protein for taking care of that for the entire northeast) and it's no wonder Raritan Bay has not seen the great fishing we had in 2022 and 2023.

Beside the putrid amount of bunker for the Stripers to feed on, it appears the Stripers took a whole different migratory route to the north.

So to that end, we are now in the Fluke cycle of the fishing season where in Reel Fun Sportfishing. Which, quite frankly, couldn't have come soon enough. The ocean water temps have risin gratly over the past few days and the Fluke ae on the feed.

So, the flat fish is now our main target till the end of September and if that interests you, then by all means, give me a call and let's set up a charter or an Open Boat fishing trip.

You can reach me at 908-421-4761

Tight Lines, Capt. John and Crew

May 5, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Fluke fishing in and around Sandy Hook, NJ has been quite good lately much to my surprise.

Reports that have come in online and from my fellow charters indicate good bay fishing with numerous anglers scoring limit keeper fish. Let's go my fellow flukers..it's time to put some fillets on the dinner plate and in the freezer.

Any angler interested in doing a Fluke trip let me know. Either a 4 man private trip or one of our "Open Boat" trips for you single anglers out there. Easy fishing in the bay.

Here is the current schedule... Wednesday May 22nd, Wednesday May 29th, Friday May 31 for starters. The fare is $160.00 p/p (tip for the mate is extra)

Don't forget, we are still fishing for Striped Bass too and that fishing has had it's ups and down as of late, but that's Striper fishing here in NJ. Good days, fair days...you just never know with these fish.

But we work hard to put you onto fish every trip. Let me know and let's talk Call 908-421-4761 for information and available dates.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

May 5, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

As I reported from my last post, the Fluke season opener was yesterday Saturday May 4th.

Reports that have come in online from the head boats, charters and private boaters indicate they had a VERY good day in the bay with numerous anglers scoring limit keeper Fluke.

I guess the Fluke enjoy colder water as the bite was on yesterday.

Bottom line....any angler interested in doing a Fluke trip let me know and that can be arranged. Easy fishing in the bay. Hopefully this crappy spring 2024 weather will calm down and give us some warm, sunny, light wind days to get out and fish.

Don't forget, we are still fishing for Striped Bass as more and more fish are coming into the bay from the south and every day gets better and better.

Let me know and let's talk ? Call 908-421-4761 for information and available dates.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

May 1, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

Just a brief reminder that the official opening of the Fluke season starts Saturday May 4th, 2024 here in New Jersey.

The regulations for our state for is 3 fish per angler, 18" or larger. So for a 4 person charter, that 's a hefty 12 fish and a hell of a lot of fillets of the most delicious fish in our waters. If you have a full crew of 4 anglers, then let's go and give me a call and let's set up a date.

If you are a single, then come meet new fishing buddies on our 6 hour Wednesday/Friday "Open Boat" trips.Who knows, the mate and I could even throw in our allotment and give you an additional 6 fish....but be nice to us.

And if you are proficient at bucktailing jigs, and want to try for some BIGGER fish, like the one's I'm holding, then try our 8 hour "Doormat Fluke Hunter" wreck/reef trip to some offshore locations and try for that fish of lifetime.

Call 908-421-4761 for information and available dates.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

April 15, 2024

Fellow Angler,

A few words about our beloved Stripers.....

First off, the bay water quality has improved and the temperature was 52 degrees and climbing....good news for Striped Bass anglers.

Good news is the NY waters are now open for catching Stripers which gives me a lot more area to fish. Remember, I have all the licenses (NJ and NY) so you don't have to worry about any legal fish issues.

So, if you would like to make a 4 person private charter reservation or get in on one of our Wednesday/Friday Open Boat trips, call me at 908-421-4761.

Let's go anglers and anglerette's...it's time to fish.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

April 7, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Good morning and hope this message finds you well and anxious to fish again this year.

Just wanted to keep you abreast of the current conditions in the bay and the appearance of spring Stripers. First off, the water temperature in Raritan Bay, as of yesterday's reading, was a chilly 44 degrees...ouch, that's a bit cold for this time of year. All the rain we've had the past few weeks coupled with a howling N/NW and East winds have made the bay look line chocolate milk with a lot of floating debris to make matters tough for now. But that will all change soon once we get the weather to settle down with some light winds and sunny weather like today.

It will take a few tide cycles for all that sediment to settle and for the temps to come up to 55 degrees that the bass love to start feeding. There are fish in the bay to be caught...some resident and some newly arrived migrating fish and as the water temps climb, the more the bay will load up with fish.

The crew trip that was scheduled for yesterday I decided to postpone due to the crappy conditions, so we will try again later this week. The crew is anxious to get our there and put some Stripers in the cooler.

In the mean time, I will be giving a Striper seminar for the Village Harbor Fishing Club down in Manahawkin, NJ this coming Friday covering fishing for Striped Bass and the techniques we use. Mate Rich will be with me to lend his support and knowledge. Lots to talk about....rods, reels, lures, techniques, water, tides...many things to cover. Should be a very interesting evening which I am told will be well attended.

The spring Striper season is just now getting under way, so if you would like to make a reservation or get in on one of our Open Boat trips, now is the time to call me at 908-421-4761.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

March 29, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Just a quick note that the boat is now in the water and ready for another fishing season in 2024. Another day in paradise as they say.

One of my fellow charter captains was out a few days ago and did quite well casting shad rigs and surface cruiser lures. Had to do a little searching, but found a nice body of fish and his fares bailed fish...both keeper and sub-legal throwbacks.

The action is there and will get better daily as the waters warm up to the mid 50's. Had a hell of a wind today so I'm not sure who made it out.

This time of year most fish being caught are in shallow waters far back in the bay. Some days good, other days not so good, but once the waters warm to around 55 degrees, it is game on.

As is customary, mate Rich and mate/son Chris and I we will be doing a crew trip very soon to get a handle on where these fish are taking up residency. We are ready to roll in Jersey waters and then on April 15th in NY waters as well.

If you would like to make a Striper reservation or get in on one of our Open Boat trips, now is the time to call at 908-421-4761.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

March 8, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

The Fluke regulations for 2024 and 2025 were set last night at a meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Commission.

The official start date is Saturday May 4th, 2024 and will end Wednesday September 25, 2024. The bag limit PER PERSON is 3 fish at 18" or bigger.

So one of our 4 person charters, if we really fish hard, could box 12 Fluke..not a bad day at all. That's a lot of fillets for 4 anglers. For me, Fluke is the best tasting fish in our waters...hands down. I know there will be others that dispute that statement, but cooked right, Fluke is excellent table fare.

As always with Reel Fun, we will strongly encourage the use of buck tail jigs as it really does reduce the amount of foul-hooked fish that will end up dying. But, you are always welcome to drift bait if that is what you are comfortable with. It's your choice...just catch the damn fish.

Tight Lines,Capt. John and Crew

February 25, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Just wanted to alert you to 2 places that you can stock up on fishing gear for the coming season...one is the store I use for all of my gear and the other is the famous yearly Saltwater Fishing Expo.

On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Fisherman's Source at 3501 Sunset Avenue Ocean Township, New Jersey 07712 will be having their 5th annual " Stock Up" event with great savings on just about any gear you could ever imagine. The store is virtually filled to the rafters with just about every imaginable rod, reels lures, etc for Striper and Fluke fishing plus a big array of bottom fishing gear. My contact, store manager Braden, will assist you in finding what you need to make this trip a must for Sunday, March 3rd..don't miss it.

The other is the Saltwater Fishing Expo in Edison, NJ on March 15, 16 and 17 2024 at the Edison Exposition Center. This yearly event will blow you mind with the incredible amount of gear available by over 100 vendors...a must see if you are a saltwater fisherman.

I will not be there due to previous commitments, but I was a vendor there in my earlier days and it is a show you just can't afford to miss. You can literally spend the entire day gawking at all that is there. This is a great way to kick start the spring Striper season.

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

January10, 2024

Fellow Angler,

Just wanted to alert you far in advance of the upcoming saltwater flea market that's going to take place on Sunday February 4th, 2024.

Here are some of the particulars.......

The Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County will host a Flea Market on February 4, 2024 at the Hasbrouck Heights Hilton from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is the only salt water flea market in North Jersey.

There will be a fishing seminars and door prizes throughout the day, including a 50/50 raffle and a raffle on a lobster fishing trip with a value of $1,000! Admission is $5 and kids under 10 are free.

Vendors wanting a table ($35) can contact Don Lohse at (201) 832-1298

This is a flea market consisting of new and used saltwater fishing gear. The venue is big and holds many vendors selling just about anything your heart could desire with a big emphasis on saltwater fishing for Stripers, Fluke, Tog and Black Sea Bass.

The event, hosted by the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County, is a yearly event and the ONLY one in the north Jersey area for saltwater fishing gear.

So mark your calendar today and don't miss this show with numerous vendors, a 50/50 raffle drawing, food and beverages as well as seminars on fishing for your favorite saltwater fish.

DON'T FORGET...SUNDAY FEBRUARY 4TH, 2024... 8:30 AM TILL 2:00 PM

Tight Lines,
Capt. John and Crew

January 8, 2024

Fellow Anglers,

Welcome to another year at Reel Fun Sportfishing and the reports and news web page. As always, you can come here to read about important news pertaining to Striped Bass and Fluke regulations and fishing that will be imposed on us for the 2024 fishing season.

You'll also be reading fishing reports from my charters and open boat trips throughout the year giving you factual information on how we did on any specific day.

For those who have fished with me for the past 20 years, know that I am a big proponent of fishing specific tides for various fish we target. There is a world of difference in success fishing the proper tides for spring Striped Bass and as well as fall Stripers. There are many factors that go into a picking a good day for bass with tides, water temperatures and availability of bait in our bays. Having said that, not all days are created equal.

We should be starting our 2024 campaign for spring Stripers somewhere around April 13th give or take a few days depending on the arrival of the fish in our bays.

Casting lures, bunker fishing or trolling is our M/O with the main objective of putting fish in the cooler. We have the tackle to do any or all of the 3 mentioned techniques.

Our able bodied crew are there to assist you on every charter along with our state of the art tackle and a very seaworthy 25' Parker Sport Cabin boat equipped with all the Coast Guard required safety gear.

Our trips are for a maximum of 4 anglers and cover 6 hours on the water. Weekend days are booked very early in advance so plan accordingly if you wish to fish with us this year.We also fish during the weekdays with our "Open Boat" trips for single anglers scheduled for every Wednesday and Friday. A small deposit is required to hold your day so don't wait too long and call me at 908-421-4761.

Thanks and Tight Lines and Fair Weather.

Capt. John and Crew