May 18th Fishing Report

The big news is the weather has finally let up! With that being said fish are back now that its fishable. But the even bigger news is Kingfish are showing up in droves. Everyday the numbers are rising with the temps warming up. Bloodworms are the best bait to use for the time being. Water temp is in the mid 50's so fishbites will not work until a 65 degree water temp.

Fluke fishing is getting better now that the water clarity has stabilized. Keeper numbers have gone up dramatically with temps rising as well. Minnows haven't been working that great, Mackerel and gulp have been the hot ticket. Ideally still want to focus shallow as its still early, 15 feet and under is the perfect depths to work.

Bluefish have started to show up anywhere from snapper size up to 10 plus pounds. Bluefish aren't too picky so don't stress on choices. Mackerel or mullet for cut bait is always a good go to. Lure wise just about anything, soft plastics, spoons and hard baits like SP Minnows.

Black sea bass opened 05/17 with some decent reports coming in. Loads of fish seems the be the general report. Far end of AC reef in 80 plus feet seems to be producing the biggest fish. Depths around 50 feet seems to producing a lot of shorts.

Striper is still the best thing going in the area. Surf bite has started with a great number of fish over 40 inches on clam, salted or fresh it doesn't seem to matter. Fish are still up the river and in the bays with clam as well for bait. Night time bite is constant it seems around all the bridges and piers. Lots of short fish with some decent keepers mixed in. Mainly soft plastics are being used, pink and white paddle tails as always with some hard baits like SP Minnows or mag darters.