Post-nor'easter fluke and sea bass bite returns on the Jersey Shore

What's biting

What's next

The trend favors anglers. Capt Ron describes the weather as looking good all week with winds starting to shift northwest, and Fishermans HQ LBI says the surf is coming down after the storm's big surf and erosion. Predicted highs fall near 2:43 PM and 3:49 PM EDT today at stations 8534720 and 8536110. Fluke and sea bass should carry the week while the water clears, and Capt Ron reports the bite died when the tide changed, so plan to be on the grounds for the turn.

Striped bass are the one to watch for the fall run. OTW Northern New Jersey (September 24) said fall striper fishing would improve once conditions settled, and conditions are settling now. Bluefish and false albacore were lingering in that same report, so expect mixed catches on the same trips.

Context

Early October is a transition period along the Jersey Shore. Fluke and black sea bass typically hold through fall, while the fall striped bass run and false albacore move through as the water cools. A nor'easter churns the surf and clouds the water for days, so the first clear, settled days after one are often when the nearshore bite returns. Check state regs before harvesting any fluke or sea bass.