1 month ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Brigantine, New Jersey offers diverse inshore and nearshore fishing opportunities in the Absecon-Reeds Bay area and surrounding waters, with multiple species available as fall transitions into full swing throughout October.
Weekly Catches
No verified catches in the last 7 days; the catches below cover the last 15 days.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Tautog fishing has been reliable around Brigantine jetties and nearby Atlantic City jetties, with anglers finding success using sand fleas and green crabs. Tog action has extended to bridge structures throughout the Absecon-Reeds Bay area, where these fish have been chewing well on bottom presentations. The bite has been particularly productive when fishing near riprap and structure, though anglers should be prepared with ample bait as smaller tog can quickly deplete supplies. Mixed reports suggest some days show better action at inlet rocks compared to bayside areas, though this pattern shifts frequently based on tidal conditions and time of day.
Sea Bass
The newly opened sea bass season brought immediate action, with the fishery offering a 10-fish bag limit at 12.5 inches. Local reefs and wrecks in 50 to 80 feet of water are holding plenty of fish, with some recent reports describing drop-and-reel fishing conditions. Anglers working these offshore structures have found sea bass mixed with triggerfish left over from the late summer bite, providing double-header opportunities on the same bottom rigs.
Triggerfish
Triggerfish continue to show up on Brigantine and Atlantic City jetties alongside tautog, creating excellent opportunities for anglers targeting structure. These exotic species have persisted from the late summer season and are responding to the same sand flea presentations used for tog. The presence of triggers adds variety to the typical fall jetty bite and provides bonus catches for those working the rocks.
Weakfish
Straggler weakfish have been picked up by anglers working areas from Atlantic City to Somers Point, including waters near Brigantine. These fish are falling for soft plastics and live mullet presentations, though the bite has been spotty rather than consistent. The weakfish action represents remnants of the summer population as these fish begin their seasonal movements.
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Some out-of-season fluke have been caught near local jetties and in bay waters, with fish to 4 pounds reported from backwater areas and near inlets. While the official season closed in late September, a few flatfish remain tucked tight to structure. Earlier reports from the final days of the season mentioned fluke to 7 pounds being caught near lighthouses and southern jetties on live mullet, spot, and peanut bunker, though numbers dropped significantly as most fish pushed offshore.
Bluefish
Small bluefish ranging from snappers to cocktail-sized fish have been active in Brigantine Bay, the inlets, and surrounding waters. These blues are feeding on abundant baitfish including peanut bunker, mullet, and spearing that have flooded the bay systems. Anglers are catching them on small metal jigs fished with fast retrieves, as well as soft plastics and tough artificials. Fish to 5 pounds have been reported, with peak action occurring during incoming and outgoing tide stages.
Striped Bass
Striped bass fishing is slowly improving in backwaters and around bridge structures near Brigantine, though the fall run remains in its early stages. Better fish are being caught from sundown to early morning hours using live spot or eels drifted near structure. The flats have shown spotty action for stripers, but as October progresses, the bite should strengthen considerably as migrating fish move through the area.
Kingfish
The kingfish bite has continued steadily though not red-hot, providing consistent action for surf anglers. Bigger specimens are responding to small mullet strips, while bloodworms and Fishbites are also producing results from the beaches.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead have been caught along Brigantine and Atlantic City jetties using sand fleas, adding to the diverse jetty fishing opportunities. A few of these hard-fighting fish remain in the area despite the advancing season.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
October represents the transition into full fall fishing mode, with summer species like blowfish tapering off and spot likely exiting soon. Surf temperatures remain around 70°F, still warm enough to potentially produce a stray pompano mixed in with kingfish catches. The abundant baitfish presence throughout the bay system—including peanut bunker, mullet, and spearing—is keeping predator species well fed and concentrated around inlets and structure.
For jetty anglers targeting tautog and exotics, bringing plenty of bait is essential as smaller tog can deplete supplies quickly. Crabs, sand fleas, and clams are all working effectively. When targeting bluefish with plugs, switching treble hooks for singles or crushing barbs allows for safer and quicker releases. Ocean conditions following recent swells created some challenging boat launching windows, though calmer weather should improve offshore access for sea bass grounds.
Nighttime artificial-only trips for striped bass have begun, offering catch-and-release opportunities as the fall migration develops. Bridge fishing during twilight and darkness hours provides the best shot at better stripers using live bait presentations. Anglers should prepare gear for the coming fall striper run, as October historically delivers fantastic action once the migration fully arrives.
Regulations & Notices
Sea bass season recently opened with a 10-fish bag limit and 12.5-inch minimum size, providing anglers legal access to offshore wrecks and reef structures. The summer flounder season officially closed in late September, making any flatfish caught now out-of-season and requiring immediate release. A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for all anglers, and charter operations serving the Brigantine and Absecon-Reeds Bay area maintain proper licensing for inshore and back bay fishing trips.
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