Fresh Mercer County Fishing Reports

About 20 bluefish today one slot striper most of the bluefish were around 24 to 36 inches great gator day

Non stop action today trolled and casting. 11 strippers 15 bluefish. Doubles and triples.

Plenty of nice sized fish in belmar back bay. Get your spear on.

Another great day fishing here on the Manasquan train bridge has tons of fish book your trip

We dealt with choppy seas, but found lots of black sea bass on the wrecks. Also pulled up a tog which was promptly released. Would have been easier fishing if the swells were smaller, but overall, a successful opening day.

Raritan Bay Striper Report: Epic Day Aboard Way Overboard Sportfishing – 6-Man Limit & Over 60 Released! If you're looking for red-hot striped bass action in New Jersey, now is the time to book your trip with Way Overboard Sportfishing, sailing out of Brick and Point Pleasant, NJ. This week’s trip to Raritan Bay was nothing short of spectacular, delivering nonstop striped bass action and memories that will last a lifetime. Date: Recent Location: Raritan Bay, NJ Target Species: Striped Bass Conditions: Water Temp 62–64°F Technique: Trolling Results: 6-man limit kept, over 60 bass released up to 46 lbs Slow Start Turns into a Striper Blitz We kicked off our day early with six anglers ready to put in work. Conditions looked promising as the boat made its way into Raritan Bay, a well-known hotspot during the spring striper migration. Water temperatures ranged between 62 and 64 degrees — ideal for big bass moving into the bay to feed aggressively before heading up the rivers. We started off jigging in the early morning, marking solid bait and scattered fish. The crew tried a variety of jigs and soft plastics, and while we managed a few bumps, the bite wasn’t firing. That’s when Captain Chris made the call to switch tactics — and it changed the whole day. Trolling Turns the Tide As soon as we transitioned to trolling, the bite exploded. We ran a spread of bunker spoons and mojos, and almost instantly, rods started bending. Doubles turned into triples, and for the next few hours it was lock and load striper action. Way Overboard Sportfishing’s trolling setup was dialed in perfectly for the conditions, with just the right speed and depth to target the larger fish hanging low in the water column. Once we found the zone, it was game on — we had double and even triple hook-ups multiple times, keeping the crew busy and the adrenaline pumping. Limit Out and Then Some It didn’t take long to fill the boat’s six-man striped bass limit, keeping only the best quality fish. After that, it was all catch-and-release — over 60 additional bass were safely released to fight another day. The highlight of the trip? A massive 46-pound cow striped bass that took drag like a freight train before being expertly brought boat-side and released after a few quick photos. Several other fish in the 30 to 40-pound range were landed and released as well. The average fish was a healthy 20–30 pounds, with most showing full bellies and vibrant coloring — proof of the rich baitfish population currently in the bay. Raritan Bay Heating Up – Book Now! This trip was a perfect example of why Raritan Bay is one of the best early-season striped bass fisheries on the East Coast. The combination of ideal water temps, bait-rich conditions, and expert tactics from Way Overboard Sportfishing created the perfect storm for an unforgettable day on the water. If you're looking to book a striped bass charter in Brick or Point Pleasant, don't wait. The bite is hot and dates are filling fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, the team at Way Overboard Sportfishing will put you on fish and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and productive trip. What to Expect Aboard Way Overboard When you fish with Way Overboard Sportfishing, you're not just hiring a boat — you're booking an experienced, professional crew that lives and breathes fishing the waters of Raritan Bay, the Barnegat Bay, and the nearshore Atlantic Ocean. Our boat is fully rigged with the latest electronics, safety gear, and top-of-the-line rods, reels, and tackle. We tailor every trip to the conditions and the bite to give our clients the best chance at success. Whether it’s jigging, trolling, or live-lining, we’ve got the gear and the know-how to put you on the meat. Trophy Season is Now – Let’s Get You Hooked Up Striped bass fishing in Raritan Bay doesn’t get much better than this. With fish in the 30–40+ pound class actively feeding and a strong push of new bass entering the bay, we expect the action to continue over the coming weeks. Now’s the time to grab your crew, book a trip, and get in on the spring striper madness. ? Departure Ports: Brick, NJ and Point Pleasant, NJ