LBI Fishing Report 9/16/26: Final Days Of Fluke, Bluefish Blitzes, Moving Mullet & Pompano

The calendar is quickly moving toward fall, but the LBI surf is still summer warm! I measured 75°F water Wednesday morning at 10am. That warm, clean water is keeping a diverse mix of fish around Long Beach Island. Fluke and kingfish are still being caught from the surf, we received our first recent pompano report and spearing and bay anchovies continue to attract bonito, fluke and bluefish. Hopefully we will see some more false albacore AND soon more striped bass activity. Meanwhile, mullet movement is increasing on both the north and south ends of LBI, one of the first important signs that our fall fishing transition is underway.

Bluefish and fluke are two of the best opportunities right now. Blues have been crashing bait around Barnegat Inlet and the north end, while fluke remain available on the beach, in the bay, inlet and on the inshore wrecks and reefs. There’s only nine days remaining before the NJ fluke season closes September 25. Blowfish reports have also improved in Barnegat Bay, sheepshead are still around and should hang for a couple more weeks. Tog fishing should improve once the water finally cools.