LBI: Sea Shell Striped Bass Derby kicks off as wind keeps the surf rough and tog lead the Surf Fishing Classic

Wind has been the theme of the fall on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, and the Oct. 23 report from Fishing LBI says the past week was no different. The surf fishing has been slow and rough. The best opportunities have been on the bayside and at the inlet, where anglers are catching striped bass and tautog.

The report still calls the rough conditions "bassy." It says the prime time for the surf is approaching, and the anglers who brave the surf have had the beach largely to themselves.

The Sea Shell Striped Bass Derby started on the evening of Oct. 23, and the report's author was looking forward to the weekend's boat results. Meanwhile, the LBI Surf Fishing Classic recorded six weigh-ins this week, and all six were tog. Entry to the Classic is $40, with daily, weekly and special prizes.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Fishing LBI — LBI Fishing Report 10/23/26 (Oct. 23, 2026).