Better weather tomorrow

It may not be warmer, but the wind forecast for Saturday is a lot better with west winds at just 5-10 knots and dropping to a mere 5 knots in the afternoon.

Most boats cancelled trips today, so there were few reports. Saturday will be a different  story.

Surfcasting remains a tough pick. Allen Riley and John Mazzeo tried Sandy Hook this morning and did nothing in 58 degree water, Allen had caught a 20-inch striper and a short fluke there Monday morning, but there was nothing caught early today.. Frank McGuire later reported he worked North Beach with no sign of bait or fish.

I got to Brick Beach at dusk and quickly caught a sun dial on a tiny sand eel teaser which also attracted a 25-inch striper in the wash at dark. That was my only hit during a short effort. That was a big drop from the 30 stripers I released yesterday in Raritan Bay from Mark Roy’s boat. Yet, every striper from the surf is a treasure this fall — and well worth the effort.

At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Rob Semkewyc found good jigging action with slots and shorts yesterday in Ambrose Channel from his Sea Hunter. Capt. Ron Santee had a similar report from Thursday with a 15-pound pool winner and several large bonito on his Fishermen.

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Vinny D’Anton tried Manasquan in the afternoon and at least came up with some hickory shad.