Cold day, hot stripers

It was very cold this morning, but many anglers who dressed for the weather enjoyed fine striper fishing both in Raritan Bay and the ocean.

Capt. Rob Semkewyc was disappointed to see so few anglers at his Sea Hunter in Atlantic Highlands, but they soon warmed up to the jigging and all went home with stripers.

Capt. Joe Massa was out by himself on his My Three Sons from Morgan Marina and said he had his choice of school stripers over most of the bay. Though there were no keepers caught there on poppers, he went outside the bay and trolled keepers on mo-jos.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported lots of fish on top as they boated a mix of bonus bass and keepers while releasing sorts before the current died around noon and dogfish took over.

Capt. Vinny Vetere had hot trolling action with his Katfish from Great Kills and ended up catching 36 bass to a 47-pounder. That boat is open for Sunday,. Call 917 693-8908 if you’d like to get in on that fishing.

The day starts well with southwest winds at 10-15 knots before small craft warnings go up for afternoon gusts to 25 knots that continue into Monday.

Capt. Dave De Gennaro is running open Monday with his Hi Flier from Barnegat. The 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a $200 fare. Call him at 732 330-5674.

The JCAA is running its annual Sportsperson of the Year Dinner Sunday at Martell’s Water’s Edge, 125 Bayview  Ave., in Bayville. Tickets are $80 for the 4-8 p.m. dinner. Call Dan Miller at 609 641-7821  to reserve tickets.

Capt.