Just as predicted, rough seas and an east wind put an end to NJ striper fishing today — and a gale watch is up through Friday afternoon.

The forecast is for east winds at 25-30 knots plus gusts to 40 knots before dropping a bit in the afternoon with rain. Jerry Lasko said the Ocean County surf was barely fishable this morning, though Maren Toleno managed to catch four small bass on a bucktail. The afternoon was unfishable. Lasko noted that the big waves have chewed up the beach, with beach buggys having to exit and go around some areas.

No party boats fished today, but the Golden Eagle from Belmar reported yesterday’s trip into heavy bird action produced boat limits of keepers and slots.

Capt. Clinton Lessard of SHO-NUF Charters at Cape Charles, Va. sent the following message about yesterday’s trolling for trophy stripers:

SHO-NUF Sportfishing / Charters

Intro

Come fish with us on the updated 35’ Bertram. It’s huge cockpit and salon gives you plenty of room.

SHO-NUF Sportfishing / Charters17h  · Matt,Jeff,Steve, and Steven joined us today for a little catch and release action. It started off a little slow but got word of a few fish being caught a little above us. We made the move and set down on em’. We were 5 for 6 today with our biggest being 49lbs. All fish were released per regulations. Looks like a blow for the next two days. Back at it Saturday. Still have an availability early January. Give us a call. We will try our hardest to put you on that fish of a lifetime. 757-710-0098.