Virginia stripers don’t know it’s February

The unprecedented winter bite of trophy stripers off Cape Charles, Va. continues with no end in sight. Capt. Clinton Lessard of SHO-NUF reported Chuck Many’s party got 11 bites yesterday that resulted in seven bass receiving Gray tags, including one over 50 pounds.

If Lessard doesn’t get a charter for Wednesday, he will offer an open boat at $350 a person. Call him at 757 710-0098 for details of the 7:30-4:30 trip.

Absecon Bay Sportsman Center has been keeping both grass shrimp (see photo below) and bloodworms in stock for anglers seeking white perch in South Jersey tidal rivers. However, it’s best to call the shop at 609 484-0409 to confirm those baits are still available. They have also received another shipment of Super Perch Rigs.

The N.J. internal waters striped bass season doesn’t open until March 1, but Capt. Fred Gamboa plans to start chartering Andrea’s Toy that month out of Perth Amboy — which is where the first active bass are most likely to be found. Call Fred at 732 670-1561.

A gale warning will go up from late Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon. Sunday starts off well with southwest winds at 5-10 knots, but goes southeast with showers in the afternoon.

Roberto Robaina (photo at bottom) at Fisherman’s Den, Belmar with the 9-pound, 2-ounce blackfish he caught from the Ocean Explorer this week.