Biggest striper of year released — on the beach!

Comparing big stripers is difficult these days as all big ones have to be released. Yet, I haven’t seen any release photos to compare with the bass released by Doug Taylor of Milleville, N.J. which Higbee’s Bait & Tackle says is the largest ever caught from Fortescue beach. Not only was it 55 inches long, but it also had a huge girth.

Not nearly as large, but a sure sign of spring on the beach was this black drum caught by Jamie Gramley in a photo submitted this week by Betty & Nick’s Fishing Club in Seaside Park.

There’s another good forecast for Tuesday as the day starts with just west at 10-15 knots before increasing to southwest 15-20 in the afternoon.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported Monday’s bottom fishing was tougher due to a large swell, though some cod were caught along with tog. The Big Mohawk from that port reported good bottom life with the high hook catching a limit and blackfish up to 7 pounds.