Be aware of the backwash

The northeaster just keeps coming, and with big waves crashing the beaches surfcasters must be alert to the dangers posed by backwashes.

It’s possible for N.J. surfcasters to cast into a pretty stiff northeaster in search of that first striped bass blitz of the fall, but the greatest danger isn’t the big waves coming at you — but rather the backwash as all that water pours back down the beach and can easily sweep your legs out from under you.

Falling down in the surf line can be a killer, especially at this time of year when there are few people on the beaches. Getting back up as the waves keep coming is no sure thing even for veteran anglers. Unless you carry a walking staff, your rod butt may be all you have to work with under the circumstances — especially if your waders have taken in water. Using a strap across your wader top is a good idea on lonely beaches even if you don’t plan to wade beyond the wash.

The northeaster just keeps coming, with no sign of a calming northwest blow. A gale warning is up through Tuesday afternoon with northeast winds at 25-30 knots plus seas up to 9 feet in a south swell. Inlets will be rough, and there’s a chance of rain.

The N.J. fluke season closes after Sept. 27, which may not make any difference unless the weather improves.

NYC Capt. John McMurry says it hasn’t been a good year for big dolphin during his tuna trips, but this one caught before the storm was an exception.