Weather forecast improves for Saturday

The original Saturday forecast for windy conditions has been changed to a very fishable north at 5-10 knots with possible rain in the morning before that becomes likely in the afternoon.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar looked for stripers this morning and found bunkers on top but no bass under them. A switch to sea bass didn’t provide the usual fast action as larger sea bass seemed to be turned off. Along with some blackfish, triggerfish and porgies, there was a variety of bottom life.

Vinny D’Anton started up in Sandy Hook today and did find some peanut bunkers along with working birds — but no bass or blues. He did get reports from several Monmouth County surfcasters of a school bass here or there. The best report came from a friend on the N.Y. side who caught a few bass including a 15-pounder on surface lures at Breezy Point.

The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant reported a good Thursday trip during which “Gary” caught an amazing 50 bonito.

Mike Monte is back in Nantucket, where stripers from 25 to 40 inches are abundant and should be heading to NY/NJ Bight very shortly.

Capt. Fred Gamboa ran the Andreas Toy 31FA from Perth Amboy to catch five large bass to 40 inches in less than an hour.

Ginger Tatum fished with Gary Caputi and Kris Trasborg to put a Gray Fish Tag in this 47-inch striper

Joe Cefalo took the lead this week in the Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Tournament with this14.67-pound little tunny which may be hard to beat.