The only way to get a 31-incher is with a hacksaw!

That’s how Dave Lilly summarized his striper trolling this morning as all of the many he trolled down the beach were over 40 inches, and up to a 52-incher. He trolled down the beach in 25 feet as large bunker schools marked on the bottom, and it was hard to get two lines out. The Tony Maja #4 gold bunker spoon worked best. The only bird action he saw was well offshore in deeper waters.

At Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported being in bunkers all day as many bass were caught — though all were overs. They finished up with sea bass to put some fish in the bags.

The Big Mohawk had their best striper action early, but stayed with them all day as 55 were caught and about 20 more lost.

Capt. Ron Santee said today was basically a repeat of yesterday on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands with lots of surfacing stripers, including keepers, that kept turning off — requiring many moves. Dan was high hook with seven.

Another great forecast — Southwest at 5-10 knots before going to south at 10-15 with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.

” Dave Lilly about to release big bass on Tony Maja #4 gold spoon