A snag in the start of the fall striper run

Just when the fall striped bass run in NY/NJ Bight appeared to be well underway, there was a problem yesterday as party boats reported suddenly poor action after the fast start. Before that, the only complaint about too many overs as 28-31-inch keepers were hard to come by.

There was some speculation that there was too much boat traffic yesterday. Most trips were cancelled today due to stormy weather.

A small craft advisory is up for Saturday as west winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20 increase to 20-25 with gusts to 30 in the afternoon. A gale watch is posted from Saturday evening through Sunday evening.

In an unusual move, the Prowler 5 from Atlantic Highlands switched back to bottom fishing today until the striper run improves.

Jerry Lasko was at the right place at the right time yesterday in northern Ocean County when stripers blasting bunkers barely came within reach with a 10-foot surf rod and released this 42-incher. Maren Toleno lost a bass at the same time, and also saw a large tuna chasing the bunkers.

This blue marlin caught by Best Trait out of Orange Beach, Alabama set a Gulf of Mexico record at 1,145 pounds!