Sand eels moved into the Jersey Shore surf a few days ago, and it appeared that they were going to be the primary forage fish for school stripers until yesterday morning when Mike Monte caught one bass at first light in the Monmouth County surf on his Tsunami Sand Eel before peanut bunkers flooded in. After that, he watched other anglers cast every type of lure without a hit as those bass only wanted a live bunker.

The peanuts were back this morning, but Vinnie D’Anton was pleased to find that they hit lures today. Indeed, he did best with the L’ll doc plug which doesn’t look anything like a peanut or a sand eel,

Blog reader Joe Gale was also in on the long-lasting Monmouth County bite which included bass up to 35 inches.

Vinny said the early bite in Ocean County appeared to be on sand eels before peanuts arrived.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported as follows: “It was EXCELLENT STRIPED BASS fishing right away today! We were able to fish local and close so it was a nice short ride. There was plenty of life with excellent readings and nice long drifts with action around the boat. We had numerous fish on at times and the boat was limited out on KEEPERS and SLOT FISH with plenty of fish safely released. Shads along with jigs, plain and tailed, all worked great today.“

Capt. Ron Santee said he had a perfect November striper trip with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. “Headed out knowing there were 3 large area’s we could fish & catch, my first choice was close to Home as we had several area’s of Birds working. Got on the Meat right away with some awesome action on all size Bass from tiny to tossing back a few 34 inch beauties.

Everyone went home with plenty for dinner. Weather looks good right through the weekend, don’t miss the last of the Bite as the Fat Lady is getting ready to sing for us!

Thanks to all my Regs that made their last trip today, the Gift cards, the Balvenie and Cigars….. Love you guys. Merry Christmas, till next season.

Chuck Many made what could be his last in NY/NJ Bight for the pre-spawning 50’sbefore making the move to Virginia for the pre-spawning 50’s That possibly last northern trip with Tyman worked out well,

A small craft advisory is up through late tonight. Friday starts with southwest winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20. There’s a chance of afternoon rain.

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