by As noted yesterday, the Young of the Year Hudson River striped bass for index for 2023 was very poor. Results from the main migratory population in Chesapeake Bay have also been poor, but historically it’s only been necessary to have a few very good spawning years spread over decades to maintain a healthy striper fishery — and that was before the very strict conservation regulations now in effect.
The NY/NJ Bight striper fishery last year was outstanding by any standard, and the vast majority of those bass of all sizes were released to spawn again this spring. Spawning success depends primarily on weather and river conditions which are basically beyond our control. All we can do is assure adequate numbers of spawning-size stripers — which doesn’t seem to be a problem as long as strict regulations remain in place.
A small craft advisory is in effect through Wednesday evening. The weather forecast is for west winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 in the morning with a chance of light freezing sleet.
Striper anglers trying to join the elite of the sport by catching a 50-pounder have the perfect opportunity to do so during the winter release fishery at Cape Charles, Virginia. Check out the following delayed report from Chuck Many on Jan. 4:
Awesome day with Clinton Lessard & Joseph Eller on SHO NUF out of Cape Charles, VA. Had 34 Bites, landing 25. 7 over 50, Biggest 54.5 on digital scale, 2 under 40 pounds (37 & 39 pounds). 23 of 25 tagged for Gray FishTag Research!! Bass season never ends!!!!
Tight Lines 
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