Striper regs likely to remain about the same

During their most recent meeting, the ASMFC Striped Bass Board reviewed Addendum 11 to Amendment 7 of the Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan and recommended very few changes. The ocean recreational fishery would remain at one striper in the narrow 28-31-inch slot with the same seasons where applicable. Over 2,000 public comments were submitted, and the consensus was for status quo. All sectors of the fishery would retain 2022 season dates.

In Chesapeake Bay, the slot limit will be 19 to 24 inches, with 2022 regs and season dates — though the commercial quota will be reduced by 8 percent.

The NY/NJ Bight forecast is for northeast winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 plus 3-5-foot seas from an easterly swell that may result in rough inlets.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar enjoyed the sun on Saturday, but blackfishing remained tough with just a few keepers and two dozen shorts in a lumpy sea. The seasonal pool is up to $4,000, and there’s a good chance of hooking a winner on one of the deepwater wrecks they’re fishing.