Stripers turning on to live bunkers

Capt. Vinnie Vetere made is first trip out of Great Kills this week and was surprised to find that “bunkers were almost impossible to net “– though he was able to eventually do well with medium to large stripers by chunking.

Most charter boats have been getting by with stripers by casting shads, but more seem to be switching to live bunkers. Vetere says the water is still too cold but expects the bite will turn on when it gets to 54 degrees.

The Ocean Exp[orer from Belmar reported a flat calm Tuesday. “Fish were in the mood as well,,We had fish coming as soon as we stopped..The blackfish were in the mood today unlike the past few days…Lots of shorts,,and keepers mixed in.Plus we had a nice showing
Of ling and a nice codfish as well.Fast Eddie won the pool and had a limit of blackfish..lots of nice sea bass moving in to,unfortunately we have to release them until May 17th.”

A small craft advisory is up in NY/NJ Bight from late tonight through Thursday afternoon. The forecast is for east winds at 20-25 knots plus gusts to 30. Showers are likely.

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