Stripers return to surf quickly

Though yesterday’s northeaster probably sent the ocean stripers anglers had been working on fleeing to the south. there should be many more to come throughout the month.

Vinny D’Anton was surprised to find fishable conditions in the Monmouth County surf even though the wind was southwest rather than the expected northwest. The surf wasn’t discolored by the strong winds, but just a bit tea colored. On the other hand, it was very cold and there was no sign of the bunkers which had been holding the bass. Sand eels seemed to be the current attraction as some anglers snagged them. Vinny started with a Tsunami popper and was rewarded with a 27-incher before adding another bass on an Ava jig. Other anglers also picked a few smaller bass, and it’s likely that flurries will have developed in other areas during the day.

The expected switch to gusty northwest winds should further reduce the waves. Vinny only saw one small boat in still-rough waters beyond the bar, but that should change tomorrow. Capt. Ron Santee Jr. is definitely going to sail with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands.

NYC Capt. John McMurray got a day off great striper fishing due to the northeaster, but had a big surprise the day before as noted:”Well, that was damn near 6 weeks of fishing pretty much every day…topped off by getting bit by a BIG bluefin in 30’ of water on bass gear yesterday. We fought it for a little over an hour before it broke off, but I was basically just chasing it with the boat. Didn’t ever really budge. Not a chance in hell. WOW, what a striper run we’ve had tho. Quantity AND quality! Truly extraordinary, and it’s still going! But yeah, felt pretty damn good to sleep in today. “