Stripers turned on!

There was lots of good news in NY/NJ Bight as striped bass were not only abundant but also generally aggressive

Dave Lilly got together with Bryan Martell as they trolled near Breezy Point where they never were able to get the second rod out. Lilly said there were no shorts, but all keepers and overs though nothing huge. Lilly used a rig he developed in the spring. They saw only an occasional swirl, and there was no bird action before they came back for breakfast.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported a 1 1/2-hour first drift as bass were on top and bottom hitting diamond jigs.

The Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands had a similar report of both plain and tubed jigs on mostly overs, but with some keepers mixed in.Diamond jigs were best, but shads produced a few bass. Capt. Ron Santee was amazed to see very clear waters after the long period of big seas.

The forecast is for south winds at just 5-10 knots before increasing to 15 plus higher gusts in the afternoon.