Michael Leech of the IGFA had sad news today on Facebook as great woman angler Marsha Bierman passed away this morning. Though she looked more like a showgirl than an angler, that tall blond woman could put most men to shame while fighting big marlin and tuna on stand-up tackle long before that type of big game fishing became popular on the east coast.
Marsha put tremendous pressure on those big game fish, and I’m sure she never gave up on one while setting numerous records. I had the pleasure of fishing with her in Costa Rica and also when giant tuna were first discovered during the winter on shallow wrecks off North Carolina. She wanted to catch a giant standing up, but was frustrated by only hooking up with medium bluefins. Of course, as soon as we switched to 130-pound outfits so all could participate, we caught all giants!
There was finally very good news from Vinny D’Anton as the northern N.J. striped bass surf run got underway this morning. He fished northern Monmouth County where 20-25-pound bass were feeding on peanut bunkers. Swim shads did the job as Vinny said anglers casting poppers didn’t seem to be connecting.
At Belmar, The Golden Eagle reported lots of big bass on live bunkers, with yesterday’s largest at 53 inches. They change their sailing time to 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Miss Belmar Princess had a similar report.
Capt. Ron Santee said he was at the right place at the right time with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands this morning. It was mostly big bass up to a 56-incher, but included some keepers.
The forecast is great — southwest winds at 10-15 knots..
Eric Kerber with a 47-pounder on his digital scale
“Big Stripers on the fly …..not an easy task especially in this area. What do we consider “big” on fly tackle? Anything over 40 lbs….but between the boat crowds (which is at an all time high these days), massive schools of large bunker difficult to imitate with a fleye, wind, weather ect…..making this happen is not an east task. No one does it more graciously that this guy right here, “Doc John” @jyavorsky. “Doc” has been fishing with us for over 25 years and he has landed countless fish in the 40-50lb class range, including one yesterday with Capt @eastbound_malanga on the #REELFREEDOM at an estimated 45lbs. Having the right gear is critical; and there is no better fleye than the Popovics Beast Fleye, which literally accounts for all of the big stripers we take on fly tackle. Great job Doc and big Jer ! #popfleyes#shorecatch#reelfreedomBig Stripers on the fly …..not an easy task especially in this area. What do we consider “big” on fly tackle? Anything over 40 lbs….but between the boat crowds (which is at an all time high these days), massive schools of large bunker difficult to imitate with a fleye, wind, weather ect…..making this happen is not an easy task. No one does it more graciously that this guy right here, “Doc John” @jyavorsky. “Doc” has been fishing with us for over 25 years and he has landed countless fish in the 40-50lb class range, including this one yesterday with Capt @eastbound_malanga on the #REELFREEDOM at an estimated 45lbs. Having the right gear is critical; and there is no better fleye than the Popovics Beast Fleye, which literally accounts for all of the big stripers we take on fly tackle. Great job Doc and big Jer ! #popfleyes#shorecatch#reelfreedomBig Stripers on the fly …..not an easy task especially in this area. What do we consider “big” on fly tackle? Anything over 40 lbs….but between the boat crowds (which is at an all time high these days), massive schools of large bunker difficult to imitate with a fleye, wind, weather ect…..making this happen is not an east task. No one does it more graciously that this guy right here, “Doc John” @jyavorsky. “Doc” has been fishing with us for over 25 years and he has landed countless fish in the 40-50lb class range, including this one yesterday with Capt @eastbound_malanga on the #REELFREEDOM at an estimated 45lbs. Having the right gear is critical; and there is no better fleye than the Popovics Beast Fleye, which literally accounts for all of the big stripers we take on fly tackle. Great job Doc and big Jer ! #popfleyes#shorecatch#reelfreedomBig Stripers on the fly …..not an easy task especially in this area. What do we consider “big” on fly tackle? Anything over 40 lbs….but between the boat crowds (which is at an all time high these days), massive schools of large bunker difficult to imitate with a fleye, wind, weather ect…..making this happen is not an easy task. No one does it more graciously that this guy right here, “Doc John” @jyavorsky. “Doc” has been fishing with us for over 25 years and he has landed countless fish in the 40-50lb class range, including this one yesterday with Capt @eastbound_malanga on the #REELFREEDOM at an estimated 45lbs. Having the right gear is critical; and there is no better fleye than the Popovics Beast Fleye, which literally accounts for all of the big stripers we take on fly tackle. Great job Doc and big Jer ! #popfleyes#shorecatch#reelfreedom“
Miss Belmar Princess reported as follows on today’s striper fishing:
“Miss Belmar Princess had really good fishing today with JUMBO STRIPERS up to 46lbs! Beautiful flat calm ocean today with PLENTY of ACTION all day! All action today was on live bunkers. Todays high hook had 7 JUMBOS which were all safely released. We also saw HUMPBACK WHALES, GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA and THRESHER SHARKS blowing up the baits today! Tomorrow’s weather looks great, join us for your Trophy STRIPER!”
Miss Belmar Princess striper
Capt. Ron Santee said he got into “unreal” bait with fish breaking on it early, and also did well with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands in the afternoon. Dereck had the day’s monster at 53 inches and 40 pounds. Scott Scuderi was high hook with eight up to 25 pounds, which included a keeper and a bonus bass. Despite the abundance, the bass were hard to catch as they were on peanut bunkers — and Santee had to run & gun to stay on them.
Vinny D’Anton only heard of one school striper taken on a swimming plug in the Monmouth County surf this morning, but that fishing is bound to break open any day.
The forecast is perfect – northeast at just 5 knots before going southwest in the afternoon.
Yesterday’s fishing reports came in late, but were good — and today was more of the same.
Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands said he got a good start before having to make a long run that resulted in the best action of the day into overtime. The high hook caught nine stripers, and there was a spread of sizes which resulted in bonus bass in the bags.
At Belmar, the Big Mohawk reported 55+ bites and over 40 bass caught.
The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant had a great day with stripers yesterday as Nick from Manasquan was high hook with 12 up to 46 inches. This morning was like that until 10 when the bass got fussy. After that they were still swirling in bunkers, but not biting.
A small craft warning is up through late tonight. Monday’s forecast is for northwest winds at 15-20 knots before dropping to 10-15 in the afternoon.
There were no reports today, but Fisher Price IV had the following on Facebook which seemed to be for yesterday — though it could be for earlier in the week.
“One of the best bites of the fall this morning for our open boat trip. Doubles, triples and quadruple hookups all on live bunkers. Dozens of releases to 41# with a few personal bests broken. Called it an early morning once the bite shut down. Thanks for fishing hard guys.
Next open boat trips will be Tuesday 10/24 and Thursday 10/26. 6am-12pm. $180pp, not including tip for mate. Text 732-861-3394 for reservations.”
A gale watch is up tonight. The Sunday forecast is for west winds at 20-25 knots with gusts to 30 and 4-6-foot seas. When I was running out of Manasquan Inlet, I fished many days with a west gale as the hills to the north create a calm sea near shore. Boaters can fish safely within a half-mile or so — which is where the stripers should be on bunkers or for trolling.
Just when the fall striped bass run in NY/NJ Bight appeared to be well underway, there was a problem yesterday as party boats reported suddenly poor action after the fast start. Before that, the only complaint about too many overs as 28-31-inch keepers were hard to come by.
There was some speculation that there was too much boat traffic yesterday. Most trips were cancelled today due to stormy weather.
A small craft advisory is up for Saturday as west winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20 increase to 20-25 with gusts to 30 in the afternoon. A gale watch is posted from Saturday evening through Sunday evening.
In an unusual move, the Prowler 5 from Atlantic Highlands switched back to bottom fishing today until the striper run improves.
Jerry Lasko was at the right place at the right time yesterday in northern Ocean County when stripers blasting bunkers barely came within reach with a 10-foot surf rod and released this 42-incher. Maren Toleno lost a bass at the same time, and also saw a large tuna chasing the bunkers.
This blue marlin caught by Best Trait out of Orange Beach, Alabama set a Gulf of Mexico record at 1,145 pounds!
Beaufort, NC – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved for public comment Draft Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Draft Addendum considers management measures designed to support stock rebuilding by reducing fishing mortality to the target in 2024
The Board initiated the Draft Addendum in response to the low probability of meeting the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline if the unexpectedly high 2022 fishing mortality rate continues. The Draft Addendum builds upon the 2023 emergency action by considering management measures intended to reduce fishing mortality to the target level in 2024. Projections indicate that a 14.5% reduction in total removals relative to 2022 is needed to have a 50% chance of being at or below the fishing mortality target in 2024. For the recreational fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes recreational bag and size limit options for the ocean and Chesapeake Bay regions, including options with different limits for the for-hire modes. To address concerns about recreational filleting allowances and compliance with recreational size limits, the Draft Addendum includes an option that would establish minimum requirements for states that authorize at-sea/shore-side filleting of striped bass (e.g., racks must be retained). For the commercial fishery, the Draft Addendum proposes a quota reduction option that would reduce commercial quotas by up to 14.5%, with the final percent reduction to be determined by the Board.
For measures beyond 2024, the Board will consider the results of the upcoming 2024 stock assessment update to inform subsequent management action. To enable an expedited management response to the 2024 stock assessment update, the Draft Addendum proposes an option that would enable the Board to respond to the results of the stock assessment updates more quickly, via Board action, if the stock is not projected to rebuild by 2029.
The Draft Addendum will be posted to the website no later than October 31st at https://asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. A subsequent press release will provide the details on the public hearing schedule and how to submit written comments. The Board will meet to review submitted comments and consider final action on the addendum in January 2024 at the Commission’s Winter Meeting in Arlington, VA. For more information, please contact Emilie Franke, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at efranke@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Capt. Ron Santee reported a disappointing day of striper fishing on his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands, There wasn’t much bird life, while fish being marked on bottom wouldn’t hit. He did a lot of running to different areas while coming up with only one keeper. Santee isn’t fishing tomorrow due to a bad weather forecast, but will be back at it Saturday.
The Golden Eagle from Belmar lost some stripers right away this morning, which proved to be a bad omen as they said it was a “tough” day for them.
Though boaters have been catching large stripers in NY/NJ Bight, the NJ surf hasn’t broken out so far. Vinny D’Anton said the surf is clear, but peanut bunkers have disappeared from the Monmouth County surf. Large bunkers are far out of reach where boaters are working on them. Vinny caught a couple of small blues by casting a Krocodile metal, but only knew of one surfcaster in that area who caught a single school striper.
Capt. Russ Binns ran from Barnegat Bay up to Sea Girt yesterday where he and two friends got into bunkers not far off the shore and released six stripers from 35 to 47 pounds. Unfortunately, he also spotted several large stripers floating belly-up.
Absecon Bay Sporstman Center reports very good school striper action in the bay, including many keepers. Capt. Dave has been using live spot which are available for sale at the shop.
Though I’ve heard reports of a storm tomorrow, the National Weather Service forecast is for southeast winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 and showers.
Austin Perelli has been having fine evening light tackle casting in Jamaica Bay for school stripers, blues, weakfish and even porgies on lures.
That’s how Dave Lilly summarized his striper trolling this morning as all of the many he trolled down the beach were over 40 inches, and up to a 52-incher. He trolled down the beach in 25 feet as large bunker schools marked on the bottom, and it was hard to get two lines out. The Tony Maja #4 gold bunker spoon worked best. The only bird action he saw was well offshore in deeper waters.
At Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported being in bunkers all day as many bass were caught — though all were overs. They finished up with sea bass to put some fish in the bags.
The Big Mohawk had their best striper action early, but stayed with them all day as 55 were caught and about 20 more lost.
Capt. Ron Santee said today was basically a repeat of yesterday on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands with lots of surfacing stripers, including keepers, that kept turning off — requiring many moves. Dan was high hook with seven.
Another great forecast — Southwest at 5-10 knots before going to south at 10-15 with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.
” Dave Lilly about to release big bass on Tony Maja #4 gold spoon
The NY/NJ Bight fall striped bass run is off to a great start.
The Big Mohawk from Belmar reported over 70 bites on live bunkers resulting in over 60 bass caught. up to a 52-incher. They sail at 6 a.m., but suggest you arrive by 5;30.
Capt. Ron Santee said he got into birds and fish right away during his first striper trip of the season with the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. There was a mix of keepers and overs in many areas, but conditions required frequent moves.
The forecast is as good as it gets! Northwest winds at 5 knots, going southwest in the afternoon.
Capt. John Contello reported yesterday as follows:
“hat was as good as it gets!! Best trip of the year. Landed close to 40 Bass and they were all 40-53 inches… Not a single fish under 40 inches. 2 of them definitely at that 50lb mark. Special trip with a great crew. I had a Charter cancellation for Wednesday morning 10/18. Text me if you want to grab it 732-670-1919 #JustSayinSportfishing“
Incredible morning on the bass grounds today for Paul and crew. Bunker, shads, spoons and vibes. Several dozen releases with fish to the mid 40 pound class.
We have 1 spot available tomorrow morning Wednesday 10/18 and 1 spot available Thursday morning 10/19. Sailing at 630am. Text 732-861-3394. We have a few dates available rest of the month and November as well.
Capt. Ron Santee switched his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands to striper fishinng ast year on Oct 16 with good results, and is making that same move Tuesday morning at 7. Hopefully the bass will be ready to feast on shads and jigs. The Prowler 5 from that port will switch to stripers on Thursday from 7:30-2:30.
At Belmar, the Big Mohawk switches to stripers at 6 a.m. tomorrow. The Golden Eagle is on a tuna trip today and was catching some early in the morning. On Tuesday they’ll be striper fishing at 7:30.
The Canyon Runner from Point Pleasant is going to make one last canyon overnighter on Wednesday, and has some discounted open spots available for the yellowfin tuna chunking that’s been red hot. Call 732 272-4445 for reservations.
TheTuesday inshore forecast is for north winds at just 5-10 knots.
My phone came back to life overnight, but hasn’t been recording messages, Keep trying, or leave an e-mail at cristori@aol.com. Keep in mind the fact that I do not text.
Vinny D’Anton reports the N.J. surf has been clearing up from the storm, though there were no catch reports this morning. That should change tomorrow.
NYC Capt. John McMurray got into big bluefins Sat. before switching to yellowfins and taking a beating going home.
Sunday was a blowout day in NY/NJ Bight, and a small craft advisory is still up tonight. but Monday’s forecast is for a clearing northwest wind of 10-15 knots. Surfcasters may have to deal with discolored waters, but this could be the first day of the real fall migration.
My phone has gone completely dead, and is not taking a charge. Until further notice I can be reached only by e-mail at cristori@aol.com
at an estimated 45lbs. Having the right gear is critical; and there is no better fleye than the Popovics Beast Fleye, which literally accounts for all of the big stripers we take on fly tackle. Great job Doc and big Jer ! 
Tight Lines 