Winter may not be prime fishing time in most areas, but it’s perfect for watching fresh episodes of fishing shows.

George Poveromo has his World of Saltwater back on Discovery Channel, and Nick Honachefsky is back with his saltwater Underground on the Sportsman Channel.

The forecast is for northwest winds at 15-20 knots before dropping to 5-10 in the afternoon. That won’t last long as a switch to south winds up to 30 knots is expected during the night.

The fall striped bass run concluded with an abundance of bass covered with sea lice from the ocean. hose stripers pushed far back in Raritan Bay, and many ended up moving far upstream in Raritan River.

Those bass will probably overwinter between there and the Hudson before feeding in the bay prior to spring spawning. Capt. Joe Massa ran well up the Raritan River on Dec. 10 with his My Three Sons from Morgan Marina in order to find the main body which quickly responded to Flutter Spoons as many from 18 to over 30 inches were released. Though the ocean striper season remains open, the internal waters are now closed.

A small craft advisory is up through late Friday. The forecast calls for northwest winds at 20-25 knots with gusts to 35 and possible morning snow.

Just as party boats had to learn how to operate during a pandemic last year, boat and sportsman’s shows are starting to resume activities.

The Wildwoods Fishing & Boat Expo will be held from 9-5 Saturday in the Wildwood Convention Cener. Capt. Dave Marciano of Wicked Tuna fame will be on hand for that event which has a $7 entrance fee, though kids under 12 are admitted free. For info visit fishingexpowildwod.com.

The New York Boat Show will run at the Convention Center from Jan. 26-30. The entry fee is $16, but free for those under 12.

Vinny D’Anton is back at his winter home in Sarasota, Florida, and found fish waiting for him as he cast his favorite popper — the Chug Bug. Jack crevalle and small blues provided most of the action, as spotted sea trout have been scarce after taking a hit during last year’s red tide.

The NY/NJ Bight forecast for Thursday includes a small craft advisory for west winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 and likely rain.

Capt. Joe Massa is delighted with the painting by Andrew Cadell of his My Three Sons from Morgan Marina during a striper trip in New York Harbor. The artist does his work from a photo at surprisingly low prices.

An 8X10 or 9×12 is just $50, while an 11×14 is $70. Frames run another $10-15. Call Cardell at 718 873-7257 for details.

The forecast is for southwest winds at 15-20 knots with gusts to 30 plus showers possible early and likely in the afternoon.

The sea bass season is closed, but porgies remain open, and the Jamaica from Brielle will be running to offshore wrecks where they predominate on Saturdays and Sundays in January. Cod, pollock and ling are also possibilities. The trips sail at 11 p.m. the night before. Reservations are required. Call 732 528-5014.

A gale warning is up tonight, but the northwest wind is supposed to be down to 10-15 knots by morning before dropping to 5-10 in the afternoon.

Chuck Many continues to take advantage of the relatively mild winter weather at Cape Charles, Virginia by releasing pre-spawning stripers such as the 55-pounder fought by Dean Cox. Despite all the 50s released there from Tyman, Chuck is still waiting for a 60 on Tyman,

Monday’s forecast for the Bight is for north winds at 15-20 knots with gusts to 25.

Mike Monte called on his way back to Nantucket after getting word of an all-day blitz of 30-40-inch stripers in Island Beach State Park. Those very late bass were on herring, and hit big plugs cast by anglers who could keep up with them. Mike said his last effort this morning in the northern Monmouth County surf was futile, but birds were working offshore — rather than on the beach as was the case much further south.

The forecast is fine for surfcasting, with west winds at 5-10 knots before gusting to 20 in the afternoon.

Following is a recap of the 2021 fishing year by Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina:

    Happy New year to all,the season isn’t over by any means but   a review of it so far in my observation it was a very good year.   The spring bass bite was good,the boat boys did good trolling   and fishing live bunker,the bite up north in the bay was fantastic.   Fish from slots to 50+ lb was an everyday occurrence.  The Fluke season by all accounts was a very good one, we didn’t  see as many double digit fish but keeper ratio was way up.  The tuna fishing this year was of epic proportions, many boats limiting  out on multiple trips. Blackfish season has kept pace with past seasons, not better not worse. Winter flounder was fair as usual, some anglers did better than others,putting in their time paid off,hard thing to do when you work full time.Now for the present we are seeing some red hot surf fishing, not seenlike this for years.The stripers are showing no signs of leaving,they have the perfect water tempplenty of bunker,spearing and sand eels.The bays, rivers and surf are loaded with peanut Bunker, I personally havenever seen this concentration bait and bass this time of year that I canremember.You can go  into the new year with Bass still hitting in good numbers and there is a good chance for a keeper fish.Keep in mind the backwater season for bass ends Dec 31 st.,Rivers Bays Etc.Have a Safe Healthy New Year   BOB 

Following are comments on the 2021 fishing season from Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina:

    Happy New year to all,the season isn’t over by any means but   a review of it so far in my observation it was a very good year.   The spring bass bite was good,the boat boys did good trolling   and fishing live bunker,the bite up north in the bay was fantastic.   Fish from slots to 50+ lb was an everyday occurrence.  The Fluke season by all accounts was a very good one, we didn’t  see as many double digit fish but keeper ratio was way up.  The tuna fishing this year was of epic proportions, many boats limiting  out on multiple trips. Blackfish season has kept pace with past seasons, not better not worse. Winter flounder was fair as usual, some anglers did better than others,putting in their time paid off,hard thing to do when you work full time.Now for the present we are seeing some red hot surf fishing, not seenlike this for years.The stripers are showing no signs of leaving,they have the perfect water tempplenty of bunker,spearing and sand eels.The bays, rivers and surf are loaded with peanut Bunker, I personally havenever seen this concentration bait and bass this time of year that I canremember.You can go  into the new year with Bass still hitting in good numbers and there is a good chance for a keeper fish.Keep in mind the backwater season for bass ends Dec 31 st.,Rivers Bays Etc.Have a Safe Healthy New Year   BOB 

Chuck Many continues to release big stripers on Tyman at Cape Charles, Va., such as this one for Justin Lerner.

The Saturday forecast is for south winds at 10-15 knots plus rain.

A Fishy New Year to all!

​A year ago today the fishing community lost one of its “greats”. One year ago today I lost my husband, best friend and the love of my life, the father of our amazing children, Christopher, Chandler and Brendan. Greg lost his twin brother and best friend. Chris meant so much to so many of us. He was a family man, a wonderful son in law to my parents, brother in law to both of our families and a brother as well! He was a true friend to so many people, and left a lasting impression! His smile was infectious and he lived life to its fullest! We were all blessed to have Chris in our lives! As you go on with your day today, think happy thoughts! Remember Chris, and know that he is smiling down on all of us from Heaven! Celebrate his life and think, “It’s not the end, but till we meet again”

Dec. 31 is the last day for the 2021 Bonus Bass Program. The N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that all reports have to be sent in, and that there is no carryover to next year.
The forecast is for west winds at 5-10 knots before going southwest in the afternoon.

The last few party boat trips to far offshore wrecks that hold big sea bass are being made before that season closes at years-end.

At Brielle, the Paramount sails at 8 p.m. on a trip limited to 26 anglers with a $200 fare. The Big Jamaica also has a couple of spots left on tomorrow’s 10 p.m. trip. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations on the Brielle trips.

At Belmar, the Golden Eagle makes its last trip tomorrow. Call 732 681-6144. They had a slow start in the dark yesterday before the sea bass turned on in daylight along with lots of porgies and some bluefish.

Bottom fishing much closer to shore holds up as demonstrated by Capt. Hans Kaspersetz with his blackfish caught yesterday on the Waterproof.

The forecast is for east winds at 5-10 knots with a chance of rain.