Gerry Zagorski
04-11-2018, 07:52 AM
Just like clockwork, it's Spring Striper time here in NJ!!
As mentioned in a previous article, the timing of their arrival usually coincides with the Forsythia bloom. The sun gets higher in the sky, that warms the soil and water which triggers the Forsythia to bloom and the Striper's migration.
I think this year, although their arrival was delayed by the cold and snowy March, we have the evidence of 2 things needed for a banner run. The fish migration has started and we have the bait in our local waters to steer them in from the ocean.
You don't have to be Sherlock Homes to see the evidence either. You've seen all the videos and pictures of Gannets diving in the bays and rivers so that means we have the bait they are looking for. You've also seen reports of Stripers being caught which have Sea Lice on them and that indicates these fish are migrating and have come in from the ocean.
Given the water temps right now the fish are probably going to be a bit sluggish so they aren't going to expend a lot of energy chasing down casted or trolled lures or live lined bunker. For this reason it's best to start with a slower presentation with soft baits like clams or sand worms. Anchoring up in shallower water or if it's not not too windy, put yourself on a slow drift, crack a beverage and wait for them to sniff around for a lazy meal.
Once we get some warmer weather things will change and as the season wears on, there will be several pushes of fish migrating in from the ocean to set up shop in our area, take advantage of all the bait and put on the feed bag.
It's the most wonderful time of the year and there's only one thing missing here, you and me ;)
Time to say goodbye to Old Man Winter
Time to get your gear ready for battle
Time to make sure all your honey dos are done
Time to get your boat in the water
Time to jump on your favorite charter or party boat
Time to catch some NJ Stripers!!
Gotta run, I hear my drag screaming....
Have a great season everyone!!
As mentioned in a previous article, the timing of their arrival usually coincides with the Forsythia bloom. The sun gets higher in the sky, that warms the soil and water which triggers the Forsythia to bloom and the Striper's migration.
I think this year, although their arrival was delayed by the cold and snowy March, we have the evidence of 2 things needed for a banner run. The fish migration has started and we have the bait in our local waters to steer them in from the ocean.
You don't have to be Sherlock Homes to see the evidence either. You've seen all the videos and pictures of Gannets diving in the bays and rivers so that means we have the bait they are looking for. You've also seen reports of Stripers being caught which have Sea Lice on them and that indicates these fish are migrating and have come in from the ocean.
Given the water temps right now the fish are probably going to be a bit sluggish so they aren't going to expend a lot of energy chasing down casted or trolled lures or live lined bunker. For this reason it's best to start with a slower presentation with soft baits like clams or sand worms. Anchoring up in shallower water or if it's not not too windy, put yourself on a slow drift, crack a beverage and wait for them to sniff around for a lazy meal.
Once we get some warmer weather things will change and as the season wears on, there will be several pushes of fish migrating in from the ocean to set up shop in our area, take advantage of all the bait and put on the feed bag.
It's the most wonderful time of the year and there's only one thing missing here, you and me ;)
Time to say goodbye to Old Man Winter
Time to get your gear ready for battle
Time to make sure all your honey dos are done
Time to get your boat in the water
Time to jump on your favorite charter or party boat
Time to catch some NJ Stripers!!
Gotta run, I hear my drag screaming....
Have a great season everyone!!