Raritan Bay Fall Striper Run

[DavidFWF]

Alright, guys. I'm in a bit of a spot right now. The fall run is getting closer and closer every day. I'm going to Cabela's tomorrow to get some new gear, what do y'all recommend me getting when I have nothing for Surf fishing the Raritan Bay/Sandy Hook? I have an 8' med-heavy rod, a 9' heavy rod and a 10'6" heavy rod with 50lb braid on all of them. What lures and hooks do y'all recommend? I've used Clams with no luck for the past 2 years. Seriously. 2 years and have never landed a Striper or Blue. Really hoping to break that this coming month or so.

[Scotty]

Surf, charter/private or party boat fishing? Answers vary

[NJ Dave]

In the fall bass are on bunker, sand eels, mullet.
pick up some storm shads ava jigs and red fins to mimic the above.
Snag hooks and you can catch fresh bunker.
Teasers above the rig work well as most baits are small profiles.
Diawa sp minnows in white or bone colored have been good.
Bomber long A's in yellow and balck work well.
Poppers work well.
Its some basics that always seem to produce bit the list can go on and on.

[tombanjo]

Maybe a set of golf clubs?

[Capt. Lou]

Why not purchase from one of R sponsors who actually have the knowledge & correct localized Tsckle !
Their knowledge alone can save u time & money ! Most chains or box stores r not staffed by anyone that knee that fishery !

[tropics]

X2 what Capt. Lou said the gas money you spend will be enough, to buy something extra.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Last year the Savage lures were the ticket since the fish were keyed on Sand Eels.

[loosescrews]

The best thing you could do if you haven't landed a fish in two years is get to know some of the local shops and the people that work there. The info you will pick up is invaluable. They want you to catch fish. It keeps you coming back to their shop.

[Gerry Zagorski]

One other thing.... Often times our Raritan Bay fall Striper fishing is a run and gun type of fishery since the fish are keying on bait. You find the bait and you find the fish. This makes it difficult to fish from land unless you are in the right place at the right time and the bait and fish come within casting distance.

Jigging from a drifting boat is one of the more fun and productive ways to fish, especially late in the season when the sand eels show up.

If I were surf fishing it would be out on the Sandy Hook beaches rather the in the back. The back area beaches are much more productive in early spring.

[CancunPete]

All the big box stores tackle is jinxed....Support one of the local shops that have the knowledge and right selection of lures. Who are you going to ask for the current fishing hot spots?? A box store that does not even open until 10 am...or one of the local shops that open at 4:30 am........Pete

[DavidFWF]

I took a mix of advice from yall. Got sand eels circle hooks and a lantern from cabelas. Getting the test when I'm down there.

[arat]

Why would you go to cabelas in PA to pick up stuff. Support local shops that actually have a clue about surf fishing. Not those hacks that just try to sell you stuff and really have no idea what they are talking about

[CatchEmUp]

I took a mix of advice from yall. Got sand eels circle hooks and a lantern from cabelas. Getting the test when I'm down there.

Not to pile on and I don't know where you live, but I'm assuming somewhere in NJ, so did you think about how much $$ you just spent in gas to drive all the way out there just for sand eels, circle hooks & a lantern?? :confused:

[Papasown]

On the beach, I like to have one rod set up with a fish finder and 10/0 circle hook and baited with either a fresh( not salted or frozen) clam, or a fresh (not frozen) bunker chunk, or mullet, if I can net them. I have a small cast net with me to catch the bait of the day, and put them right on . Into the sand spike with the drag loosened. My casting rod set up can change at any minute, but I like a pencil popper, or yellow popper, or even an AVA jig for weight. A Tsunami Sand eel is my go to teaser for the fall, and most fish go to that. I do use other color teasers in white, pink, or charteuese also. Black or purple teaser at night. Sometimes I throw a metal lip swimmer and retreive verrry slowly. Watch the wiggle. But my best advice is to go local to a bait shop and get the heads up of the best available baits and locations. Also invite all of the above posting brothers in this great hobby to meet you at the beach,(except the golfer) Catch 'em up...........Papa

[butcher boy don]

Like a bunch of the guys said great info in the local shops.tackle box on route36 is always great stop on way to sandy hook for me.both phils are always helpful&anthony is the real deal on surf fishing.just get out there&enjoy!