Newbie to striper fishing.

[jzicchinolfi]

Quite inexperienced in saltwater fishing, but wanted to get in on the striper action i been hearing about. I recently bought some baits that people said were working right now. (storm shads,tsunami popper, sp minnow plug, etc) and i am looking to go fishing off the beach this weekend. Heard to go to sandy hook , now im hearing island beach state park. Any good people wanna help a young kid out?

[shrimpman steve]

My opinion, if you really want a better chance to catch a few, jump on one of the sponsor party boats.

[NoLimit]

It seems like they are back in Raritan Bay (maybe Cliffwood Beach) and Pt Pleasant. Keep you eye on reports here.

[jzicchinolfi]

so not sandy or ibsp? cliffwood ? really didnt expect that

[AndyS]

Bay Head. Park, walk over the dune you are fishing. No long walks, just great beach, a few small jetties. You can plug your SP minnow from Bay Head to Seaside Park and back again. No long walks like Sandy Hook, no one breaking into your car like Sandy Hook, No permits, no game wardens etc. A 7-11 right there for a hot cup of kawfee when you get off the beach, If you get really frustrated just go to Marlins bar and grill and get a steak and a beer. Plugging Bay Head to Seaside you probably won't see anyone and you will have the fish all to yourself. Fish at NIGHT !!! Or very early morning. Plan B is to go under the Rt 35 bridge late at night if the surf is pounding too hard.

[NoLimit]

so not sandy or ibsp? cliffwood ? really didnt expect that

Point Pleasant and south seems to be happening and accessing IBSP is a chore in itself.

[jimmythegreek]

cliffwood beach area had bait and shorts on sunday, a few keepers here and there but the huge pod of fish in raritan bay moved out last week. All the action was south of shark river. problem w surf fishing is the action is usually too far off the beach, but if you look around you can find some fish. I would look at some reports the day before you go and narrow an area down you will fish around, then get there either b4 sun is up or if evening fishing get there early. Ride ocean ave and look for signs of life or guys fishing, if you see alot of guys in an area or many boats off the surf, theres fish there. whatever gear you use make sure u can cast as far as possible and hip waders at a minimum help so much, you gain lots of distance when you are in the suds as opposed to sand. I like a teaser rig anytime im in the surf, google it and get a fly or two to add to the leader. SP minnows are good for in the waves and breakers, you cant get too far w them without a great rod setup. swim shads in the right weight and metals like avas and big spoons are good right now too, the bait is bunker both peanuts and adults so mimick that. good luck

[Capt Sal]

Go on a party boat!The surf is a shot in the dark.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Go on a party boat!The surf is a shot in the dark.

Yep - If you really want to increase your odds then a boat is your best bet... Problem with surf fishing is your location is fixed and you are relying on the fish showing up where you happen to be fishing and come within casting distance. Very often that is not the case and when they do show up they move and its very short lived.