Sounds like you are finding plenty of action in freshwater!
I finally caught my first striper this year in the Keyport area not too long ago on a clam. Definitely don't ignore bunker chunks of clams even if lures work well in the fall. I wasn't into using those baits until that one striper, turned out to be a keeper as well. Now, I think I'll use bait in spring and fall for striped bass
I did get a few white catfish in spruce this year (caught my very first one there too!). They were a mix of sizes from very young to a decent 1 pound one. They are still in there, and as far as I can tell Spruce is still catfish paradise!
Good luck out there!
