It's Spring Striper Time!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

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!!

[Mikey topaz]

It's go time! Best of luck this season Gerry and Team Obsession,

[Gerry Zagorski]

Same to you and the crew on Kathy K Mikey!!

[shrimpman steve]

Go get em boys!

[Jersey redneck]

Made it out wed late afternoon , caught 6 fish in a hour .
First fish 15"- the rest were keepers with sea lice on them .
All released to be caught another day .

[Papasown]

Thanks for that great post, Gerry. I'm dribblin' over here.
I'll splash in less than 2 weeks, ( gotta finish the honey-do's), and wax. And happy to say I will be fishing through May in your waters before I return to my slip in the Manasquan. Can't wait...............Papa

[Gerry Zagorski]

Welcome to the neighborhood Papa!! You're in for a real treat as I think this spring has all makings of one of our better Spring Striper runs. How lucky are we to have this amazing fishery right in our backyards!!

For those of you who are reading this but have never been Striper fishing, these next several weeks is your opportunity to check it out. It's a great fishery for kids too...Lots of action to keep them interested and they get to witness the Gannets dive bombing on huge schools of Bunker and Herring. It's like a scene out of NAT GEO and not to be missed!!

If you don't have your own boat, check out our sponsor charter and party boats and jump on. They'll have all the gear and bait you'll need and will be happy to show you the ropes. Grab a cooler with some sandwiches, a camera, a kid and get in on the action.

Heading out on Saturday and will see you all out there.... Can't wait !!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Well lots of Gannets diving on bait not far from our dock with no Stripers underneath them..Wasted some time there and decided to head back and join the fleet all the way back in the bay. Casted some Shads, soaked some clams and cut Bunker to no avail. Went up on the troll out of the fleet and got two quick keepers on MoJos.

Great day on the water other then our port engine not charging the battery and having to take a slow ride home on one engine.

[tunajoe]

well written, nice article here!