how long before stripers show up

[Papasown]

Stripers are always here. The young stay in our rivers and bays till they are 3 years old, and then go for their first ocean migration. They do venture into the ocean daily in search of food all winter long, and can also be caught in some back bay areas, also. These fish are under 22 inches long, and should be released without trauma. There will be increasing catches in the back bay areas of the Shrewsbury,Manasquan, Barnegat Bay, and the BayShore area in Raritan. Southern NJ has keeper size fish now, and Raritan will be soon, with Cliffwood and Pebble beach being among the earliest. Clams and worms are the best bet, and I like to use a high/low rig early with a small hook and large circle on that rig. Winter flounder swim at the same time, and won't be caught on a 7/0 circle hook. When I'm going flounder fishing I ALWAYS have a casting setup with different size shads within reach. Catch ém up............Papa