Tidal Passaic Stripes and Pike

[TheDreamCatchers]

Headed down to the most popular spot on the river for stripers (I dont even have to say the exact name) in Kearny and tried for some stripers. I threw little storm wildeye swimbaits which is the best bait and worked the banks. I didnt even get a bite. I talked to people and they told me it was just a rough day and no one was catching anything but people have been catching them up to 40 pounds in that disgusting river which is nuts. Why do they even go in the Passaic??? After nothing for a couple hours I headed to a spot in Belleville on the Passaic and threw on a Keitech and I couldnt believe my eyes but a huge pike had ate my keitech and broke me off 2 seconds later probably around 7 pounds. I saw him eat it the water was quite clear. I went back to a different spot in East Newark later and couldnt catch em on the incoming tide either but I was seeing what I though were herring jumping around but they could have been stripes or blues. The Passaic is a crazy place people are catching walleye in the tidal part too. Ya never know what you are gonna catch in Jersey

I have 2 questions.
1. Why do stripers go in the passaic every spring and fall?
2. What was I doing wrong are there any things yall can suggest?
Thanks