Normal winter-Normal striper run?

[RnK]

it's about the bait. Last Spring the bunker were so thick that is was easy for the bass to gorge themselves, which made fishing very spotty from day to day, being there when they decided to feed was key. Spring and Fall runs seem to vary quite a bit from year to year both ocean side and Raritan Bay.

[Michael82929]

Bait / Water temps....

To me that will what dictate the run we have this year...

I think last year's run was good - saw some bunker schools last year(on some days_ that I have never seen before in terms of size and length...

Was disappointed in the east bite in 2012 compared to 2011 - that was banner...

I continue to lose faith more and more in raritan bay in terms of size and action compared to fishing out front.. but sounds to me you're right on point sal.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by Michael82929

Bait / Water temps....

To me that will what dictate the run we have this year...

I think last year's run was good - saw some bunker schools last year(on some days_ that I have never seen before in terms of size and length...

Was disappointed in the east bite in 2012 compared to 2011 - that was banner...

I continue to lose faith more and more in raritan bay in terms of size and action compared to fishing out front.. but sounds to me you're right on point sal.

Every year is different.In 2011 we had great action on large bass in Raritan Bay.We had two bass at 49lbs and multiple fish near the 40lb mark.See what happens this spring.In 2000 we had limits everday until June 21.It sure is nice when there are plenty of bunker around and the bass are close.I have a good feeling about this spring.Maybe we will see some trophy weakies mixed in.

[RnK]

Originally Posted by Capt Sal Cathy Sea Charters

... I have a good feeling about this spring.Maybe we will see some trophy weakies mixed in.

Now wouldn't that be nice!!

[shresearchdude]

But what about Sandy?

I don't know of the effects that they bay getting all washed out is going to have-does anyone?

We've been out in the Navesink looking for Winter Flounder-not much found and I'm wondering about it...there are some fish around however it's a bit quiet.

The clammers have been out in SH bay so at least that fishery has proven to be resilient.

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by shresearchdude

But what about Sandy?

I don't know of the effects that they bay getting all washed out is going to have-does anyone?

We've been out in the Navesink looking for Winter Flounder-not much found and I'm wondering about it...there are some fish around however it's a bit quiet.

The clammers have been out in SH bay so at least that fishery has proven to be resilient.

The spring run of bass are migratory.The bigger fish we catch in Raritan Bay are wintering off the coast of Virginia.The bass that winter up the Hudson come out after they spawn.Although Sandy put a hurting on all of us i don't think she will affect our spring striper run.The winter flounder stocks in the Navesink and Shrewsbury were way down long before the storm.Our striper fishery is healthy and it looks like the weakfish are making a come back.My dad and grand dad told me as far back as the late thirties weakfish were a cycle fish.I believe that from my own exp. in the bay and Sandy Hook.

Last year we had the most bunker around in quite a few years.The water stayed warm and the bass came early.With the restictions on the "reduction menhaden boats" i would expect to see a repeat of last year or better.Last year was not the norm but the exception in migratory stripers.Not long to go now and we will know by mid April.

[action]

I predict the second week of april in the bay feeding on herring