Gonna try for the striped ones tonight

[Bass Specialist]

Picked up some bait earlier and I'm gonna head out after work for the first time this year in search for some stripers. Anything around in the bay? Anyone know the water temps? Not supposed to be too cold tonight for I figured what the hell.

[teddysclaw]

any luck?

[arat]

Water temps in bay around 37-38. Still a little chilly but way better than it was. A few nice days and the bay fish will start there chew

[DarkSkies]

Originally Posted by arat

Water temps in bay around 37-38. Still a little chilly but way better than it was. A few nice days and the bay fish will start there chew

Guys, I know you are all dying to get out there.

Listen to arat.... he has been putting in heavy hours in RB early season for the last decade as part of Rich Swiss's crew. They have all caught triple digits consistently during the months of march and april in the past. I have run into them out there when no one else is fishing, the winds are howling 30mph at night and it's brutal out there.....and they're bailing fish one after the other.

They really have a handle on the pulse of RB activity early season. I don't think they will tell you they have caught much when the water is below 40.

We bumped into each other today at Asbury. He told me someone was talking to him of alleged bass caught in Keyport in the last few days. At 37-38 and below, not too likely.

You need to watch those temps and look for good sites that give accurate readings. Closer to 40-42 if you dig tapeworms or toss sandworms you may get a few, but that 42 temp has been the magic mark for me, (just my experience. ) Like he said, look for 2-3 sunny days to heat the mud flats up....the water has to get to that minimum 40-42, and in my experience closer to 42.....for any consistent action.....

There are two relatively consistent areas where guys are catching bass in NJ right now because the water is 42 and above, and neither of them has RB as the location.





Listen to Arat, he knows stuff.

[SaltLife1980]

45 degrees is a good number

[kmaty]

Guys, I know you are all dying to get out there.

Listen to arat.... he has been putting in heavy hours in RB early season for the last decade as part of Rich Swiss's crew. They have all caught triple digits consistently during the months of march and april in the past. I have run into them out there when no one else is fishing, the winds are howling 30mph at night and it's brutal out there.....and they're bailing fish one after the other.

They really have a handle on the pulse of RB activity early season. I don't think they will tell you they have caught much when the water is below 40.

We bumped into each other today at Asbury. He told me someone was talking to him of alleged bass caught in Keyport in the last few days. At 37-38 and below, not too likely.

You need to watch those temps and look for good sites that give accurate readings. Closer to 40-42 if you dig tapeworms or toss sandworms you may get a few, but that 42 temp has been the magic mark for me, (just my experience. ) Like he said, look for 2-3 sunny days to heat the mud flats up....the water has to get to that minimum 40-42, and in my experience closer to 42.....for any consistent action.....

There are two relatively consistent areas where guys are catching bass in NJ right now because the water is 42 and above, and neither of them has RB as the location.

All i can and will say is there is no great numbers but my guys have been out picking also 1st keeper bet is already over as of last night and it wasn't in either one of thospots ...i will not post location but will be more than willing to meet up..if your willing to put time in...i did my foot work and i always was a firm believer that land fish and everything that Goes with it are earned from long cold miserable night's followed by long zombie shot out days at work

[Bass Specialist]

A friend of mind told me how cold the bay still was so I decided not too go. Heading to Vegas on Thursday. When I get back I wil be out there and will report then

[Capt Sal]

The skinny water in Raritan Bay warms up quick. Traditionally the second week of March the bass will start in the Keyport -Union Beach area. Clams first then bunker. We start our bass charters in mid April when the bass go into 12-18' of water. We start out with clams and when the first bass is caught on a bunker chunk we switch over. The same from shore. When the water warms up bunker are a good bet. The time is near -Good Luck.

[makosnax]

Good luck!

[shrimpman steve]

Spot burner