Damn I hate when that happens...

[ped579]

Hi All,

Well I went out once again today about an hour before high tide thinking OK everyone I talked to said the bite is not a night or low light bite.  I can understand that , but when everyone is out of clams right when you want them what dio you do? go with everything you have in your bag.

Got to the beach and there was only one guy on the beach and you guesed it he was using clams.  I picked a rip just north of him and started throwing ANA's, then Wiggle Worms in black and purple, ungats, then I figured plugs top water.  Nothing was going to work.  By this time there was another guy north of me fishing that rip and again you guessed it with in 15 minutes BAM striper on, WTF.

By this time I became a spectator and just enjoyed watching them pull in more bass.

I will be out there again in the AM this time I will find some place with clams and if not just call it a day.

I was just told the boats are just not going out as much as they used to. 

Oh well, we'll see what happens on Thursday.  But the stripers are here and in good numbers but right now the key is clams, clams and more clams.

Happy Catching

Paul

[ChrisL]

That sucks.  Can't say your lack of success was from lack of effort though. 

[Art Berkman]

Bummer

Call every bait shop there is.

See if someone has some rotten clams laying around.

You know the clams that stink !

And please get back to me & confirm that you put on a clinic for the guys that you were watching today   

[ped579]

Yeah, I think I surprised them by pulling so many different lures out of my little bag of tricks.  I wish I had better news that something in there caught something. 

[Luna Sea 5]

I plan on picking up some Clams on Friday night for Saturday evening..

[ped579]

I would call before you go.  It sounds like everyone will be doing the same thing.  Especially with the tournament on Sunday.  Both B&N and Grumpys are ordering 55 bushels just for that alone.

[Art Berkman]

Guys I know a Commercial Clammer out of Belford.

If you need his # just drop me a pm.

[Luna Sea 5]

I shouldn't have a problem the AH bait and tackle.  Nobody is surf fishing that area, and the head boats are also targeting other things, but I will call the night before.

[ped579]

Thats right, I thought you were going off the surf on Sat.

[Luna Sea 5]

i go to the boat on Friday night to next bunker so I have them for Sat.  I hate to spend the money at the bait store for fresh bunker when in 10 minutes I have over 100.  While I am there, I will get clams also so I am ready.

[ped579]

I don't blame you as bunker is going for $2.00 a fish locally.

[Pfishingruven]

Good try Paul!  From what I have read, clams are the key and some fish here and there on lures.  I saw guys were getting them on sand eels...I am assuming frozen b/c I have never seen them live at the B&T.  I guess with so many choices of live, real bait, the trickery is just not enough right now!

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[ped579]

Your right and I am an advocate that clams should be used but when the B&T's don't have them in your area and have to rely on artificial's what do you do?

Both of the guys bought their clams up in Point so I guess they are not fishing them hard up there yet.

I have preached this for years especially after a good blow.

[Pfishingruven]

Your right and I am an advocate that clams should be used but when the B&T's don't have them in your area and have to rely on artificial's what do you do?

Both of the guys bought their clams up in Point so I guess they are not fishing them hard up there yet.

I have preached this for years especially after a good blow.

Yeah, I know...certainly leaves you in a pickle!!  They were running low on Sunday morning when I was in there.  B&T were packed Sunday morning.  They were buying up clams, mullet and frozen sand eels in that order.  Couple guys tried to buy an entire bushel, but they just weren't there to be bought.  There were a ton on the beach in Brick, I was tempted to take them and freeze them just because there were so many that were going to or already had died!

 

[adesai73]

while a little bit smaller, if you're in a pinch, you may want to look at your local grocery.  i know the store here has chowder clams for 3.99/doz.  while not ideal, they beat going out there with nothing.

[Luna Sea 5]

while a little bit smaller, if you're in a pinch, you may want to look at your local grocery.  i know the store here has chowder clams for 3.99/doz.  while not ideal, they beat going out there with nothing.

def. not ideal.  match the hatch..

[ped579]

Matt I know of what you speak.  But I have to say be careful and do not use the clams on the beach unless you have a clam license.  With a numbert of CO's around and they have been in our area down here and giving out summonses for under sized Bass being caught they are also on the docks sizing crabs as well, they are just looking for the opportunity to summons anyone for just that. 
  I am sure they are aware of the shortage and the abundance just lying on some beaches so fight the urge and buy them when the shops have them.

It will be interesting to see what happens this Sunday for the Governors Cup Tournament if clams will be available in larger supplies.

[adesai73]

while a little bit smaller, if you're in a pinch, you may want to look at your local grocery.  i know the store here has chowder clams for 3.99/doz.  while not ideal, they beat going out there with nothing.

def. not ideal.  match the hatch..

really?  even with clams?  i did not know that. 

okay then.  what's the difference between using a whole smaller clam vs. a piece of larger one?

educate me, fellas! 

[Pfishingruven]

Matt I know of what you speak.  But I have to say be careful and do not use the clams on the beach unless you have a clam license.  With a numbert of CO's around and they have been in our area down here and giving out summonses for under sized Bass being caught they are also on the docks sizing crabs as well, they are just looking for the opportunity to summons anyone for just that. 
  I am sure they are aware of the shortage and the abundance just lying on some beaches so fight the urge and buy them when the shops have them.

It will be interesting to see what happens this Sunday for the Governors Cup Tournament if clams will be available in larger supplies.

That is exactly why I left them there!!  It is not worth getting in trouble and fined for a hobby and fishing...especially for some bait.  If you purchase a recreational clamming license, does it cover surf clams??  I remember the days when we would go find our own bait and if you didn't, you didn't fish!  Now you need licenses and permits and permission from GOD !

    

[Reel Time]

 i always try to have some salted on hand just for such occasions. some argue they're not as good as fresh, but beats nothing, and i have caught tons of stripers on salted.