Evening Stripers 06/08

[Andys Delight]

Got to Keyport at about 5pm and man it was lookin snotty out there!  I was contemplating not even going out since I was alone and was figuring on coming back in the dark, but I waited it out a bit and it definitely calmed down a bit after helping a couple guys retrieve their boat that wouldn't start.  Been there, done that.  The bay was pretty nasty, but man it turned to glass the moment I rounded the tip.  Headed for a spot that was recommended to me and dropped clams and started chumming heavy and batting shells.  Before long I finally broke my Striper cherry for this season and pulled over a shorty.  Back in the drink and rod #2 starts squealing.  Yet another shorty, back in the drink to grow for him as well.  Chum and batting away and off goes rod 2 again, finally got my first keeper.  Granted he's only 29", it's still good to be off the shnide!  Another short came over and sent back before I rod 1 starts screaming out hard.  Ended up being a rather large doggie.  Definitely one of the largest I've ever seen.  He barrel rolled and was a real pain to release but even he went back in safe and sound.  He invited his friends though and I was overrun with skates and doggies and ran out of bait.  

Made the trek back to Keyport at about 10pm for my first nightime run ever.  I was definitely a little on edge but it really was an awesome feeling at the same time.  I might have been the only person in the bay by that point!!  Got to Keyport only to be greeted by the warden.  He checked my one keeper and went on his way.  All in all a great night!   Some cruddy self taken cell phone pics below.  

Edit:  Pics need to be resized and I'm too tired and lazy at the moment.  Will try tomorrow.

[IrishAyes]

Good job and nice report Andy. 

Congrats on your first keeper striper of the season.   

[CapBob]

Good job Andy......the drop in air and water temp has prompted them to start biting again

[wb]

where in KP are you launching? 

[Andys Delight]

where in KP are you launching? 

The municipal ramp.

[Salty Dog]

Nice going !

[hiking]

good job on the first striper, and thanks for the report.

[Bucktail]

Nice trip.

[Fishonw/Ron]

Nice job.Congrats

[Luna Sea 5]

great job.. make sure you never dead stick the stripers.. you have to set the hook on first strike when your clamming.. If you come up baitless, 80% of the time its a striper.

[Pfishingruven]

Nice catch!

 

[Hunter 2]

Congrats on your night trip,  Slow and easy back to the ramp works,, And like said before, keep a rod in you hand.