Took a ride in search of striped bass today and we were not disappointed.
Tried on some bird action in tight to the surf but it looked like mostly bait-fish.
Ran further along the beach, about a mile off, and deck hand Chris spotted birds 4 miles ahead. They were so heavy that they looked like smoke from that distance. The gannets and sea gulls were spread from the beach out to the 3 mile line.
Set it on a drift in the midst of the fray, about a mile off the beach, and we started catching shorts, keepers and blues right away. Croc spoons and shads lures seemed to work best. The fish were feeding primarily on herring.
Caught fish for 2 straight hours and only moved because we were approaching the 3 mile line. Made a couple more drifts in closer to the beach that were good action too. Limited out on keepers over 28. Bill Ruha caught a 20+ lber and released 5 other bass over 28'' along with some short bass and a big bluefish. Bill was using a croc spoon. John from the Real Seat was out with us and he won the pool with a 20+ lber and released about 10 other fish.
We didn't have any bass over 43" and our slot season is over but it was great fun and everyone brought home a keeper.
Weather looks good for tomorrow and the Gambler will be fishing daily, 7:30 till 2:30, for as long as the stripers are around. The surface temp is about 6 degrees above normal for this time of year.
