From Shark River north to Sandy Hook anglers have finally been awarded with trophy size bass but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Its back to basics and persistence if you want to land a few trophies this season. Anglers caught a big break this week nailing bass up to 40lbs. Surf reports came in with top water pencil poppers producing most of the action.
This year’s striper run had a late start but patience is paying off. Keith Bush from Monroe was just north of Shrewsbury Rocks when he hooked into his first 40lb trophy on a bunker head along with some big gator blues.
Captain Joe aboard the Irish Ayes has been working hard all week keeping customers happy with fluke and bass. Captain Joe worked his way north out of the inlet into some bunker pods that produced fish from 39 to 41 1/2 inches and limiting out on bass before big blues moved in for an early dinner. Irish Ayes also did well this week in the JCAA fluke tournament .Captain Joe had patrons. Bob Cole, Andy, Johnny Oz and Lenny who took 7th place with a 6.2lb flattie weighed in at the Shark River Port.
For the most part the majority of bass are being caught on the ocean side early mornings or late in the afternoon. Follow the pods of bunker and hang on.
Off the wall and fishing piers in Keyport it was top water action as small blues from 2 to 4lbs held pods of bunker in casting distance for most of the week. Right before sunset and early mornings seem the best time for the blue fish to attack.
The Big Jamaica from Brielle continues to sail night and day trips for blues. The Jamaica is working 17 miles ESE of Brielle where they have been battling blues from six to 12LBS and are being caught on either bait or jigs during the day and bait at night. The crew is chumming on both the day and the night trips. Catches have been ranging from several fish up to limit catches. My advice if your frustrated with bass and fluke get back in the batting cages and enjoy a summer night blue-fish-slam-fest to set you straight.
Fish On!
