Striper fishing in Raritan Bay

[fishingmortgageman]

After the nice weather of last week I was hoping that it was time for the striper fishing to break open. I headed down to the Fishermen with high hopes but found the wind blowing much harder than expected. We headed up the bay and missed on the first spot. The second drop was in much shallower water and it wasn't long before Tom missed a fish, after his rod was trapped under Rocos. Some people thought that our $2 bet on the first fish had something to do with that miss. Sure enough Roco is soon into a fish and I hook up shortly after him. I tried to get Chris to net my fish quickly but Roco was reeling like a demon and I ended up giving him the $2. We had a nice little run of fish but when the tide died, so did the bite. As usual Ron went fish hunting and we had a pick for the rest of the day. Not great action but enough to keep you interested and definitely much better than last week. I think that everyone caught fish and most people had several. Roco was high hook with 5 even though he got cold at the end and went 0 for 7. He was like A Rod in a slump. With the wind blowing constantly it was much colder than expected and the boat was really swinging. Despite hard conditions it turned to be good day with good company as usual. Another fine job by the captain and mates.

[Luna Sea 5]

nice catch.... where you in the reach channels in the bay.. that is usually where the early spring catch is.

[IrishAyes]

Good job on the early season stripers. Things will break wide open in another week or two. 

[ped579]

Well break alweady...

[marcos]

i could not go fishing today  ,but my friend when today and the catch 3 stripers each.

[intili61]

Hi All, anyone launch from seawaren yet? Is it useable without the dock? Thanks, we are planning a trip Friday the 18th, over to Union beach area to shallow water striper fish.....

[lost sailor]

Try launching in Keyport----take a right after the McDonalds on 35South and there is a launch before and after the bridge. I launched there Sunday and it was in great order. Closer to the fishing as well....

[kezsr]

any info on South Amboy launch,last year open for while then noticed it was barricaded,is it in use for this year and if so is there a fee.

[mboy]

Keyport public ramp is not open yet from what I hear.
The 2 that are open are Keyport Marine Basin and Wagner's.

[mikeynnj]

What's going on at the Seewaren ramp ?  I was thinking about playing hookey on friday and launching my boat there. Someone mentioned something about the dock not being there ?? Thanks for the info

[mwhal2]

Yeah I'm curious about sewarren as well. I'll take a ride down there tomorrow If I get a chance to see whats going on.  Also heard Keport is not open yet, they redid it this winter.  Good luck to you guy's cant wait to cast net those bunker.

[IrishAyes]

Hi mwhal2, welcome to the site. 

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[mgm]

Yeah I'm curious about sewarren as well. I'll take a ride down there tomorrow If I get a chance to see whats going on.  Also heard Keport is not open yet, they redid it this winter.  Good luck to you guy's cant wait to cast net those bunker.

I drove by the Seawaren ramp this afternoon, but didn't look to see if the dock was in place.

I did see a number of large trailers in the parking lot, so some guys launched.

[Uncle Luna]

They are here  now we haveto get them .

[mwhal2]

Thanks Capt Joe.  Ive been looking for a good site like this for years, and I think I found it. Can't wait to post some reports of my own up here.

[IrishAyes]

Mwhal2, we are a friendly crew here. We all share information. If you have any questions, just ask. If you can add anything, please do so.

Have a great season of catching.