Got the to do list a little shorter in the morning, so decided to head out early afternoon with Chris(tine) and Chris(Cooch) aboard. Grabbed some fuel and worked some supersecret Intel that said acres of birds were working down by the Highlands Bridge on the ocean side, with bass under them. Rounding the Hook we headed south. We noted many many boats in the Rip and area, but did not note anything being hoisted over the rails.
Sure enough we found the birds, and spent some time chasing them. With abundant sunshine, water temps at 62-63 all over, and 2-3' long period swells it was a banner day. Everynow and then we'd see a blitz erupt with what looked to be blues crashing bait. Looked like some of Art's Montauk pix. We thought we were in for sure. We dropped down some clams, jigged some AVA 27,37,47, couple bunk chunks, and topwater plugs, with limited success. We all had robins and a few doggies were boated. Moving around watching the birds, we made it as far south as Monmouth Beach, varying from 15-50' of water, but no bass. No Blues either.
With sunlight waning, and an empty fishbox, we trolled some stretches back north with a few zzzzzz's but no hookups. The ocean laid down a bit as we rounded the Hook at sunset to acres of boats, both drifting and anchored (kinda crazy actually.) The hunger pangs were hitting, and as we talked to Hunter2 who was heading out, we threw the hook over by the BugLight. Fired up the barbie and grilled some mooburgers and relaxed with a few sodas listening to the complaining on 68 about NO BASS. Back at the dock about 2100.
We need some atypical trips soon....
