Just as expected, striped bass fishing exploded today after it had been slowed over the weekend by record boat traffic. Capt. Rob Semkewyc of the Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands called to report such a hot bite that the boat limit of keepers was filled by 10 a.m. with many bass released. He then had to work harder to come up with 13 smaller bonus bass. Capt. Ron Santee, of the Fishermen at that port, noted that bass were blasting bunker on the surface. Shads and plain jigs worked best. There were several bass over 20 pounds, up to a 26-pounder. The Golden Eagle from Belmar had a great day with stripers of all sizes. Surfcasters that were in the right place at the right time along the northern Shore got into large stripers, with some 30-pounders reported. By the rime I got up there with Vinny D'Anton of Wall we only saw a few keepers caught, including a 31 1/2-incher by Jim Louro of Spring Lake on a Super Strike 1 1/2-ounce white popper.  I had fished surf north of Manasquan Inlet at first light that produced a 19-inch striper in the wash on my first cast with a Tsunami Eel. I quickly caught three more small bass in the wash before losing the fifth -- and that was the end of that bite. Capt. John Kolias had a limit of 28-to-32-inch stripers Sunday from 7:10 to 10 a.m. on his Reel Fun from Twin Lights Marina in Highlands for the Tom Taughran party. Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park reported school bass hitting plugs at night. Sean, from the shop, caught seven while fishing the top of the tide Saturday night. The blackfish season with a bag limit of six at a 15-inch minimum opens Thursday and runs to the end of the year. Capt. Stan Zagleski will be sailing his Elaine B. II from Bahrs in Highlands daily at 7 a.m. to boat some of the many tog he's been releasing during the one-tog summer season.  The Jamaica from Brielle made their first giant sea bass trip of the fall on the weekend, and had a boat limit of sea bass plus porgies and bluefish. A few cod were added, including 22-pounder by a Md. angler, and a 14-pounder for Mike Gudewitz of Howell. Those trips will be run on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays -- leaving at 11 p.m. the previous night. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations.