Posted on October 12, 2019 A few surf stripers released as Beach Brawl begins Despite very poor surf conditions, the Barrier Island Beach Brawl got started today as some stripers were released after a photo measurement. Nick Honachefsky provided a photo of the leaderboard so far. There are no lengths, but only the time of release. There will be much better conditions as the contest concludes on Sunday. The forecast is for north winds at just 5-10 knots before becoming west in the afternoon. Seas will drop to 3-5 feet, mostly from an east swell.  Boaters should be aware of rough inlets on the outgoing tide. I’m sure all party and charter boats will sail on Sunday, but there were no reports today. The Golden Eagle from Belmar has cancelled tonight’s 7:30 p.m. bluefish trip.