The NJ DEP issued the following information relative to the bonus striped bass program: Striped Bass Bonus Program Information Effective 12:00 AM, Sunday, January 1, 2017, the 2016 Striped Bass Bonus Program will close for individuals and party/charter boats. All permits issued in 2016 are not valid in 2017. The deadline for submitting logbooks is January 31, 2017. Applications for the 2017 SBBP are currently not being accepted. The NJ Marine Fisheries Council will make decisions early in 2017 regarding the future of the 2017 SBBP. The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will provide information regarding 2017 applications for individual anglers and Party/Charter Boat Owners once a decision is announced. Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bonusbas.htm for more information. Though it was windy today, the Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported that fishing conditions in shallower areas were good. Yet, the blackfish bite was off. They'll be trying further off in the morning -- 100 to 130 feet.