Posted on April 2, 2019 Robert Dreyer has best catch — a kayacker in need Blog reader Robert Dreyer had no luck seeking stripers while casting lures in the back of Raritan Bay on Friday and Saturday, but he made the best catch of all by rescuing a kayacker who had fallen in the water and was in big trouble as 45 degree waters were leaking into his two-piece suit for 15 minutes. Hypothermia had started when the rescue was made, and they warmed him up as best they could before handing the victim over to surfcasters who waded out as far as possible at Keansburg Beach. Dreyer warned kayackers to dress properly while waters are so cold — and exercise caution, but saw one on Saturday fishing in a t-shirt. There was better news about stripers in the bay during the last couple of days. Phil Sciortino reported from The Tackle Box in Hazlet that Matt Calabria trolled Rapala X-Raps from his boat to catch bass up to a 20-pounder. Kevin Kuriawa noted that his friend Rick Pagluco trolled over 20 bass including a 33-incher in the bay. Capt. Rick Woerner of Carnivore from Cliffside Marina in Sewaren (where Dockside Bait & Tackle is located) made a trip this afternoon from 1:15 to 3:30 and cast Storm Shads in the back of the bay for 30 bass including the only keeper at 31 inches for Joseph Bobel plus Jeff and Jason Plungif. This was the opening day of the blackfish season, but there were no reports as this was being written from the Belmar blackfish boats. Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reports stripers on bait in the back bay. Mike Di Salvo caught a 35-incher and released two other keepers. Tuesday’s marine forecast is for southeast winds of 10-15 knots. It shifts to northwest 15-20 on Wednesday– with gusts to 30 in the afternoon. Vinny D’Anton reports from Sarasota that he plugged an 8-pound jack cravalle and a 3-pound bluefish yesterday morning, while Frank Manzi fought a 10-pound cravalle — the toughest of all inshore fish.