Posted on October 29, 2019 Mixed news on stripers Fishing is still recovering from Sunday’s gale and rain. There was good news from Atlantic Highlands as Capt. Rob Semkewyc found nearby birds working over bass. He said those fish were fussy and hard to hook, but his fares put together a catch. Capt. Vinny  Vetere also found a few larger bass, but got a better report for his Katfish from Great Kills that he’ll be checking out  tomorrow when he has space available. There also may be room on Thursday. The ocean report wasn’t as good as the Golden Eagle from Belmar said the bass didn’t bite today.  They will be starting earlier trips at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November. Miss Belmar Princess reported Monday’s striper fishing was “terrible” in the aftermath of the bad weather as they hardly read any fish or bait. Yet, a couple of bass were caught — including a 44-pounder. The Jamaica from Brielle has added striped bass Marathons at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and Monday. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations. Blog follower J.R. Aloise was one of the few who made out well Saturday morning as he trolled green bunker spoons and mo-jos  to limit out in 1 1/2 hours  with bass of 29, 31 and 39 pounds. The surf was rough this morning, but Bill Hoblitzell managed a school bass in the southern Monmouth surf. I decided not to fight the waves, east breeze and drizzle in favor of casting in Point Peasant Canal. There was only one hit on my Z Man 7-inch paddletail, but it was a good bass that kept taking drag during the fight. Without a net there was no choice but to kneel down at the wall and lean over to grab the 40-pound leader to lift a bass that felt like it weighed 10-12 pounds. I tried to get a lip  lock with my right hand before struggling to get up. Just as my fingers were going in its mouth, the bass shook its head and snapped  the 40-pound for a premature release. Wednesday’s forecast is for northeast winds of 5-10 knots with a chance of light rain  and fog. The wind shifts to east in the afternoon.