Posted on December 8, 2020 Stripers still biting — boat & surf The northwest wind sure isn’t bothering striped bass in NY/NJ Bight, and the cold hasn’t sent them fleeing to the south. Both boaters and surfcasters scored today. Jerry Lasko reported surfcasting was slow early in Ocean County, but picked up later in the morning to such an extent that MarenToleno ended up releasing 34 while he added 11. Sand eel lures did the job as that’s what the bass are feeding on. Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina noted that the early bite has often been poor due to low waters, but it may turn on later in the morning. He also noted that party boats there were doing well with stripers and blackfish. The Ocean Explorer had a 13-pound tog on a recent trip. The Golden Eagle from that port reported another very good day with stripers today as a boat limit was caught and others released. A few bluefish were also hooked. Their 6:30 sailing time got them into the best of the bite. At Atlantic Highlands, the Sea Hunter reported fares could catch 20 or more bass without really trying. There were lots of slot bass, but only a few over 28 inches. Due to a lack of reservations and gusty winds, tomorrow’s trip has been canceled — but they’ll be back at it Wednesday. The Fishermen also had great striper jigging, with one fare counting 61. They also didn’t see many of the larger bass. Tuesday’s forecast is for northwest winds at 15-20 knots with gusts to 25.