Posted on December 18, 2020 Favorable weekend forecast The storm made a mess of the ocean, but that condition should change rapidly with a forecast of light winds and modest seas over the weekend. We’re down to very few party and charter boats still operating, but the Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands is going to be seeking those massive schools of school stripers that were off Sandy Hook before it became impossible to get out there. Capt. Rob Semkewyc will sail Saturday and Sunday before deciding whether to continue after that. The Shore blackfish boats will probably get back to fishing as the bottom settles — and the Elaine B II from Highlands will resume sailing for blackfish at 7 a.m. Saturday. The Ocean Explorer from Belmar will be sailing. and they note that the seasonal pool for largest tog is up to over $3000. They will be heading south and fishing in deep waters for the biggest tog. The Jamaica from Brielle is resuming their almost nightly runs to far offshore wrecks for jumbo sea bass and porgies. Though expensive, those trips are usually well worth the time and expense for the largest sizes of the target species plus quantities rarely seen on inshore wrecks in season. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations. Surfcasters are hoping to find some school stripers left after the waters clear. With west winds coming, conditions should be good for several days. The surf should be calm instead of what it looked like at Bay Head when Jerry Lasko checked it yesterday morning (see below). Small craft warnings come down at 6 p.m. Saturday starts with north winds at a mere 5-10 knots and seas down to 2 to 3 feet as the wind shifts to west in the afternoon. That sets up Sunday with 5-10 knot southwest winds.