Joe Melillo, at Castaways Tackle in Point Pleasant, reports small stripers were caught in the local surf this morning by the few anglers braving the cold weather. I tried both Bay Head and Point Pleasant late in the afternoon when it was relatively pleasant on the beach -- but there was no sign of fish or bait.
Grumpy's Tackle and Betty & Nick's in Seaside Park also report small bass in their waters. The latter will not be stocking clams any longer.
An extra departure to far offshore wrecks for jumbo sea bass and porgies has been added on the Jamaica from Brielle. They'll be sailing at 1 a.m. Thursday and returning at 6:30 p.m. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations on this limited trip at $165.