Posted on March 31, 2021 Stripers break open in Raritan Bay Striped bass of all sizes have turned on in Raritan Bay, though schoolies are still most abundant. Despite still cold 49 degree waters, everything is set up for the sure thing April striper fishery in the bay.

the marine weather forecast this evening included a low water advisory which is in effect until 10 p. m. as tides will be as much as two feet below mean low water levels. There s also a small craft advisory up to 8 p. m. Bob Matthews, at Fisherman s Den in Belmar Marina reported that what appeared to be a tornado last night did a lot of damage to the motor lodge, but all the boats seemed to be fine.

As previously noted in this blog, there have been lots of harbor seals which are northern residents enjoying winter vacations in Shrewsbury River and Sandy Hook for many years and some hang around as waters warm in the spring. Whales that were also a rarity have also become so common in NY NJ Bight that they can often be observed from shore in the summer, and the big red drum that were the major inshore game along the central N. J. coast a century ago have remained far to the south even after NOAA Fisheries warned Jersey anglers that they should learn how to fish for the impending return of those warm water fish.

Posted on March 25, 2021 Stripers turning on in Raritan Bay Though the big girls still haven t arrived in Raritan Bay, legal bass and shorts seem to be turning on. Capt. John Contello of Just Sayin at Keyport had a keeper plus short action last night, and Chuck Many broke through with his Ty Man from Highlands today as illustrated by Dave Glassberg s striper.

The marine weather forecast includes a small craft advisory through Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday starts with east winds at 10-15 knots with patchy fog and possible showers before increasing to 20 knot gusts later in the morning.