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NJ Week in Review 5-27-08

Well folks this has been another great week for fishing, but boaters have again done better than surfcasters in terms of catching bass. This has some long-time surfcasters saying "Where are the Bass? in NJ". (Look for the thread pertaining to this)

The significant body of bunker that had been sitting in the area off IBSP has provided action all throughout the week, with some action at night in the towns above that, and the epic action on Memorial Day Monday where they had fish for about 5 hours at IBSP.

There was a sustained catch of bass to 30lbs, blues to 15 lbs, by people who threw everything they had. Fish were in hot pursuit after live bait, and weren't fussy as usual.

Bass in the middle of the day, South wind, clear water? Say it ain't so, Joe.

Yep, I wasn't there, family obligations kept me busy. Many who were not there will be talking about this blitz for years.

All the rules of "when" is a good time to catch a bass were broken that day. This tells us that you never know when you will fall into a run of fish like that. It's mostly luck, and some skill involved in not losing a big fish.

This body of fish could be long gone as I write this, but more fish and bunker are making their way north. Whether you or I will be there when they hit the beach is anyone's guess.

"Ya gotta be in it to win it" translates to the fact that those who are in the right place in the right time in the surf will be rewarded. Others may be disappointed, but the experience of surf fishing is what motivates many of us anyway. Catching a fish is always a plus, and is what keeps us coming back for more, but it is never guaranteed. Even the best fishermen don't catch fish all the time.

As far as bait other than bunker, larger spearing, and decent schools of rainfish, are starting to appear with greater frequency in the bays and inlets. Small herring are also being slaughtered by hungry predators. Incredibly, the first schools of baby peanut bunker have been reported swimming through the inlets, the progeny of the adults that have been here for 2 months.

If you have any spare time and want to catch a bigger bass, now is the time to plan and strategically target the best location and time, and go get your quarry! Realistically, night fishing offers you the best chance of getting a bigger bass, but please be respectful of others out there, and the lights you may use to guide your way around. If you don't have a lot of fishing experience, it's dangerous at night, particularly for those who try to catch fish in the rocky areas. Please be careful, and good luck out there.

NY Week in Review 5-27-08

Folks, the fishing in some areas on NY has been reported and documented as spectacular, but please remember there is no area that is hot all the time. There are some areas in NY that are offering incredible fishing for those willing to brave the elements of weather. However, 2 years ago some of these places had a poor Spring fishery, while other areas in NJ were experiencing a bounty.

The NY back bays and inlets are still offering good chances to connect with decent fish for those at the right place at the right time.

Not all inlets and bays are producing consistently, but notwithstanding the NJ blitzes this past week, the NY bays and inlets seem to have a more consistent body of fish available.

Remember the bigger predators show up in search of food. Especially now as the spawn is over, bigger fish will be caught as they are making their way out of the spawning areas.

Look for concentrations of bait, you will find the bigger fish not far behind. Good luck out there! -- bunkerjoe