To update this thread, the resident bass have been available for surfcasters for about 1 1/2 weeks now on a semi-steady basis. That still doesn't answer the question about where the hell they have been.
I find them on the T&W when kayaking in the LI Sound every time I fish there, even in the heat of the summer.
My opinion is still that there are less of them around, and less bass overall.
Some might say - "but Dark, look at all the incredible night action...surely that shows that there is no shortage of bass?"
To that I would respond....then why are so many areas of NJ beaches stone dead and not holding fish? Take away the few places of fantastic action, and what do you have, what would our season be like, and why not all up and down the surf zone for the whole coast?
Think about it...
All responses are welcome. I'm not trying to promote arguments here, but I am aggressively pushing to get you folks to think about this.