Nothing but Shorts

Fished from Manasquan Inlet to several miles North of Monmouth Beach. We were greeted by about a four foot swell coming out of the south. Despite the southern swell we decided to head North and fight it on the way back. This was due in part to several head boats heading North as well as no good reports coming over the radio from the South. The swells were moving quite fast which allowed us to head North at 25 knots with ease and a somewhat smooth ride. We found tons for short stripers from about 10" to 22". It was business as usuall, find the working birds find the stripers under them. Although there were a few sports we marked fish and no birds but that was rare. There were large schools of herring everywhere but no larger stripers on them. Some of the herring were actually larger than some of the stripers we caught. The ride back against the swell was not too bad, we were able to maintain about 20 knots. We poked around the Inlet a little and the winds started kicking up and putting a nice chop on top of the swell, as well as reducing the swell period. Since the fish were not exactly jumping in the boat we decided to head in while the weather was still good. By the time we got to the dock the wind was howling and we were glad we headed in when we did.

It seems that by the reports coming out of Hatteras and Oregon Inlet that the larger cows are south for the winter. But to the contrary I have heard a few reports out of Long Island that there are still bass in the 30 pound range being taken off the South Shore. Since the boat is being pulled next week it will become a beach and jetty affair for me until Winter Flounder season and the launch of the boat in early spring.