The first week of spring striper season wasn’t door-busting but it did not disappoint. The weather this time of year can be brutal but for the most part the start was good. The recent sunny days have positive vibes thawing out after frigid winter. The current windy conditions looks to fade today and the 5-7 day stretch ahead shows generally sunny and highs in the upper 40’s and most days in the 50’s. The longer days and this kind of sun will provide a positive trend on the fishing front.

So far we have received a fair number of striped bass and white perch reports. Most are focused in the early season areas, the rivers and tributaries. But we got word of some local Barnegat Bay bass on bloodworms and lures.

We have had 30″+ striped bass caught in the local bays!

Mid week Fish Head’s regular Jack stopping in for some premium jumbo bloodworms. He reported, “All of the guys were jealous. Sandy caught a nice one fishing jumbo bloodworms. All of the other guys fishing got zilch when I was there.” Gotta fish good baits!

Keith Soycher is catching. One was a 33.5″ bass, a piglet for a local catch at this point in the season.

Store staffer Paul is picking some bass both day and night. He shares, “I’m catching on my spring time staples!”

• Tsunami Swim Shads & No Live Bait Needed Paddle Tails – NLBN Baits
• Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Lures – SP Minnows
• Yo-zuri Mag Darters & Yo-zuri Twitch Baits
• Rapala X-Raps Lures
• Kettle Creeks Softbaits
• Bay Master Bucktail Jigs

All of which are in stock now at Fish Heads! I anticipate the bayside fishing to only get better as things warm up. Gear up and get in the game!

Last week I was at the AC Boat Show. Hopefully you walked the show. It was great seeing so many friends. My seminar on Thursday was packed and then the Offshore Wind Panel Discussion (which I was a panelist) was also well attended. Great times!

Right now the team and I at Fish Heads are gearing up for the Saltwater Fishing Expo. See you there next weekend at the Edison Expo Center. We are at the same spot, Booth 401. The booth space has doubled and we will have an exciting display of top tackle brands and some new show only releases.

NJ Saltwater Fishing Expo

• Friday, March 14: 12PM to 8PM
• Saturday, March 15: 10AM to 6PM
• Sunday, March 16: 10AM to 5PM