SEASONS AND SPECIES

If regulations allow, large Striped Bass may be targeted for catch and release in the spring.  The mortality rate of these fish is very low when handled and release back into the water safely.  During this time, practicing safe catch and release of these large fish is a paramount concern and critical to preservation of the stock.  Regulations for targeting striped bass in the spring are presently under review, so check with the captain before booking your spring trip. Many bottom fish will move from deeper waters into rivers, creeks and tributaries to spawn, and as the spring progresses opportunities to target these fish in open water will increase. In southern sections of the bay, opportunities for redfish and trout will begin to develop as waters warm.

As the water warms into the summer months, most bottom fish will move to familiar shoals and reefs. They will also be found along jetties, docks, and riprap. Most of the larger striped bass will have moved out of the bay into deeper waters, but school sized stripers can be found roaming their familiar summer time haunts. Red fish opportunities can be found in the middle bay and south, with a mix of smaller puppy drum and large bulls making appearances. Speckled trout action also heats up in the lower regions of the mid bay. As the water temperatures climb, top water action in the early mornings along shorelines can be very effective. As summer rolls on bluefish and mackerel make their appearances with some bluefish being of considerable size.

The highlight of fall, and what most anglers dream about, is diving birds and breaking fish. These are exciting events to witness and can attract a lot of attention from anglers. Few things are as magically to behold, but most don’t realize that fishing can be just as good or better away from the fleet of boats that will inevitably descend on the scene. It’s not uncommon to pull a mixed bag of fish out of these melees of gamefish chasing bait. Stripers, bluefish, mackerel, and reds can all be found working bait pods over during the fall. Whereas striper action picks up as the water temperatures drop, opportunities for mackerel and bluefish will eventually wane depending on how quickly the water cools. The same can be said for redfish and speckled trout. Though in some cases, these species will be available well into October and beyond. Cool water will also signal bottom fish to progressively move to deeper waters. These fish can be targeted well into the winter, but locations will change with falling water temperatures.

Winter presents another outstanding opportunity to target large striped bass that have entered the bay after water temperatures have dropped near the mid fifties. As is the case with spring, the safe catch and release of these fish results in low mortality rates due to cold water temperatures. Winter is a great time to catch the fish of a lifetime and it’s not uncommon to find large schools of fish in the 30” to 40” range. 50”+ fish are not out of the question during this time of year and if you are willing to brave the cold, you might be well rewarded.