The Striped Bass & Porgy are here and ready for action, are you? Water temperatures are still a bit cool, water temperature is up to 51 degrees and schools of Striped Bass are on the move. Granted the juvenile Stripers lead the pack, there are also some perfect slot sized fish in the mix. They’re following the bait fish down the beach, and there has been huge amounts of bait coming through. When the birds make up on the right tide, it’s time to break out those Diamond Jigs, surface poppers, and basically anything that even remotely resembles the bait that is around at that time! The old school saying: “Match the Hatch” still prevails and is all important no matter where in the world you fish!
The Striped Bass as of now are responding well to the Diamond jigs. It’s a great way to catch fish when the conditions permit. Light tackle conventional reels and spinning reels provide the best action. The technique and presentation is all important. Freespool the jig down to the bottom as fast as you can, when you hit the bottom, put the reel in gear and wind 5 turns slow then 5 turns fast, then fire it back down to the bottom and repeat the process. Depending on the intensity of the tide dictates how many times you can re-drop. Sometimes you may only get a second drop when the tide is running hard, and have to quickly wind it back up to drop again. Be aware many times you’ll get hit on the way down and also when you’re winding back up fast to drop back down. Keep in mind that yanking the rod straight up like you would do for Black Sea Bass, Cod, or school Tuna doesn’t really work that well for the Striped Bass.
Along with the arrival of the Striped Bass the Porgy (Scup) are here too. They too will jump on the Diamond Jigs on occasion while jigging for Bass and Bluefish. Gardiner’s Island and down on the south side west of the lighthouse is where they first show up, then eventually arrive at the Elbow, Great Eastern, and of course the Porgy lump. Fluke action isn’t all that bad with lots of action from short fish to keep up the interest while waiting for a legal sized fish to come along. South side, Frisby, Inner and Outer Cartwright are a few spots to try.
It’s go time so make sure of all the latest Fishing regulations before you head out and, most importantaly, make sure all your safety equipment is up to date…proper number of life vests with no blemishes or damage. Automated VHF Radio checks can be done on Channel 26. Always make sure your radio is working before each departure!
