February Ends & NJ Striper Season Begins
Bloodworm harvesters up on the tidal flats in Maine have been working overtime gathering enough “spring striper candies” as possible for New Jersey’s March 1 reopening of the back bay striped bass fishery. Winter holdovers in local tidal rivers like the Toms, Mullica and Great Egg in particular have been a semi-regular bycatch this winter by perch hunters; come Monday the bigger baits on high-low rigs or fishfinders rigged with circle hooks will take over along the sedges as surfcasters enjoy the first good soak of 2021 in search of the year’s first striper. In this week’s full video forecast, get the rundown on where bloodworms can be found from Bayonne down to Fortescue, with tips on rigging and scouting locations. It’s also the start of the winter flounder season on March 1 and there are some rental boat options out of Shark River for those interested in a couple of flatties next week.
