Friday 4/17 update-Raritan Bay Striped Bass

This past week in Raritan Bay was exactly what you want to see this time of year-steady improvement, more life showing up each day, and stretches of full on chaos when everything lined up.

We started the week grinding through some picky fish, working around bait and marks that didn’t always want to cooperate. As the days went on, more bodies of fish pushed into the bay, and when they decided to feed , it was game on. We had multiple trips with consistent action, including shots at fish on top with birds working and bass chewing hard a few drifts at a time.

All of the action has been on light tackle casting-soft plastics like NLBN’s leading the charge, with plugs and other artificials producing as well when conditions lined up. At times the bite got a little finicky, but staying mobile and adjusting made all the difference.

Size has been solid according the board. We’re seeing a healthy mix of overs with fish up to 40″ along with plenty of keepers for the table. A lot of quality fish are being released as the migration continues to build.

The biggest take away this week: there are a lot more fish coming. We’re seeing clean, migrating bass (many with sea lice), and signs are pointing toward things only getting better from here.

If you’ve been thinking about getting out, now’s the time. The biomass is building, the weather windows are lining up, and we’re just getting into the heart of it.

Text 732-963-5534 for availability and be sure to follow @fishdownndirty on Instagram for daily updates.