BIG BASS IN THE BACK BAYS!!!!! We have had BIG stripers being caught on a regular basis. It looks like all the ice blocks I have been dropping from the plane has paid off and the water temps have dropped almost 6 degrees which reminded the bass to start eating. Jim Lynn  had a 48" 36.5 pound bass fishing on Mike Monacks boat the Patty K. A fish that long will usually weigh in the mid forty's, it most have been his first ( and last) meal of the season. He was using 12# test and had to back down on the fish to get it in the boat. Bill Farrell nailed his first bass ever weighing in at 34.5 pounds spoiling him for the rest of his life, it's going to be tough to beat that one. Bill was fishing with Capt Tom Michaels on his boat using live spot. Denise McLean (Irish) was fishing with brother Chaz and nailed a several nice weakfish including one that was over 5 pounds. She said she was trying to show her brother how to fish but said "He's just not getting the hang of it", be patient with him Denise he will get it sooner or later :) If you have been wondering when you drive over the bridge coming into Brigantine and look to your left at Little Panama you will see a parking lot of boats. The secret is out, they have been banging keeper stripers and weakfish drifting the all mighty SPOT. Even the guys that swear eels work just as good have been buying spot from me by the 100's. I had another delivery come up last Monday and we are almost thru all of them. If you want to get in on the next delivery that will be coming up soon, call the shop and get on the list so you can take advantage of the "bulk" pricing. If you buy them from me when they are delivered, it is almost half the price. They are a hot commodity and will only get hotter as the water temps continue to drop. I was out there fishing with Capt Bob on the Rosie and had six bass and a 5 pound weakfish, all on Spot. The surf continues to be giving up blues, kings, porgy, and a couple of keeper bass but I think all the surf anglers are waiting to see the stripers start to swim up and down the beaches so they can get a piece of the boaters fun. The Riptide Fall Striper Derby registration has been great. This tournament will give you access to ride the entire length of the Brigantine Beach ( with a valid Brigantine 4 X 4 permit). The entry fee is 10.00 and ALL proceeds will be going to charity ( Hooked on Fishing, SJ Cancer Fund). Prizes will be awarded to the three heaviest stripers caught off the surf from Absecon Inlet to Wreck Inlet. Stop by the shop if you need more info

Thanks

Capt Andy