I’m heading back east and plan on doing some striper fishing off Montauk with a friend at the end of the week.
Been pouring through old magazines and books looking for anything on fishing the spring migration north but everthing I find is based on the sensational fall run.
Why is it the northern migration does not get the attention the fall run does.
Is it because the spring northern run in not as short and so the stripers are more thinned out?
Will the fish be hugging the shore line where a surf caster can have some luck.
Lars
Spring run has smaller fish that have not been fattened up by a summer of feeding. I also think that the fall run is about fish moving to feeding, trying to feed themselves and maintain.The frenzy in the fall is not the run, but the preparation by the fish trying to eat everything and anything they can to gain food stores before they migrate, hence a more agressive eating and catching of fatter fish.
jed
I think, too, the fish are more concentrated in the fall. during the spring they will spread out and meander up into the estuaries; during the fall they tend to hug the coast.
Just depends where you fish. Here on the Chesapeake spring is the peak season with fall running a close second (arguments have occurred over which is best). The big fish (and I do mean BIG) are following the herring north to feed and into the Bay tributaries to spawn. Once they spawn they head out quickly for points north.
The season has been extremely cold this year and the Chessie fish are about 2-3 weeks behind. Based on the NJ reports they should be in Montauk when you are. That is if they take the time to stop.
For recent reports check out Shore Catch Guide Service and look at their fishing reports for this past weekend. Monster weakies!
There are several internet boards that are devoted to the striped bass fishery.
Thanks all for your input.
I’ll be leaving in the morning and If I have some luck when I’m out there I’ll be sure to report. :~)