<b>Port Elizabeth</b>

Larger striped bass started to show up all over the bay, and also in the ocean, said Sharon from <b>The Girls Place Bait & Tackle</b>. That began about Friday, and weather since then was the only problem. Strong winds blew Sunday and Monday, and today was calmer, and a few boaters headed out. But a nor’easter is coming during the next days, and Friday will probably be the first fishable day. Saturday’s weather looks pretty good. On the bay, most boaters fished fresh bunker for the bass. From the ocean, a trip was heard about that trolled quite a few. Getting fresh bait will be the challenge, because the storm will keep bait boats docked. If anglers want fresh bait for Friday, they should telephone the shop by Wednesday to order, because the netter plans to sail Thursday morning, and that will give the shop an idea about how much bait is needed. The store is usually open Thanksgiving morning, but won’t be this year, because of the gale. The Girls Place, located on Route 47, just after Route 55 ends, stocks a large supply of bait and tackle. It’s the long, one-story, yellow building on the right, with plenty of parking, including for trailered boats.

<b>Port Elizabeth</b>

Crabbing was ended for the season after Columbus Day, like every year, at <b>Beaver Dam Boat Rentals</b>, but the shop is still hosting duck hunting and even kayakers, Linda said. The kayaks were rented on days with better weather, and must be reserved ahead by telephoning the shop. Customers crab, fish, duck hunt and kayak on scenic Oranokin Creek, running past the store. What’s more, <a href=" http://shop.beaverdamboatrentals.com/" target="_blank"><b></i>Beaver Dam’s online store</i></b></a> was opened, particularly for holiday gifts. Gift baskets and items like crab placemats and crab spices are featured.  The gifts are not only for crabbers, but also just for people who like to eat crabs. You don’t need to give another tie for a gift! Linda said. So check it out.

<b>Fortescue</b>

More striped bass seemed to be showing up in the bay than before, said Capt. Howard from the <b>Salt Talk</b>. The catches were heard about from places including Blake’s Channel and the Horseshoe. A trip aboard Friday fished near the 34 buoy, catching and releasing a mess of throwback stripers to 27 inches on chunks of bunker. The mates took the boat out Saturday, because Howard couldn’t be there. They motored south, and seas were rough, and striper fishing was slow aboard then. Windy weather was too rough to sail Sunday. A charter was supposed to sail for stripers today on the boat. An open-boat trip usually runs for stripers on Thanksgiving, and will this week, if weather allows, and enough anglers want to go. Saturday will be the final day the boat will be able to fish this year. Like for many boats along the bay, insurance lasts only through that day, the final day in November. Trips on the Salt Talk usually kick back off when summer flounder season is opened. That’s been in May in recent years. Open-boat trips are currently slated to sail for stripers daily when no charter is booked and enough anglers want to go. Anglers can telephone to confirm. 

<b>Cape May</b>

Sounded like striped bass finally reached waters surrounding Cape May for boaters, said Nick from <b>Hands Too Bait & Tackle</b>. The anglers trolled them or livelined them on spots or eels from the ocean. They livelined them at Cape May Rips on those baits, and hooked them on chunks of bunker from the southern end of Delaware Bay, at places like 60-Foot Slough. A few stripers began to be eased from the surf at Stone Harbor and North Wildwood. So Cape May’s surf fishing for them should kick in. To try for them, fish fresh bunker or clams. Bring a snagging hook, in case baitfish are seen that can be snagged. Carry Ava jigs to throw. Blackfishing was excellent along the rocks or jetties. Soak green crabs for them. Live spots, eels and green crabs are stocked.  Fresh bunker and clams are carried when available.

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