As the smell of roasted turkey fills the air and families gather to give thanks, we at the Manasquan Fishing Club (MFC) have so much to be grateful for. This November, the striped bass fall run reminded us of why New Jersey’s coastline is such a gem, delivering unforgettable moments on and off the water. From the first light bites to full coolers, it’s been a month to remember. Let’s dive into the highlights of what made this season one for the books.
Striper Season Highlights
- Early Action at Shrewsbury Rocks:
Fred Truex got the ball rolling with an epic jig bite near Shrewsbury Rocks, hauling in seven overs up to an impressive 48 inches. While the wind made things challenging, Fred’s day epitomized what the fall run is all about—tough conditions and huge rewards.
- Trolling Success:
Lou Ariante shared his success trolling green tube rigs, with fish averaging 38 to 44 inches. Brian Finnegan reported similar action off Long Branch, where the stripers were consistently over 36 inches, with one bruiser pushing 50 inches. While many catches were overs, keepers were still being found by those willing to put in the effort.
- Surfcasting Wins:
Surf anglers weren’t left out of the fun. John Sheehan landed a 28-inch keeper near Brielle Road, and Eric Wasnesky shared his surfcasting secrets: small shads and teasers worked slow and low, paired with diamond jigs to match the peanut bunker hatch. While beach bites have been less consistent, those who put in the hours are reaping the rewards.
Special Moments and Wildlife Encounters
- Humpbacks in the Surf:
A jaw-dropping sight off Manasquan Beach saw humpbacks breaching amidst schools of bunker. Frank Cuccio managed to catch a video of a full breach just off the sand, with one lucky paddleboarder narrowly avoiding a close encounter. Moments like these remind us of how special New Jersey’s fall season truly is.
- Seals, Dolphins, and Whales, Oh My!
Whether it was seals feeding on bunker or dolphins playfully riding alongside trolling boats, the marine life this season added an extra layer of excitement. Even when the bass weren’t biting, these sightings kept spirits high and reminded us why we love being out on the water.
Queen Mary Striper Trip
Our group trip aboard the Queen Mary was a shining highlight of the month. Captain Cole worked hard to put us on fish, and by mid-morning, the action picked up.
- Stats from the Day:
- 15 anglers, 15 striped bass caught.
- Fish averaged 29 inches, with a few larger ones mixed in.
- John Wasnesky earned high hook honors, bringing bass over the rail consistently all day long.
The camaraderie aboard was second to none, with everyone pitching in to share tips and celebrate each catch. Many thanks to Captain Cole and his crew for making the day memorable for all.
Challenges of the Season
- The Dogfish Dilemma:
Several members, including Luis Cadalzo and Sean Wohltman, reported frustrating encounters with dogfish while jigging and trolling. While they’re part of the ecosystem, their sheer numbers sometimes made it tough to get through to the bass below.
- Bunker Without Bass:
Acres of bunker near Manasquan and Asbury raised hopes, but as Luis put it, "You could walk on the bunker," yet bass were often elusive. Despite the challenges, patience and persistence paid off for many.
Big Catches Beyond Stripers
- Boat Record Bluefin Tuna:
Early in the month, Sean Wohltman and his crew landed a 147-pound dressed Bluefin Tuna on a pre-rigged ballyhoo. This record-breaking fish, caught near Little Italy, was a testament to the surprises our waters hold during the fall.
- Late-season Blues:
While stripers were the main target, Eric Wasnesky managed to land a solid bluefish while surfcasting near Sea Girt. His advice? Stick to peanut bunker imitations and be ready for anything.
Tips and Techniques Shared
One of the best parts of being in the MFC is the collective wisdom shared among members. Some highlights this month included:
- Teaser Rig Tips:
Eric’s detailed breakdown of teaser rigs was a game-changer. Using a 30-inch mono leader with a 75 lb TA clip and 130 lb swivel, he’s perfected a setup that’s both removable and resilient. This ensures flexibility for switching to poppers while maintaining strength for those big fall bass.
- Apps for Planning:
Members like Brian Finnegan and Eric swear by the Windy app, which helps predict drift patterns and surf conditions. If you’re looking to maximize your time on the water, this tool is a must-have.
Giving Thanks for MFC
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to share these experiences with such a passionate group of anglers. Whether it’s helping extend gift certificates, sharing hot spots, or offering tips on rigs and techniques, MFC embodies the best of what a fishing club can be.
From humpbacks breaching off the beach to double-digit catches offshore, this fall run has been nothing short of magical. Let’s continue to share these moments, support one another, and cherish the unique natural gift we have in New Jersey’s coastline.
Here’s to full coolers, tight lines, and even bigger stories to come. Happy Thanksgiving, MFC!
– Your Fishing Family 🎣🍂