Greetings from Capt. Dave & BAYMEN!

On the bay this morning in search of the first early fish of the pre-season. A ton of fish are moving north in the migration as I am sure you know if you follow the On The Water Striper Migration. Lots of fish pushing through all with lockjaw! Most moving with the tides in 12-45 fow, all hugging the bottom. My guess is they are feeding on small green crabs about the size of a quarter. Takes are VERY soft and gentle – when you can get them to take at all. Three takes, three spits this morning.

Clouds of bait are also on the move in their own migration inshore from offshore. Gannets in large flocks are feeding on the bait (herring) and seals are also working the bait. A handful of big bass with the bait as well in deep waters.

The water was like a sheet of glass this morning, but winds and rain are on the way for the weekend. Surface temps today were 52 degrees for the high. Three more degrees and migrating fish should start chasing bait on topwater. Mid-May is usually a sure bet, but even then there can still be gap days in between schools migrating north to as far away as the Canadian Maritimes (hint: striped bass love salmon eggs and fry).

We are laying low for the weekend to let this front pass through. Warm temps and calm seas and lots of hungry fish should follow. Hit or miss for a few more weeks and then it’s game time!

STAY POSTED:

Capt. David Bitters, BAYMEN, baymenlife.com 32 Years Guiding The Bay. Soli Deo Gloria!