Morning Bite Regimen

For at least the past 7 days it has all been about the morning bite. Miles of bass have taken up residence along the shore and have adopted some qualities of domestication, at least in terms of regimentation. Like many of us do, we eat at roughly the same time and work at the same time, the bass are doing too. The formula for a fun hour or two fishing each day is to have the discipline to get to the beach by first light and the ability to work a needlefish or metal lure in just the right way to induce strikes.

Though the fish are in a feeding pattern, time wise, not every one is catching fish the same like during a blitz. I have been having success working a needlefish with a lot of jerks, stops, and pops as opposed to just a straight slow retrieve. For example, in multiple instances after getting a bump I would shake the rod like a popper, and the fish would slam the needlefish almost instantly. Others are having success with slim metals, and metals with a black tail are hot right now.

A fantastic hour or two of fishing each morning has been the norm over the past week. Slim metals and Needlefish that imitate sand eels have been hot lures. Those who have been imparting some finesse with the lures have been taking the most fish.

Bluefish continue to be missing from the surf or are only mentioned like a rumor. It’s all bass right now and has been the entire time for the most part. It’s like a really good steak that is missing a sweet potato or side of vegetables. The action right now is really good; it just needs that extra bit of nutrition, which would be bluefish. Bluefish provide more action during the day and make the bass more competitive.

Either way, after a late start (warm weather and a lack of bluefish) now that the bass and sand eels have settled in, and the water is fishable more days than not, this season, so far, has ended up turning out very good.

P.S.  Just scored a nice bass and dropped 3 or 4 more in the dark not more than 30 minutes ago.  Since I know I will get them good in the morning I'm choosing sleep tonight.