Fish Galore for Jersey Shore

I just got off the phone with Ray Soyka of Team Jersey Shore. He called to report the first of many memorable adventures to come from the surf. The date was May 18^th, 2012, and the coast of New Jersey had a squall of rain predicted in the coming days. Early signs of storms had begun to hit the New Jersey shoreline in the form of steady 10 to 15 knot east winds, leaving a steady slop of 5-foot swells and wind battering the sandy coast. “We were just sitting and waiting, all week” said Ray. Everyone knew that larger fish were being caught a mile offshore in 50-60 feet-of-water, and the east wind would only make it easier for beach bound anglers to hook in to a potential early cup-registered behemoth.

The time had come for Ray, and many other guys from the defending Striper Cup winning club to hit the beaches. The end of the work day had come and the beach was calling, 5:00pm rolled around and everything was just right. The “perfect storm” of fishing was happening; the 58-degree water from offshore had been blowing in, warming the shore water temps up from 51-degrees. This means that the fish would finally be coming within range. Armed with an arsenal of plugs, Ray and the guys took to the shore where they were greeted by an onslaught of fish that didn’t end until 8:00pm.

Ray reported numerous fish being caught in the 25-pound range and many fish from 30-pounds up. The lures of choice were a 3-ounce white pencil and the very lure participants received for signing up… none other than the Sebile Magic Swimmer. Ray was astonished as he witnessed teammates throwing 30-pound fish back, as they knew what it was going to take to defend their title.

We’re still awaiting the arrival of slips from that night but Ray said that 5 or more fish had been weighed in for the team all of which were greater than 30-pounds.

Here is one lesson for everyone to remember… While fishing with teammates, Ray was also joined by a fellow angler who just happened to catch a 40-plus pound fish, and was not registered for the Striper Cup! A 40-pound fish from the surf, at the time caught, would have a great chance at a monthly prize and an even better chance of winning a weekly. Remember to sign up for the 2012 Striper Cup before you head on your next fishing adventure!