Old Friends...

 

It has been a while since I have combed the beaches in search of some schoolies, so this winter break I figured set out to hook back up with some old friends. I have spent the last few days trying to get a feel for what is going on. 

Sandy has made a lot of changes. Everywhere I go I notice little things that are not exactly as I remember.

However, many things are still the same. One of my favorite places.

Beach replenishment changes beaches so much they are hard to recognize.

 Ha

Searching... Searching.. Searching....

Sea Scoters off the front of the groins diving down to snack on some mussels. There were also a few Loons closer in diving along side the groins.

Bait fishermen were hooking up with some sundials in the channel from the Jetty. This had me thinking I need to be fishing something that look like a flounder/sundial.

Eventually found some small schools of baitfish. I got a pretty good look at an injured one, olive back about in 2 in long, if i had to guess, I'd say anchovy. All that being said, it seemed as if the rest of the bait I was seeing was a bit smaller. 

It seemed as if a pod of fish was working an area. Fish were breaking water along the groin and in the wash, some were coming totally out of the water.

Small Schoolies are a sight for sore eyes. Stripers are still my favorite fish.

12-29-2013- Update- I down sized my fly thinking about the small bait I saw and the all the misses I had. I didn't miss one this morning rapid fire. 

Powder Day

First thing in the morning I get a text from my buddy "You want to fish before this imaginary snow storm hits?" I replied "I am on my way." I arrived at the stream first and suited up. I figured I would walk upstream and fish streamers down. The moment I set foot on the trail the snow started dumping. My buddy got there and we decided we better call before the roads got to crazy.

 

I love a powder day, but was not happy that I got chased off the river. I made it a point to come back and finish the job the following day. The fish were slamming streamers.  Here are a  few highlights.