Fish On
Bass fishing starting to come alive in area
RON NUZZOLO
Surf reports from Ortley Beach north to the Sandy Hook rips are finally producing some keeper size bass. Wind conditions made it tough to get out but anglers off the surf made up for it.

Heavier rods and weight were able to produce bass from 12-18 pounds. According to surf anglers, there are plenty of bass headed our way. Montauk reports are always a good indicator for what's to come to the Garden State and from what reports show the bass are bigger than ever. Last week, angler Mike Milano of Seldon landed a true cow off the rocks along Montauk's south side. In the last two weeks, he has taken credit for a 37- pounder and a 55-pounder on the beach with live eels. At 2 a.m. Wednesday on an outgoing tide, he was throwing a big yellow darter that had produced a few bass to 18 pounds when he got hit by what he explained as a freight train a fish that was unstoppable on its initial run. Well of course the fish then wrapped themselves around a rock that Mike was able to work around wearing a wetsuit. Twenty-five minutes later, he won the battle and landed a 61.44-pound cow. The trophy striper was officially weighed at Paulie's Tackle of Montauk. Milano fishes 15-20 hours a week and favors late-night trips "coming off the full moon." With these fish to his credit, I will take that advice.

Ed Yuengel from NJSaltwaterfisherman. com talked his dad into fishing, so they did some trolling with shad rigs. The bluefish found their way into the mix and did there damage to the Shad lures. But with some doubles, both stripers and blues, it was a perfect day for father and son.

The Gambler from Point Pleasant had there first striper trip of the year and fought through plenty of blues to get through to a few keeper bass all on jigs.

Capt. Bob is also still sailing overnight to the canyons for tuna and he had a slow steady pick of tuna every 20 to 40 minutes at the southern canyons throughout the night and into the day. It was mostly big long fins with a couple of yellows. The Gambler had great weather Halloween night and some cool stuff, like the humpback whale that came right up to the boat, a porpoise, a mako that did some acrobatics and a tile fish that was nearly 50 pounds. And it wouldn't be a canyon trip with out a big school of mahi around the boat, too.

Tuna should remain in the canyons for November, so if you have the fight in you, reserve a trip with Capt. Bob.

Aboard Party Boat Angler Capt. Greg has been picking plenty of porgies and blackfish. Ed Aspril from Bonton caught at least 25 tog with 10 being over 14 inches and saved his biggest to win the pool. If you want to relax and enjoy plenty of bottom-fishing action, reach out to Capt. George at captaingeorge@monmouth. com

Striper alert: If you have a striper encounter and wish to share it with us, please send your report to me ron@signbrothers. com. Fish on.