In the last two outings from shore I have landed 11 stripers. Of those 11 fish, TEN have been keepers. Yes, keeper bass, especially those fish in the 28 to 38 inch range have been around in good numbers this month. They are keying on peanut bunker that is around in astounding numbers all along the RI oceanfront.Yesterday I went down to target false albacore. They were around in the morning in good numbers and I got a couple, but as the day went on, a big northeast wind developed and put an end to the bite. I later found acres of peanut bunker in one location and they were being blasted by large stripers just before dark. While stripers are fussy when feeding on this stuff, they can be caught with a little persistence on the angler's part. It is also easier to get them after dark.
So, I worked this area at and after dark and came away with a couple of fish that were just shy of 40 inches (see photos left and right). Both fish fell for a pearl colored Daiwa SP minnow. The stripers are after this small bunker but there are also adult menhaden here and there along the shoreline. They, too, are attracting some big fish.
It is interesting to note that I have seen very few fishermen targeting stripers from shore. Everyone seems to be crazed about the albies and the stripers are getting little attention these days.
