Back bay stripers wake up as the fall run takes shape

What's biting

What's next

Cooling nights and falling water temps are what turn the fall run on, and The Fisherman (Northeast) expects the bunker presence along the oceanfront to set up explosive plugging action in the coming days. That points to more stripers pushing toward the Delaware Bay side as bait moves south. Back bays should stay the most reliable option: dark paddletails or small topwater baits after dark, and bone or blue darters in daylight.

Weather is the main variable. The Fisherman — Southern NJ notes a rough week, and Boulevard Bait & Tackle in Sea Isle even floated pulling the plug on the season, so call ahead before driving to a dock.

Tide timing today: CO-OPS lists a high around 2:11 AM EDT and the next low near 8:16 AM EDT. Plan morning drifts around the low and the first of the incoming tide. The moon is a waxing crescent, so nights stay dark enough that dusk and dawn windows should do most of the work.

Context

Mid-October is typically when the fall striped bass migration begins to build along the Jersey coast and into the bay, with bunker and bay anchovies driving the action. Water at 66.7°F is still warm for the date, which is consistent with a run that is starting but not yet at full strength. Southern NJ also tends to hold a lingering mix of summer holdovers this time of year, such as kingfish, croakers and weakfish, alongside the early tautog and black sea bass bite on nearshore structure. Hands Too Bait and Tackle reports (per The Fisherman — Southern NJ) very good tog and sea bass action from local wrecks and reefs. Check current NJ regulations for size and bag limits before keeping fish, as seasons and limits change through the fall.