Went out from Rudee today. Ice was floating around the ramp and was covering much of the Owl's Creek shallows. Actually, though, it was fairly pleasant until the tide changed around noon. Lots of birds and lots of bait but few fish. I heard reports from Cape Henry to Corolla and it was pretty much the same. The water looked like chocolate milk. I pulled a chartruse Stretch 30 and a daisy chain with a 6" Storm trailer and a Mojo from Rudee to the Golf Ball and back. NOTHING. Finally got too rough for my little boat. Hope some of you guys had some luck in the PM. I dunno. I'm starting to lose interest. I think its going to be an early, long, and brutal winter. I've never seen ice this early and I'm pretty old.

Keep your Chin Up the Ice is helping the water catch up to its normal Temp for this time of year.The Ice is going to help the bite if anything.Today was just an off day.The tide was not running much and the water was like muck.We ran to almost to the Corolla Light and Trolled every lure known to man,not one Striper bite.We did have something run the wire 60# and it snapped before I got to the drag.Once things settel down They will ball up again no doubt.

I think I heard you guys on the radio. I knew if you had run to Corolla and back without success, it was time for me to go home. I sure hope you are right but the long range forecast looks like wind constantly through the middle of next week. I sure wish it would settle down. Cold doesn't bother me...wind does!

What temps should we be looking for? What temps did you note today??

I checked the NOAA buoy site and it showed temps at just below 50 (9-10Celsius) at some semi-local buoys.

I saw 49 Deg a few times today. The real fun begins around 45 Deg. or atleast thats what I have observed in the past.That Temp usually brings the Big Females down from the north.I have caught Large Striper down to 38 Degrees anything lower usually pushes them to warmer water.

I sure appreciate being able to hear about your reports today. I wanted to go this morning and I was going to give it a try off CH, but ended up buying a new horse to pull my cart. Now I will live in agony until I get the first scatch on it. Makes me want to scrape a tree or light pole and get it over with. I am ready to catch nice fish and the cold does not bother me, but I agree with him - The wind does bother me. When I used to swordfish for a living as a kid I did not have much choice about fishing in the wind but now older and wiser - I do. Waiting patiently !

A very reliable person told me they are still having a great year off the N.J. coast. It is just a matter of time before they cruise on down here. Cant wait.