As this spring's bass season slowly gets better, there are some reports of a few more keeper bass coming in with time. Moonphase Braack brought in a limit of keeper bass on Saturday morning at 30 inches apiece. He's still waiting for the right opportunity to strike in the "simply bassin'" tournament. At last check, a 16 lb. fish was weighed at the south end and still leads. Barry "the bus" Schoenberger also has a couple keepers in the suds this week, and he's also waiting for a tourney weigh-in. (he was fishing in my spot.)

In the bay, the wind and rain shut things down for Friday, but the guys clam fishing at buoy 30 and around that area are catching bass. The keeper ratio is bumping up to about one in 4 or 5 fish, but they're all 30 to 32 inches. Good eatin' fish anyway you slice it.
The weakfishing has been pretty fair when the weather is right, and anglers are catching some decent fish in and around the mouth of Oyster creek. Most of these fish are around the 6 to 7 lb. range, with an occasional fish busting 10 lb. The guys in the shop are loaded with clams and are working the bunker guys to keep a steady supply of baits.

They also ordered up a bunch of new rods, so they might have that St. Croix or other quality equipment on your list. There's still 8 weeks to go in the L.B.I. spring derby, and things are getting better by the day. And by the way; it's just 2 weeks until fluke season. So be safe and good luck and great fishing to everyone.

By Bob Misak for Barnegat Light Bait and Tackle