March 3, 2011, #2 did come in yesterday, but I couldn't get it posted on here. There is already soooo... much to do. But I'm doing it and getting it together as fast as possible. Just 24 hours later and here it is. by Eric Aubrey which was actually caught about 9 pm on Tuesday night and Eric was at my door promptly at 7 in the morning. This one did come locally, but the best I could get as a location was a sod bank in the Great Egg Harbor area. Still it is great to see big fish in the area. It was caught on a black Sluggo and Eric said that he bit so lightly he barely felt it even on super lightweight gear. He did add that once he set the hook it did explode into a great fight.

I really expected to see the third bass yesterday especially as warm as it was. The bloodworm sales have picked up and there have been a few customers who have tried the clams. The reports from the rivers is that there are already a good number of willing shorts so it is only a mater of time before some of the bigger fish get hungry. The perch scene seems to be finally picking up but it still has been difficult for most of perch hunters to find the biggest fish. One of my bait suppliers said that he is going to make an honest effort to catch live grass shrimp this spring. that means I'll have to set up a special tank to keep them, but there is no better perch bait going. It is just one thing that I haven't figured out and this late in the game I'm definitely not in a learn to catch grass shrimp state of mind.

Saturday looks like it is going to be a good one and I'm going to sneak out of the store early Saturday and go give all this good news to Tom P. right in the studio of Rack and Fin Radio on ESPN 97.3 where I'll share some early season striper tips with all his listeners. Rack and Fin is on Facebook so you can keep abreast of Tom's antics there. Remember this report and lots of updates will also be posted on Facebook at the Absecon Bay Sportsman Center fan page and if you "LIKE" the page you will have them come right to your news feed.