Beautiful warm November days are rare, so When Tony Maja Jr invited me on a mid week Striper trip, I was in the car and down the shore as fast as my Jeep would go. Reports have been sketchy, schools of bass have been reported here and there. But as my Friend Jim Hutchinson always says, “Don’t wait for the reports, go make them!” Our world class crew, Tony Maja Sr. Tony Maja Jr. Jim Hutchinson, and myself headed out aboard the Maja in search of a few nice bass.

Signs of bait on the surface were almost none. Few birds in very few numbers were busy diving, but no strong signs of anything in the area as we trolled north along Seaside. A few small pods of bait were showing on the Sonar, but again nothing to point to a huge number of Bass that would be working the area.

The VHF was relatively quiet, most Captains were looking for fish as well from others in their network. Aside from a handful of “Radio Checks”, almost no bragging of fish in the box. Conditions eluded to a slow day for sure.

A pair of #4 Maja Spoons, one White and one Green/chartreuse were set outside on the EZ Outrodders, while a pair of tandem Mojo’s were set inside. One set high, one low just off bottom. It was probably about mid morning when we got our first hit, it was on the higher Mojo. But it seemed the wary fish short striked the bait and quickly let go. About 45 minutes passed and the deep Mojo went of, HARD! Jim Hutchinson sprung into action, grabbed the rod, but again….another short strike and the fish let go after a few seconds of excitement. A third strike happened with the same results.

Listening to the VHF as the Captains bantered back & forth, Sand eel rigs and Maja Spoons were getting a few fish in the box, but very slow conditions this day to be sure. We called it an early day and agreed to try again in a week or so, as the biomass marches further south into the area.

I have to thank Tony Maja St & Tony Maja Jr, for a fantastic day on the water, both amazing gentlemen. Also my good friend Jim Hutchinson, always enjoy his company and conversation. So much to learn form such a great team. We will be out again soon, hopefully we can report some better numbers, check back soon….