choosing where to fish

[ferric84]

Today I went out striper fishing, into the ocean (instead of staying inside like I normally do). On the way out, I passed by some rips with working birds, so i took a few casts and got some time sized blues. Once I got out though, there were no rips or birds. I had no clue where to begin, because there were no clues. I basically just picked a spot and hoped there were fish there. What do you guys do in this situation? THis is the first time I have really been out without a friend that knows the areas pretty well. Unfortunatly, my only friend that likes to fish and knows the water moved to maine, so i'm at a loss. Also, I don't have a fish finder, so that doesn't help.

where would you start?

[eagle eye]

i would have stayed were you caught the blues. if there was bait there, there were probably stripes as well.

[Striperjim]

Yea probably underneath the school of blues. ferric. Get yourself a Captain sea gull chart at the local tackle shop for 10 or 15 bucks. It will show you the layout of the area you will fish. It may be worth your while to charter a trip with a guide, what you will learn is invaluable.

[Roccus]

Personaly I would have moved away from the bluefish, I would have moved in along the surfline,search for a sandbar,depression in the contour of the beach,all beaches have them,look for an area that is different,maybe where sand goes to cobble bass will hunt the cobble for crabs,lobsters and baitfish....
Tide runs paralell to most beaches somwhere along that beach something would surely trip it up creating a small rip,it doesnt have to be a screamer,just enough to upset the natural rythem of the sea....

Tigh lines
Rock