The Raritan Bay gave up a steady pick of flounder this past week. Keyport, Morgan Creek andUnion Beach were hot spots. Anglers did manage to catch and release a few reported bass as well. Most charters had to work extra hard to get to their flounder limits. Sandworms, clams, mussels and plenty of chumare themain ingredients, and the bait shops are stocked with them.

The story remains the same from north to south. Pick away at some flounder and hope tomix in a bass or two. Bass and flounder are showing up in small numbers all along the surf and back bays from Sandy Hook to Barnegat light.

The good news remains with the corralling schools of bunker and herring. It should be a few more weeks before the bays bust wide open. Big bass will bring those schools busting on the surface and birds above. Those are the two sure signs that say "it's game time."

Charters are starting to sail daily in search of flounder and bass, so always check in with your local bait shops or log on to www.NJSaltwaterfisherman.com for all the latest fishing reports before you take a day off.

Speaking of taking a day off, April and May are the bestmonths to be a part of some of the best sport fishing in the country. It's nowor never in theGarden State for some of the hottest bass action around. Take off a few days and get out there. Fish on.