Island beachlines felt a glorious influx of milder surf waters, compliments of downwelling north winds. Adding awesomeness to the warmer-ness was acrylic-clear water – and the first notable stingray showings of the season.

FAMILY FISHING UNIT: Hey, kids, it’s time to watch dad show what surfcasting is all about. OK, so maybe it’s a tad slower than he had promised. Maybe we can just point out the fish. (Photo by Jay Mann)

In Harvey Cedars, the now annual flocks of cownose rays offered quite the winged showing. Slewloads of them plied the surfside shallows, mainly sucking in sand crabs and sundry marine worms.