When there are diving terns and surfacing stripers that are keyed in intently on a tiny superabundant food source unseen by the confused anglers, the chances are no-see-ums are responsible. Stripers ignore bait and anglers soon realize the no-see-ums are out in force.

The no-see-ums are actually small isopods (crustaceans like the lobster and crab). They swarm near the surface by the millions in what is probably a spawning occurrence. The offerings of anglers are ignored. This particular isopod is a small, multi segmented, grayish-tan organism that looks similar to a pill bug or armadillo bug.

When these incredibly abundant organisms swarm, striped bass and other species target them for an easy meal. It is time for anglers to move on.