Looking around the local fishing scene reveals that a couple of important dates are approaching. Before that, though, we should mention that the best fishing in the area remains the white perch fishery in the rivers and creeks of Atlantic and Cumberland counties. Stop by one of the shops up there and grab some bloodworms. Find your spot and get in on the action. Also, we’ll mention a local boat show that may inspire you to get out and see what’s new in the fishing and boating world.
A look at the calendar reveals that Friday, March 1, is only a few days away. This date marks the opening of striped bass fishing in the state’s back bays, rivers and inlets, which have been closed since Jan. 1. Ocean waters, from the shoreline out to 3 miles, were already open. Many anglers like to hit the back water areas when the season opens for stripers and find that bloodworms and clams, fresh or salted, are the best baits.
If you do head out, please remember that there are some important regulations to keep in mind. First, you are allowed to keep one striper and it must be between 28 to 31 inches in length. It’s a small slot to hit, so make sure you measure twice so you don’t run into any problems. Also, keep in mind that if you are using any marine or aquatic bait, either live or dead, and in pieces or whole, you must use an in-line circle hook. Review the regulations before you head out and make sure you have your saltwater registry card with you.
The next important date is March 7, and concerns the choices that were approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council (ASMFC) for New Jersey to pick from. This meeting is now scheduled to be held at the Galloway Township Library on Jimmie Leeds Road.
There are a number of options, but the option that seems to be the most favored is option 32. This option includes a season that opens May 4 and runs through Sept. 25, for a total of 145 days. Also included is a three-fish bag limit and a size limit of 18 inches. The public is invited to this meeting to voice their opinions.
The Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show is scheduled to run March 1-5 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Boats, gear and activities for the whole family, including an indoor paddle sports pool, a casting tank, and fishing demonstrations are planned for your enjoyment. Get your tickets at www.ACBoatShow.com.
I wanted to note that this is the 10th season that I will be writing the fishing column. Now it’s time for the obligatory comment about not even considering myself writing the column for 10 seasons when I started, and that’s true. I had no idea if I could develop a column each week that would be beneficial to the local fishing community, as well as just being enjoyable to read for the angler, and also the non-angler. But, like walking, you start and one step follows the one before it. You meet new people, develop new relationships, promote events that many enjoy, and soon the seasons start to accumulate. Along the way you lean on those people for information, they lean on you to get the word out about a nice catch or a new promotion they are offering, and all the while those relationships strengthen while you continue to reach out to new people. And the beat goes on. And more seasons pass. Some parts of the year are busy, while others are lean. I hope you’ve enjoyed the previous seasons, but now I will be focused on my first double-digit season, number 10. And speaking of 10, it’s also time to focus on a double-digit blackfish for this season. I’m a quarter pound short of joining that club and the next opportunity won’t come until April. Wish me luck.
Good luck if you get out, no matter what you’re fishing for. Enjoy the show if you go, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
