The calendar now shows that we have entered into the month of March. Slightly warmer days have been experienced lately, which has gotten many of us thinking about fishing and days on the water. Let’s check things out.
Since the month turned recently, we are now able to legally fish again for striped bass. March 1 was a day circled on many calendars, and a day that acts as a beacon on the local fishing scene. Contests are run by many tackle shops that offer prizes for the first legal striper brought in, with some shops offering prizes for the top three spots.
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center will have its annual contest that awards prizes to the first three legal stripers that come through the door and are weighed in. You can win a nice gift certificate to the store if you are one of the skilled three who claim a prize. If more than one keeper is caught and weighed in on March 1, the prizes will go to the heaviest first three legal catches. Check the Facebook page of Absecon Bay for rules and other chances to win.
Those would be for the first Facebook live video release of a keeper striper and for any keepers after the first three. Those anglers can claim an in-stock Absecon Bay Sportsman Center sweatshirt or T-shirt. Other contests concerning stripers and white perch are also being held and are explained on the Facebook page.
The Atlantic County area rivers, as well as Graveling Point in the southern part of Little Egg Harbor Township, are some good areas that usually produce the first legal stripers of each season. The Maurice River in Cumberland County is also another good place to try. In addition to fishing for stripers in these rivers, you can also fish for some white perch. Just remember to have some different sized rigs in your bag, but you’ll be able to focus on one bait, bloodworms.
There are some important rules that you will need to remember so you don’t run into trouble with the local conservation officers.
Probably the most important is to use in-line circle baits if you plan on using live or dead natural baits. You may also use artificial lures. If you want to keep your striper it must measure between 28 and 31 inches. Any striper that is smaller or larger than that slotted size must be returned to the water. And remember, the bag limit is one legal fish per day.
As you’re out and about, keep an eye on the local bait and tackle shops, since they’re getting ready to open. Mike, at Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, opened over the past weekend, while others will continue loading in new merchandise for the upcoming season while also preparing for their opening day.
Not only are the shops getting prepared, but the local boats are starting to kick their preparations into high gear. That is as long as the weather cooperates. The recent cold snap stopped various repairs and new projects from commencing, or continuing. Most paints, epoxies and fiberglass applications require certain temperatures that just weren’t being met. Warmer days will allow for these jobs to move forward.
The Miss Chris is one of the boats that has kicked its preparations up a notch. With their getting into the swing you know their dock mate, the Sea Star III, is well on the way to being prepared for the April opening of the blackfish spring season.
Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing is also taking reservations for fishing and for crabbing trips. You can call now to book your reservations for charter or open boat trips, 609-827-8309.
The Avalon Lady still has a few openings left for its Fishing and Crabbing Summer Camp. Call 609-967-7455 to get the details and see what dates are available.
While you’re thinking about the upcoming season don’t forget to get in touch with the head boats or charter boats of your choice to grab the dates that you desire. Most trips on head boats are open for everyone to walk aboard, but some do take reservations for certain trips.
Early season trips, like those for drum fish, often require reservations due to a limited amount of anglers that are carried on each trip. Other seasonal outings, for tuna, tilefish, flounder and mahi, often require reservations. Pick a date, make the call now, and don’t miss out on your chance to go on the trip that you want.
If you’re looking for some extra money there are a few employment opportunities available on some of the boats you read about here.
The Sailor’s Delight is looking for one or two extra captains. You must be able to work in the U.S., possess a Coast Guard 100-ton license, and be able to pass a drug test. Local fishing and boating knowledge is also needed. You can work as little or as much as you want between May and October.
The Miss Chris is looking to hire for full- and part-time positions, particularly experienced deck hands, while Starfish Boats is looking for a naturalist/ camp guide for their Miss Sea Isle boats summer program. If you are studying or have studied marine biology, like working with children 8 to 16 years old, and have good communication skills, then this may be your opportunity to spend your summer on a boat cruising around the back bays.
All positions being advertised require you to be able to pass random drug tests, pass a background check, and have a good working knowledge of the local waters, as well as of what a fishing mate does on a daily basis, such as cutting bait, rigging hooks, fixing reels, tying ropes and hauling the anchor.
It’s now the time to take action. Start getting your gear together, clean it if you haven’t already (and hopefully you have), buy or, better yet, make your own rigs, get any items you need from your favorite tackle shop when it opens, and make any reservations you need to. And then, hope the conditions allow you to get out and go fishing. Take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
