It’s April 1, no fooling – just trying to lighten up a scary, odd and uncertain situation.
Due to numerous factors, including new rules and regulations, much remains uncertain. Fishing, the operation of charter and headboats, whether tackle shops and related businesses can open, and how some are operating, are situations being handled as the situation develops.
Let’s check things out.
Anglers are getting out, but not in large numbers. They are practicing social distancing when needed, but most seem to have been going out on their own. I’ve heard of some stripers being caught – mainly small schoolies, but a few have been larger.
The action has been in local backwaters, with a little on the bayside. The freshwater scene is still dominated by white perch and striped bass. They are in Atlantic County’s rivers and are hitting on bloodworms and grass shrimp.
I’ve also heard that the Lester McNamara Wildlife Area was productive for some freshwater action. As of now, I’m not sure if it’s open and accessible to anglers. New rules and what is deemed essential will determine whether access to the area is available.
With the first day of April here, we should be heading to the docks to hop on the local charter and headboats. Instead, most captains are in a holding pattern, waiting to see what they can do.
Will boats be allowed to operate at all, or at least in an amended manner? Might they be allowed to sail with a limited amount of anglers? If so, what is the amount needed to make a trip financially viable for a boat’s captain/owner?
Most charter boats, or six-pack boats, operate with a maximum of six, hence the name. That number works financially for them, but for a larger boat, would that number work or be raised because of the increased space on those boats? These questions need to be addressed.
Because of the uncertainty from the evolving situation, many boats have postponed their opening trips anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. Time will tell, and I’ll keep you informed as I find out.
Our local tackle shops are also caught in this situation. Most were preparing to open, with the approach of the spring season, but are now uncertain of what to do. They are waiting for more clarification, while one, Peace Token, is conducting business online.
Joe, from Cape May Bait and Tackle, has a vending machine at the store for purchases, is planning to implement a purchase and delivery system, and can also handle a credit card over the phone, leaving purchases out front for pick up.
Some shops were unavailable for comment, as they seem to be in a holding pattern. My advice would be to call your favorite shop before you head out. Hopefully, you’ll have the time and the opportunity to fish and grab bait from your favorite place or another operational shop.
In other fishing news, I heard several bits of favorable news. First, Joe, previously mentioned, from Cape May Bait and Tackle, reported striped bass being caught near Cape May Point and by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Fishing bloodworms on the bottom seemed to work best.
Another report comes from Bucktail Willie, who was doing some preseason flounder fishing. He landed two fish, a 16-incher and a 20-incher. Obviously, both were released, but each is now wearing an ALS (American Littoral Society) tag.
The group promotes the conservation and study of marine life and habitats. If you catch either of these fish, or any tagged fish, please return the tag and information about the catch, noting where and when you caught the fish. This interesting, important information will be added to the society’s database.
Bill also saw three short striped bass caught from a bridge in the Corson’s Inlet area. That’s more great news for backwater and inlet anglers.
For those looking for a kayak for fishing, or just fun, don’t forget to check out the Kayak Fishing Store. Their showroom is closed, like many businesses, but they have a website available. If you find one or more that you like and order it, they can set up curbside delivery for you. That way, you can have it set up and ready to go when we are finally able to return to a normal life.
It can’t get much easier than that. The fishing community may be slowed, but thankfully, it hasn’t been completely stopped, at least yet.
We have been forced to find new ways of getting bait and supplies, but we have, and we are still getting to the water. No major catches were made, while others caught, such as flounder, are still out of season, but under these circumstances, any time on the water or pull on your line is a victory.
If you get out, let me know how you did. Keep your distance if others are around, have fun and stay safe.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
