Fishing Line: April 15

As we complete another week, we have more news about local fishing. Not much, but the flame is still burning and being fanned. Because of these results, there will be fresh fish on local dinner tables.
As previously reported, the area near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, from the rock piles and along the beach, is slowly starting to produce action. Recently, Ryan Graessle was fishing on that beach when he hooked a nice puppy drum. I’m sure it felt great to get a strong tug on his line.
He also hooked up and saw others with small stripers, so Ryan had an excellent day. It also shows that fish are arriving as the weather improves.
Something else being collaborated is the old saying that the drumfish will show up when dogwood trees bloom. Over the weekend, I noticed the dogwood in the front lawn was starting to bloom, then, a few days later, the first drum fish was caught.
Gnats starting to bite are also mentioned as a sign, but thankfully, they have not shown up yet.
I have also heard of some keeper blackfish being caught from the local rocks and bridges. A picture of a nice blackfish, caught by an angler named Greg, was reported by Tight Lines B&T North, but no specifics –  size, weight or location caught – were included.
Blackfish or tog are fun to target, fight hard, and taste great, so keep them as an option. While around any rock piles or bridges, remember to have an extra pole set up with a bucktail and a rubber bait.
As the waters warm, and fish start to cruise our waters more frequently, you may be able to hook a striped bass or bluefish. Remember the new regulations for both species.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a logo design contest for students to create a logo for the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs program. This could fill free time and maybe fulfill a requirement for a school project, particularly for an art class.
Any New Jersey student 21 and under (you must be under 21 by the end of the calendar year 2020 to be eligible) may enter a design. The contest’s objective is to update the program’s logo and develop a unique representation.
You can review the program’s background by visiting, www.njfishandwildlife.com/hofnodnj.htm. You can also visit the main website, tap on the icon on the left of the screen, and follow the prompts for the contest at the top of the display.
Entries will be accepted through Oct. 31, and you must submit original artwork, with a completed entry form, by regular mail or email. Remember to send your best design because only one entry will be accepted per person.
Your entry will be judged on relevance to the goals and theme of the program, the originality of your artwork, with a focus on creativity, imagination, and your design’s aesthetic value. Does it demand attention through visual balance and color coordination?
One winner and twelve honorable mentions will be chosen. Good luck, grab your art supplies and get started.
A notice, from New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, arrived just before my deadline. It was a reminder that Wildlife Management areas are currently open for hunting and fishing. NJF&W “wants to keep it that way, so we need YOU to observe proper social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Practicing safe social distancing is “extremely important” at all times, but especially now. The main point that they want everyone to remember is to keep your distance, so they can keep the areas open. Since we don’t want to lose the opportunity, it sounds like important advice to live by.
You may also want to watch a video on their website titled, “COVID-19 Fishing Guidelines Video.” It’s located in the “What’s New” section, in the upper-right corner of the home page.
Don’t forget, even though it may be difficult to fish, due to our current circumstances, you can still go. With that in mind, don’t forget to support your local bait and tackle shops. Use the call-ahead service or their form of curb-side transactions.
Some businesses also allow you to choose your bait from the cooler at the front of the business or from a vending machine. Do whatever works, but remember to keep your distance, so we don’t lose the right to go fishing or places to do it.
Be safe, have fun, and let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.