I never like to lead off with regulations on fishing, but it’s that time of year where they are announced. Like them or not, we need to deal with them. With that in mind, we will review a recent meeting’s results.
We also have word of the biggest blackfish I have heard of being caught this season. Let’s proceed.
The New Jersey Marine Council meeting was recently held in Manahawkin. There was a large turnout, people spoke and a decision on the 2020 regulations for the striped bass fishery was announced.
A decision was rendered on the state’s Striped Bass Bonus Program, and the regulations on bluefish were also released. After voting, the council stated that this year’s new regulations, for recreational striped bass fishing, would allow anglers to keep one fish daily that is 28 inches to less than 38 inches.
This option was different than the coastwide standard that was approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). That was for a 28 to less than 35-inch fish.
New Jersey’s size difference means that ASMFC will need to approve this difference, which should happen. If turned down, New Jersey would then use the coastal standard previously mentioned.
The Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP) will continue, after being approved through a vote. The size, at 24 to less than 28 inches, remains the same as last year. You may keep one fish as before, but the date to use the tag now starts May 15 and runs through the end of the year.
In previous years, the program started Sept. 1. This program exists because New Jersey doesn’t allow for commercial striped bass fishing. That allocation of fish is redirected to this program.
Regulations were also set for bluefish. If you’re fishing as a private angler, you may keep three bluefish. If you’re on a party or charter boat, you may keep up to five fish.
I haven’t seen approval on the size of the bluefish, or if there will be an announced season for them. Regulations for both species are awaiting federal approval, as of this column.
Now, let’s get to what we really want to discuss.
The Cape May Lady had a great trifecta of blackfish trips over the long weekend, starting with their Saturday trip. They had a quality fish that weighed 10.3 pounds, plus other nice fish.
As big as they were, they paled in comparison to the 19.5-pound blackfish that came over the rail. This is the largest blackfish that I have heard of being caught during the fall/winter season.
Sunday was another great day of action, which was marked by a mix of short fish and keepers. A couple of the nice keepers to note were an 11.5-pound fish and a 14.5-pound pool-winner. Also, a monkfish fell for bait that was used to target blackfish.
Monday’s anglers had nine keepers, with an 11-pounder leading the way. It was followed by a 9-pounder. Plenty of short fish kept everyone busy and added to a busy day.
Contact Ryan or Capt. Jason to see when winter’s final trips will run. Call (609) 780-7900 or (609) 408-2849 for more information.
Capt. Al had the Bayhound out at the end of the long holiday weekend. The trio that he took out returned with keeper blackfish and a dozen ling. It wasn’t the best day, due to breezy conditions, but it wasn’t terrible, considering it’s February.
Fish landing in the cooler, and a big group of anglers bringing them in, is a successful trip at any time of the year.
There are dates you should remember. If you’re psyched for flounder season starting, keep May 22 open. It marks the day of the 12th Annual Opening Day Flounder Contest, at Grassy Sounds Marina. More information will follow as the date gets closer.
Also, remember June 6, as it’s the first of two days that you can freshwater fish for free without a license or trout stamp. Size and daily bag limits will remain in effect. It’s a great day for the family to get out and have fun fishing.
The June event is being held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week, while the second free day will be in October and will allow anglers to take advantage of fall trout stocking.
Take care, have a great week, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
