Fishing Line: March 18

Decent weather, which at times felt like early spring, has made striped bass active in local rivers and back bays. Bloodworms seem to be working the best, especially in the rivers, while small bucktails, with rubber baits, are also working.
White perch are also being caught, which led to changes on a local tournament’s leaderboard. Let’s check out what occurred, find out about an upcoming flounder tournament and review some news releases from the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center had a nice, busy day March 8, registering three more keeper striped bass, all of which came from the same group of anglers. The second keeper of the season, a 30-inch fish, was credited to Vince Trasatti.
The big one of the day was the next fish recorded. Caught by Gene Stevenson, it was 36 inches long and weighed 23.3 pounds. Gorden Muller finished the hat trick by catching the third keeper.
The first two listed won second and third place in the season-opening striper contest.
Don’t forget, there is also a month-long contest for white perch. A new leader was recently announced, as Mandel Mobley entered a 10-fish bag that included two 1.15 pound perch. The weight of the 10 perch totaled 8.95 pounds.
There’s also a new leader in the “lunker” category. Recently, Butch Pawson took the lead, with a 1.25-pound white perch.
You can enter the tournament, and all entry fees go into the prize pool.  The contest runs the whole month, so stop in, enter and start fishing.
A few notices, from the Division of Fish and Wildlife, were released. One pertains to fishing, while the other focuses on another favorite outdoor activity.
First, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will host a two-day Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) team leader training workshop May 15-17, at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resources Education, in Ocean County. It is designed for the adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered organizations that want to offer a youth fishing program. By being flexible, the program can be designed to fit most organizations.
The HOFNOD program is structured to introduce youth to fishing, the area’s waters, and other natural resources. It emphasizes and supports positive outdoor recreation and life skills. Registration is due May 1 and is required.
The second notification is for the Women’s Mentored Turkey Hunt Workshop. This Turkey Hunting Basics program is the next in a series of Outdoor Women of New Jersey workshops.
It is designed to introduce lady hunters to the basics of turkey hunting. It will include a mentored turkey hunt for shotgun hunters. The workshop, based in Parvin State Park, in Salem County, will be held April 25-27.
Additional information for these programs can be found on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
We have a flounder tournament to let you know about. It is the second annual Raging Raymond Fluke Tournament, which benefits Nemours Pediatric Sites in New Jersey. The tournament will be held June 13 and includes a fluke and bluefish Calcutta.
The Captains Meeting will be held June 12 at 7 p.m., at the American Legion Building, 420 Radio Rd., in Little Egg Harbor. More information is available on Facebook, at Raging Raymond Tournaments.
There will be festivities that same day, starting at 2 p.m., at the American Legion Building. By purchasing a wrist band, food will be included, and drinks can be purchased from the American Legion.
There will also be an auction of various items, plus a 50/50 raffle. Call Alex, at 609-845-7653, to reserve a spot.
The fish seem to be stirring, and if you follow their lead and get out, let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.