This press release supercedes anything else on my desk today. NOAA’s Fisheries Service found that the State of New Jersey has failed to implement measures necessary to fulfill its responsibilities under the tautog interstate fishery management plan and as a result NOAA will close New Jersey’s commercial and recreational fishery for tautog on April 1.
Read the entire report in this issue of On Deck or at www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/2008/nr0804.html
Please e-mail me with your comments to this decision.
Now back to local reports. Captain Adam, Adam Bomb Charters reports his first day of good fishing for stripers on March 18. He says it should be getting better from here on out. Coming in, they marked a lot of fish coming up the bay. This is sure good news.
The Atlantic Star, Wildwood Crest, had good runs last week catching sea bass in the 5 to 7 pound range. John Dertouzos, Hamilton, caught his limit and the pool winner at 6.5 pounds. A few days later, Duval Dooley, Philadelphia, had 19 seabass with the pool winner at 7 pounds.
March 29 & 30
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free. Fishing Education Pond, “Kiddie Fishing Tank”, kite making, fish cleaning and cooking station, archery and shotgun ranges. A Hunter Education field session will be offered at 10:30.
Fishermen’s Flea Market will be in full swing, so be sure to look for some good deals on both new and used equipment, lures, gear and so much more! If you’re looking to upgrade your fishing equipment, or if you’re just starting out, you’ll definitely want to check out the vendors here.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located 9 miles west of Hackettstown on Route 46 in scenic Warren County, 908-637-4125.
April 4-6 Wildwood Boat Show and Fishing Expo, Wildwoods Convention Center, Fri: 2 p.m.–8 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.wildwoodsboatshow.com.
April 6 – Fishing Flea Market, Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Drive, 660-7650, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This is a great to sell off the equipment you don’t use, and at the same time buy some new things you might need. Call 660-7650. There will be old, new, used, antique fishing equipment, rods, reels, lures, and nautical décor for sale. Admission is $3, children 12 and under are free.
April 19 – Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club is holding an Inshore/Offshore Seminar featuring Len Belcaro and Peter Barrett. Chuck Richardson, Tournament Cable Tackle should be attending to do a ballyhoo rigging demo with circle hooks. 9 a.m.-noon, break for lunch and 1-4 p.m., Waterfront Marine on Bay Ave. in Somers Point, free.
Be sure to send your fish stories and pictures and Be My Guest reporter. Send info to cmiller@cmcherald.com.