As Bob Dylan wrote, “The times they are a changin’.” One change is that the ospreys returned to our local marshes just as the swallows do in San Juan Capistrano. Maybe an even more notable change are the flocks of birds that were spotted diving on fish. While at the Wildwood Boating and Fishing Expo, I spoke to two very reliable guys who saw bird play moving down the beach while they were setting up their table. From Longport to Cape May, bird play was witnessed and even captured on film. I’ve seen a couple of the videos, but have yet to hear of anyone being able to get a line in the water while the birds were present to see what they were diving on, or what was under them. What we do have is information about the fluke and sea bass seasons that just arrived and will be covered. We have word of some local tackle shops opening for the season, so that is another change to note. Also, don’t forget that we have a local organization that is presenting three seminars concerning local fishing topics at the end of the month. A reminder of a local white perch tournament awaits too, so let’s pull the anchor and get underway.
The important information that we have all awaited is that the 2018 summer flounder season will start on May 25 and run through Sept. 22. That equates to a 121-day season. The size will be 18 inches with a three-fish bag limit. The regulations for the Delaware Bay will be three fish at 17 inches, while Island Beach State Park will continue to be two fish at 16 inches. I thought an earlier opening day where we could get out before the crowds arrive would be good, but after conversing with a friend, I realized that the later season would be more beneficial. More days later are better than a few earlier. That’s when the bigger fish will be on the reefs and structure, and its also good for the local boats and marinas. It should benefit all parties involved.
While the flounder regulations seem set, the sea bass situation, which was established, now has a degree of uncertainty.
The regulations as of now have a four-segment season: May 5 to June 22 has a bag limit of 10 fish at 12.5 inches; July 1 to Aug. 31 has two fish at 12.5 inches; Oct. 8 to Oct. 31 has 10 fish at 12.5 inches; and the final segment from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 has 15 fish at 13 inches.
Problems may arise as an official appeal has be made by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The ASMFC then said the appeal could proceed to its Policy Board so it could be reviewed. These states are not happy with the differences in regulations. This situation has yet to be settled.
Now to the local scene. Boulevard Bait and Tackle opened for the season on April 2. The shop is set up with early season baits and all the gear you need. Give them a call before heading out to see what fresh baits are in stock. They’ve had bloodworms which were working on the small bass and perch in the local rivers. One angler, Clay, was on one of those rivers recently and caught 17 white perch, including two “twins” that went 1.73 and 1.71 pounds. Cameron is now open seven days a week, so stop in and check them out.
Tammy at Avalon Hodge Podge checked in to report that they are “finally starting to see stripers and small bluefish.” Also showing life is the tog bite at 8th Street which has “been steady on green crabs and tog jigs.” The stripers were coming out of the back on bloodworms, while small blues are at the jetty and in the surf. Metal lures, mullet or mackerel are producing fish.
The shop is “fully stocked and ready for spring.” Stop in, say hello, grab some bait and head for the rocks.
Peace Token Fishing Tackle in Burleigh has been running full time since April 1. The shop is fully stocked with the gear you need. They also have the baits you’ll want such as green crabs, bloodworms and clams in pints and quarts. A large variety of frozen baits also awaits you. If you are heading out to do some freshwater fishing, then they are prepared for you, too. For the trout anglers, the shop is carrying trout worms and trout dough, plus other Berkley Power Baits that you may desire. Stop in and say hello to Robin and Mike.
Don’t forget the Landisville Gunning Clubs 13th Annual White Perch Tournament on April 21. Start fishing at 6 a.m. anywhere in New Jersey. Just be sure to be at the weigh-in on time. It starts at 2 p.m. sharp. Visit www.NJWhitePerch.com to sign up to fish, or to get tickets to the fish fry and BBQ which follows. You don’t have to fish to enjoy the fun. Also check out the Landisville Gunning Club’s Facebook page for more information.
Also, remember that on April 28, the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club is sponsoring three seminars to be conducted by long-time members. 3 p.m. is the starting time and the location is the Strathmere Firehouse, 9 Commonwealth Ave. Summer flounder, surf fishing, and inshore and ocean fishing are the chosen topics. Vendors will be on site and a giveaway follows each seminar. Beverages and snacks will be provided.
I stopped by the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo on Saturday morning. It was good meeting Dennis and Dave from Utsch’s and George from the Heroes on the Water, and reacquainting with Captain Dan from Insomniac Guide Service. I look forward to working with them. I saw some regulars like Captain Andrew and his mom Linda from Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing. They will offer night fishing this summer as an added feature. Fishing and being on the water at night should offer a lot of excitement. Captain Brandon and wife Jennifer were there representing the Miss Avalon and their pontoon boat, the Avalon Lady. They will be offering more of the popular summer fishing camps this season, plus more back bay fishing and crabbing. Robin from Peace Token, with an assist from Adam, had a table ready for business, plus I saw a friend, Sue, and her popular nautical-inspired bottle cap art. The work and effort Sue puts into each piece is really amazing. It was good to see so many people participating in the show.
Alright. Take care, get out and get involved, and hopefully I’ll see you somewhere fishing.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
