The Fishing Line: April 3

Well, we are getting closer to some decent fishing weather. If the wind would just lie down, then people would venture out and maybe some fish could be caught. The second to last Sunday in March was warm enough to go out in short-sleeves. Yes, I know it won’t be that warm along the water but the thought of strolling the sod banks tossing out some bloodworms for stripers was definitely there. A few more boats announced their opening day, the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo, which is now totally sold out of vendor space, starts its two-day run at the Wildwood Convention Center in three days, and things just feel that they are ready to break loose. Let’s do the same and get started.
With the knowledge that the local boats are getting prepared for the upcoming season we have some dates for when these boats will start their 2019 schedules. The Sea Star III is due for their Coast Guard inspection on April 1. If they receive “a clean bill of health” then they will start their season on April 5. Next up is the Miss Avalon that will leave the dock for the first time of the year on Saturday, April 13 at 8 a.m. Another boat that is prepping for their season is the Miss Chris. They are now taking reservations for Drum fish trips on evenings in May. Give them a call at 609-849-9453 because seating is limited. The Cape May Lady has scheduled an April 1start while the Porgy IV will start on Friday, April 5. You have plenty of choices so get ready, get set, and be prepared to go fishing.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife has deployed 19 acoustic receivers in the Delaware Bay which will allow them to track migration patterns of Atlantic sturgeon. These receivers are in water that is generally less than 20 feet deep. They are marked with white buoys that are marked “NJDEP Research”. Call 609-748-2020 for exact receiver coordinates. These fish are still out there. A recent story told of researchers who saw a 14-foot specimen in the Hudson River last summer. Side scan radar, which is more advanced than a basic depth sounder, was being used and the fish was detected along with other smaller fish. Maybe a similar sized fish is swimming around the Delaware Bay.        
For more information about the project and Atlantic sturgeon, you can call or visit the Divisions website.
One other message from the Division of Fish and Wildlife is a reminder that Trout season opens on Saturday, April 6 at 8 a.m. Be ready with your gear, your license, and most importantly, your trout stamp. The closest area around here is the Ponderlodge Pond in Lower Township.
Here’s some news for those who like to go surf fishing. Mark down the date of Sunday, May 19 on your calendar. That is the day of the 27^th  Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament which is being held at Island Beach State Park. The fishing starts at 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are interested in registering for the tournament, the recommendation is to do it early. Doing so allows you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes, and avoid delays when entering the park. The early incentive ends on April 22. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament beginning at 5 a.m. at Pavilion #1. If you have any questions, please call 609-748-4347.         
If you’re in the market for a new boat, then South Jersey Yacht Sales wants you to know that they will be the host of “Demo Days” in Atlantic City. This event will be held at the Frank S. Farley State Marina which is located at the Golden Nugget Casino on the weekend of May 4 and 5. This will be an in-water event where prospective buyers can experience the ride and performance of center console and express boats from Albemarle, Invincible, Jupiter or Yellowfin. Both days start at 9 a.m. and run till 4:30 p.m. Please be advised that all demo rides are by appointment only. There will be refreshments and special giveaways for those that attend. The experienced sales staff will provide in-depth assistance during the sea trial and will also handle any details regarding standard features, options, financing and availability of all the brands at the event, plus others that the marina carries. For additional information about specific brands or models, or to schedule an appointment, call South Jersey Yacht Sales at 609-884-1600.
As I wrap things up for this column, hopefully you are getting prepared to hit the water on April 1 or not long there-after. We should have some real fishing news of actual catches, hopefully, by the next column. Don’t forget that the Wildwood Fishing Expo and Boat show is this Saturday and Sunday. Get out, get fishing, enjoy the show and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com .