Hello, and welcome to early spring in Cape May County. We are in our annual period of “hurry up and wait.” Nice one day, cold and raw the next. The thought of fishing one day, then the next you’re well back to waiting while you re-arrange your poles, fine-tune your reels, and maybe tie a few more rigs or snell some more hooks. Meanwhile, the cold rain and mist has started. So, no fishing today. That’s alright, because there is always something else that needs attention. One thing getting attention has been the summer flounder situation. Let’s start with a look at recent happenings.
On Thursday, March 23, there was a meeting of the advisors of the state sea bass and summer flounder and the New Jersey Marine Council. Bill Shillingford was there and let me know what went on.
Amongst the proposals being considered, the one that gathered the support of “all advisors” was that which has the season opening with the continuation of the 2016 regulations. A quick reminder, this had five fish over 18 inches and a 128-day season. There is only support of a particular option, as they have no power to set the regulations.
The April meeting of the New Jersey Marine Council will be held on April 13 in Galloway Township at the Atlantic County Library. Proposals and recommendations will be presented at that time.
There is no guarantee that the regulations for 2017 will be set then. From there, the council will wait for the federal meeting in May. There is a risk involved in waiting, but the risk is well worth it when compared to the financial problems that would occur if the 2017 regulations were to be installed.
As far as sea bass are concerned, the regulations will be “almost the same” as the 2016 season. There will be three segments, the first going from May 26till June 18, or for 24 days. It will be 10 fish over 12.5 inches. Segment two runs 61 days from July 1 to August 31, and allows two fish over 12.5 inches. The final segment starts October 22 and runs 71 days till December 31. Bag limit will be 15 fish over 12.5 inches.
Let’s change gears and take a look at some freshwater fishing. I recently received an inquiry about where some recent pictured freshwater fish were caught. I didn’t have exact spots but recommended a few areas to try. Here’s something else that may assist you.
A feature that I wrote about a couple years back is still going strong, is updated and is something you may want to check out. It should be of interest to all fishermen, but I’ve used it more for freshwater and thought I would mention it again. It’s called Pocket Ranger and is available by going to the Play Store App. When there, type in Pocket Ranger. Pocket Ranger – Fish Hunt Guide will appear at the top, and a list of assorted states will pop up for you to scroll through. New Jersey and New York are the two local options. These are free sources of information that cover a number of different topics that you may have questions about. Freshwater and saltwater species are covered under fishing; hunting and trapping has a section; State Parks are listed; Watchable Wildlife shows animals you may come across; plus other areas of interest are covered. One I like is called “Nearest Me.” It provides a satellite view of what is around you. If you were to get lost, you might use it to find your way back to civilization.
Here’s an opportunity that an individual, or possibly a school with a fishing club, may want to take advantage of. It’s free, and to be held rain or shine.
On Saturday, June 10, the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs Program will hold the Second Annual Statewide Youth Fishing Challenge (YFC) at Belleplain State Forest. This will be our county’s place of participation, as the goal is to have all 21 counties in the state participate by offering at least one “host location.” If you are interested in hosting a youth event, please visit www.youthfishingchallenge.nj.gov. The program is designed “to redirect youth from the temptation of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco.” This is accomplished “by engaging them in socially positive activities like kayak fishing, learning about the value of clean water and supporting community service by doing stream clean-ups and planting trees.”
Participants should consider pre-registering with a host site. Participation is open to those 20 years old and younger, and they will be able to win prizes for the fish they catch. For any additional information, to find other locations or to register to fish, please visit the website listed above.
I recently received word of a fishing tournament that I will pass on. It’s right up the freshwater alley we’ve been on, and everyone can participate. Are you any good at catching white perch? Well, check this out.
The Landisville Gunning Club is holding its 12th Annual White Perch Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 22. It starts at 6 a.m., and the great thing is that you can fish anywhere you want in New Jersey. Just be at the weigh-in at 2 p.m. sharp, held at the Gunning Club which is at 4th and Cape May Avenue in Estell Manor.
A fish fry, clams and refreshments will be available after the weigh-in. Prize money will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers. Sign up on Friday, April 21 from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Gunning Club or by visiting www.njwhiteperch.com, where you can also see the entry fees.
One quick note to add is that trout season opens on April 8, so don’t forget your license and trout stamp. Another note is that the state of New Jersey filed an official 14-page appeal to the AFSMC, asking that the vote approved in February concerning the summer flounder reductions be reconsidered due to the adverse impacts to the fishery and the industry. Finally, a third note, April 1 is the opening of the spring blackfish season. It runs to April 30, and has a four-fish bag limit at 15 inches per fish. If anyone gets out, let me know how you did.
Take care, be careful and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
