The Fishing Line: Back in Print

Well, here we are again. As I write this the thought of a relaxing day fishing, is heart-warming. These days are great for checking out your gear and catching up on the news on the fishing front. Here are a few things to keep you busy and up-to-date on the fishing scene.
The NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that there is a public forum to discuss freshwater fisheries research and management, culture and recreational angling on Feb. 26 at 10 a.m. at Batsto Village Visitors Center in Burlington County. Topics will include all aspects of freshwater fisheries management. Pre-registration is not required but appreciated and will help ensure that all can be accommodated. Call 856-629-4950 or e-mail Christopher.Smith@dep.state.nj.us.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife will be holding its annual trout stocking public meeting at the Pequest Trout Hatchery on Feb. 12 at 10 a.m. affording an excellent opportunity for anglers to ask questions, voice their opinions, and give suggestions regarding NJ’s trout stocking program. Changes for 2011 season will be presented and explained. For directions, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/peqdirct.htm on the division’s website.
Students in grades 4 through 7 are invited to learn about New Jersey’s native fish by participating in the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 2011 Native Fish Art and Writing Contest. The purpose of this annual contest is to encourage children to learn about New Jersey’s native fish species and their biological requirements, including the habitats they need to survive.
Participants write an original short story about a year in the life of a native New Jersey fish of their choice and draw a scene from their story. The story must include accurate biological and ecological information about the fish, such as its habitat needs, food preferences, and behavioral characteristics. Stories must be typed and be at least 500 words long.
The drawing must have a finished size of 8.5 x 11 inches and can be done in acrylics, pencils, watercolors, oil, oil pastels, crayons or ink. Creativity and originality will weigh heavily with judges, as will the use of proper grammar, sentence structure and spelling. For more information, see http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishart.htm.
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a science-based program that teaches children about the importance of coldwater conservation through a hands-on approach to learning. Schools across New Jersey receive brook trout eggs in mid-October from the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Warren County. Students then hatch and raise these trout, monitor water quality, learn fish biology and anatomy, and much more. At the end of the school year, the trout are released into approved streams.
If you would like to get involved with TIC in your classroom for the 2011- 2012 school year this is the time. Tanks must be set up and running by the middle of September, which is why schools interested in participating need to start planning now. For more information visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/tic.htm.
The following are releases from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission: Hearings on Draft Addendum VI to the Tautog FMP Draft Addendum Proposes Measures to Address Illegal Live Market and Prevent Overfishing at Ocean County Administrative Building, Public Hearing Room 119, 101 Hooper Ave., Toms River.
Hearings on Spiny Dogfish Addendum III, Public Comment Accepted Until March 4. In New Jersey, Division of Fish and Wildlife, March 3, 6:30 PM, Galloway Township Public Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Absecon. Contact: Pete Himchak at (609) 748-2020 for more info on either of these meetings.
Teachers, are you looking to infuse a significant ecological phenomenon and current real-world resource management challenge into your classroom? If so, you should consider signing up for the Green Eggs and Sand Workshop being coordinated this year by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife held May 13 – 15 in Cape May.
The Green Eggs and Sand Workshop will delve into the ecological connections between horseshoe crabs and shorebirds, and the challenges encountered in managing this spectacular resource. Deadline for registration is April 15. The cost is $100. A registration form is available at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/greeneggs.htm .
Stalker Fishing Charters will still be on the water in Cape May for 2011. The only difference is that Capt Skip is now the Owner/Operator. Their Web site is going to be change to www.stalkerfishingcharters.net The e-mail address is stalkerfishingcharters@yahoo.com or call 972-5218.
And the most important info of all to Pennsylvania and NJ anglers: On Jan. 6, the NJ Senate and Assembly placed free saltwater registry legislation on Governor Christie’s desk for signature. Currently, New Jersey is the only coastal state in the continental U.S. without a state registration for coastal anglers. As of this writing, the Governor has not signed the bill. (RFA) This is your chance to make your opinion known, pro or con the measure, by contacting the Governor’s office.
This column will be running again every week, so send your fishing news, photos, and comments to cmiller@cmcherald.com.