Well, I hope everything that you had outside, that you cherish, was tied down. If not, it may be gone now. Sunday, if you remember, was a blowout. Not gone though was a productive fishing Saturday. Tog fishing continued early in the weekend, but then the nor’easter moved through and canceled a few trips. In spite of that, a couple of big tog were taken. We will look at that, more summer flounder news and some activities you may want to plan for. First its business, then pleasure.
On Thursday evening, I received a message from Bill Shillingford. It was in reference to a meeting of fluke advisors from various fishing organizations along the “entire coast.” They discussed the proposed options for 2017 and the conclusion is that “they are not good.”
As discussed in a previous column, the increase in length will go to 19 inches. Season length will vary from 89 to 104 days with a three-fish bag limit. Within those constraints there are four variations. A fifth option that is also being considered is for a length of 18 inches, with a two-fish bag limit and a 54- or 59-day season (season length still to be determined). These aren’t, as the participants felt, “any good for recreational fishermen.”
Per the correspondence, a potential decision may occur on Feb. 2. However, due to the “tremendous number” of received comments which will be forwarded to council members before their meeting on the 2nd, plus the growing number of legislators getting involved, any “decisions could be delayed for further discussions.”
The concluding feeling is that the data being used is flawed, and could destroy the recreational fishing industry as we know it now. A better source of data would be the Charter Captain’s daily reports, and the ALS (American Littoral Society) data.
The Delaware Bay option got “good support” and is focusing on three fish at 18 inches and 128 days. That represents a 32 percent reduction. Since it doesn’t meet NMFS guidelines, it “could result in even more severe cuts on other states.”
Now shifting our focus to fishing finds us “in the land of the giants.” That’s the description that Johnny Bucktails used before heading out in search of big tog. Well, that descriptor was accurate as some big tog were caught (see last’s week’s column). Forward ahead one weekend and Johnny, Ron McClelland, Kurtis Berry and others were out for another trip aboard Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters. They went out looking for “slobs” (another name for big tog), and lo and behold, lightning strikes again.
Ron, who boated a 20-pounder last week, let the others go for the gold this week. As a result, Johnny Bucktails has a new personal best, a week after setting his old record, due to his 17-pound fish. He had the big fish of the day for at least five minutes. Literally. I watched a video made while they fished, and less than five minutes after Johnny’s catch, Kurtis Berry set the hook. As the video progressed forward, the fish moved upward through the water column. Finally, and with much hoopla, it broke the surface. After being netted and weighed, all the anglers were excited to hear that the fish weighed 21 .5 pounds! It was a personal best for Kurtis, and moves to the top of our list of the heaviest tog I have heard of this season.
Update: One of our local contributors is at its winter home. Libation Charters has moved south for the winter to Wrightsville, N.C. Posts from some tackle shops down there have been showing large bluefin tuna being caught, so I’m sure they are on the wish list. When I hear how Libation Charters is doing, I will pass it on.
It’s Showtime: Actually, it’s the time of the year where fishing and boat shows start to occur. Most that I’ve heard of are up in North Jersey, Staten Island and other towns on Long Island. Don’t fret though, as we will have some opportunities coming our way soon.
From a timeline perspective, first up is the 30th Anniversary Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series. It will have its Atlantic City area show on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. This show will be held at Linwood Country Club and will focus on saltwater fishing in the inshore, near shore and offshore regions of our area. Each show is regionally focused and includes local pros and nationally known anglers. Door prizes will be given away during the show and an after-show party will be held at the Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City. As a show attendee you can bring one guest. The party includes a chance to mingle with the speakers from the seminar, complimentary food, refreshments and live music. Register by calling (800) 448-7360.
On Saturday, March 4, the Ocean City Intermediate School will hold its 11th Annual Fishing Flea Market. The show will start at 9 a.m. and go till 1 p.m. The address for the school is 1801 Bay Ave., Ocean City. Come out and support the students and their fishing club.
After that, Sunday, March 19 is the next opportunity to get out and spend some time immersed in the boating and fishing culture. The Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo takes place at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Up to 85 vendors covering your fishing and boating needs from the back bays to the canyons will be on hand. You can talk to local experts that make, and fish, “the tackle that catches fish.” Door prizes will be drawn, and there is “plenty of FREE off-street parking” available. Check out www.fishingexpowildwood.com or “Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo” on Facebook.
If you’re an interested vendor, please contact Gerry at (609) 377-1617, through Messenger on Facebook or at 3girlsskirts@gmail.com.
Our final offering as of now is the Cape May Fishing Flea Market. This show is scheduled for Sunday, April 9 from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. It will take place at the Cape May Elementary School in Cape May, and is presented by Back Bay Adventures.
A friendly reminder: Don’t forget to register for the Saltwater Registry Program. Do it now so it’s done and out of the way. Don’t get checked later and not have it if you can cover yourself now.
Take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
