The Fishing Line: Feb. 13

The days still have twenty-four hours and life still moves at its normal pace. It just seems that without much fishing going on, things are dragging along. Not to worry though, as it’s less than one month till the back bays open for striper fishing. The nice weekend weather, particularly Sunday, did allow for some local fishing which was nice after last weekend’s lost opportunities. We’ll have word of a couple upcoming summer flounder tournaments as well as a reminder of an upcoming fishing and boating show that should help you pass the time. Let’s heave the anchor and get moving.
The Cape May Lady remains ready, willing, and able to fish when the weather allows. It allowed on Saturday and an almost Spring-like Sunday, and they took advantage of it.
Saturday was a marathon as they fished from sunrise to sunset. They even “broke ice on the way out” and started the day by cleaning snow from the boat. That’s some serious winter fishing. The blackfish weren’t cooperating so they “made an adjustment” and ended with a nice haul of ling “and some jumbo bergal”.
Sunday was described as “tee-shirt weather in February.” The negative was that they had “too much current” early which changed to “no conditions to hold them on the hooks.”  Basically, the nice weather made it a challenge for them to stay anchored over the structure they wanted to fish. Contrary to popular belief, you want some wind and current that allows for favorable anchoring. The nice day resulted in some blackfish, ling, and more big bergals. It also resulted in the unusual catch of a scallop “which inhaled the bait.”
The Cape May Lady will continue to sail, so give them a call at 609-425-4303 to see when they are heading out.  You can also check out their Facebook page to see when they’re doing a “short notice” trip. If a favorable weather window develops on short notice, they’ll schedule a trip and open it to the first anglers to respond. When a pre-determined amount of anglers respond, the trip is closed and a waiting list is started. This is a popular method with winter fishing trips. Don’t forget to give them a call and get on the list.
News of a couple local summer flounder tournament has been announced. The 13^th Annual Grassy Sound Marina Flounder Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 2 at 7 a.m. It will have boat, kayak and pier divisions. Excellent prizes will be awarded and there will be a barbeque and a live band to celebrate the day. More information will follow as the date draws closer.
Tight Lines NJ in Somers Point announced the 21^st Annual “Brutus” Fluke Tournament on June 1. It starts at 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge 2563 and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911 are working together again to benefit both local veterans and handicapped children’s charities. You can fish from a boat, pier, or beach. Cash and non-cash prizes will be awarded for the “Brutus” flounder, Heaviest Bluefish, and in a Junior Angler division. Deadline to register is on Friday, May 31 at the end of the Captain’s Meeting. The meeting will end at approximately 9 p.m. To request a registration form or for more information send an e-mail to BrutusBoy6665@aol.com. Registration forms will be available after April 20 at the following locations: Point Tackle Marina, Somers Point Marine, 24/7 Bait and Tackle, Gregory’s Bar, Fin-Atics in Ocean City, the Ocean City Tourist Center, Back Bay BBQ, and the EHT Elks Lodge.         
Don’t forget to save April 6 and 7 so you can visit the 3^rd Annual Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo. On both days the doors open at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and closing 2 p.m. Sunday.  This year the expanded Expo floor will give you more boats, diverse tackle, fishing poles, apparel, vendors, seminars, marine accessories, local Bait and Tackles Shops, charter boats, decorations, face painting for the kids and nautical gifts. If you have any questions or want to get your own table check out www.fishingexpowildwood.com. Parking for a fee is available in the convention center lot or plenty of street parking is available. Get out and chase away your winter blues.   
The Division of Fish and Wildlife announced that the Pequest Open House and Outdoor Market Place is Saturday and Sunday, April 27^tand 28 from 10 a.m. There will be free events offering something you’re bound to enjoy. There will be fishing, shooting, vendors, various demonstrations and exhibits, plus much more.
The public is invited to attend the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s meeting which is scheduled for March 6 and 7 at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. For an agenda of topics to be covered go to www.mafmc.org. You can also send written comments in. They must be received by 11:59 p.m. on February 20 to be included in the briefing book. Comments received after then, but before 5 p.m. on February 28 will be posted as supplemental materials on the Council meeting web page. Comments sent after that date must be submitted using an online comment form which is available at www.mafmc.org/public-comment.              
Now is as good a time as any to remind you to visit the NJDEP website and register for the saltwater registry. You’ll want to have it with you in case you get checked on, so don’t forget it.
If you’re not fishing through the winter, then use this time to clean and prep your gear for when that opportunity arrives. But if you do get out, then good luck. I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.