As we move closer to spring, actual fishing is still slow even when compared to winter standards. While striped bass will be legal in less than 10 days, we received some news this week of something a little further down the line: summer flounder season. Nothing is finalized, but a framework is starting to emerge. Word of a freshwater event and a fundraiser for a fishing organization will also be passed on. Oh, and yes – someone got out on one of the warmer, calm days we experienced during the mid-week period. We’ll tell you what they caught. Let’s unspool the report and give top billing to an angler who will be so busy soon that he won’t have the opportunity to get out on the water.
Cameron Koshland, from Boulevard Bait and Tackle, and friends got out on Valentine’s Day and found something they love – yes, fish. More precisely, they rendezvoused with some “cold water fish” to the tune of 10 keeper tog and “two nice cod.” Cameron was very happy with the cod and summed up the day by saying he hadn’t “seen these in a few years and they’re one of my favorites to catch!” Catching dinner and taking advantage of the weather window in February; that’s a good way to spend your Valentine’s Day.
Recently, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council conducted its winter meetings. Per Bill Shillingford, who monitors and participates in the meetings, there will be a 17 percent increase in allowable fluke catches. This increase translates to a longer fluke season.
As of now, it appears that three fish at 18 inches will be the accepted proposal. There is still a little concern about the size limit, as states to the north weren’t comfortable with New Jersey staying at 18 inches and having a longer season.
New Jersey has three options for its seasons. Options include one from May 25 to Sept. 22, a second being May 22 to Sept. 20, and the final option from May 15 to Sept. 16.
Sea bass were also discussed, and all indications are that the regulations “will be basically the same as last year.” It was also reported that the sea bass population is “230 percent over target.” A nice possibility is that there may be a couple extra weeks for sea bass after the fluke season concludes. This action has not yet been approved. That would be an economic benefit to the local bait shops and charter and party boats as the dead time between seasons would be lessened.
The New Jersey Marine Council is scheduled to meet in early March to discuss the results of the meeting and determine what they will do next.
No news of a 30-day public comment period has been announced, but one is being hoped for. This period would allow the public to voice any concerns they may have, and to put any ideas that they may have out for consideration.
A final point that was confirmed is that New Jersey is now a stand-alone state. It is no longer within a region and subject to that region’s rules.
Let’s take a look at some freshwater news. On Feb. 24, the highlights of the 2017 Largemouth Bass Sampling Activities in Central and South Jersey will be presented at the Batsto Village Visitors Center. The center is located in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County. The forum begins at 10 a.m. Any questions or opinions of the attendees concerning any fisheries matters of interest or concerns are welcomed. Ways to improve and promote the Division’s Skillful Angler Program are scheduled for discussion. Pre-registration is suggested, but not required. For additional information, visit the Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
The 21st Annual Fundraising Banquet and Auction of the International Gamefish Association New Jersey Representatives will be held on April 20, 2018. It will take place at Doolan’s Shore Club on Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights, N.J. Proceeds benefit the IGFA’s Junior Angler and Conservation Programs. Last year, 150 attendees raised over $12,000 for the previously mentioned IGFA programs.
The list of South Jersey Tournaments came out recently. The list starts on June 6 with the 38th Annual South Jersey Shark Tournament. It runs till June 9 and is a Captain’s Choice format where two of three days are chosen to fish from.
Next up is the MidAtlantic Tuna Tournament. It runs from June 20 through June 24. It has a four-day weather window that will allow more boats to fish. Also, it will feature a new Captain’s Choice option, where you can choose to fish either two days or go with one overnight trip. Choices and strategy. Pick carefully, captains.
Third on the list is the South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown which goes from July 11 to July 14. It builds on the Viking vs. Ocean family fun tournament. This outing is now open to all boats regardless of make or dealer. It’s described as a “low stress event” and a great opportunity for the family.
Next, we have the 52nd Annual Yacht Club of Stone Harbor Marlin Tournament from July 26 through July 29. It is the “most prestigious release event on our tournament calendar.”
The final event is the big one: the 27th Annual MidAtlantic which runs from Aug. 19 through Aug. 24. The 2017 event paid out over 3.2 million dollars, so this event gets everyone’s attention. Because of that, it is a “world renowned event.”
Don’t forget that this Saturday, Feb. 24 is the day that the Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series occurs in Linwood. The show starts at 9 a.m. and goes to 3 p.m., and is hosted by George Poveromo from the World of Saltwater Fishing on the NBC Sports Network. The show is co-hosted by Nick Honachefsky, a New Jersey fishing authority, writer, author and TV personality. A group of local and national guests will speak on types of fishing popular to our area. From the Cape May boat Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters, local Captain Tom Daffin will be one of the presenters. An after-seminar party will happen at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City from 5 to 9 p.m. Seminar attendees will be allowed to bring one guest. Call (800)-448-7360 to register or visit www.nationalseminarseries.com.
There’s plenty going on with more to follow in the coming weeks, so get out and get into the fishing spirit. Hope to see you out and about.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
