The Fishing Line Feb. 6

Well, between most of the local boats calling it a season for various reasons, then the storm that went through Thursday, we had the first weekend that I can recall where no fishing occurred locally. One local boat that is still fishing, which is good to hear, is the Cape May Lady. The weekend weather wasn’t bad, but they didn’t get out due to the “dirty water” that resulted from the wind that accompanied the storm. Don’t worry; they are already setting up some trips. They scan the weather reports for any good “weather window,” then play accordingly. If you’re up for some fishing, and you know that some good weather is approaching, then call 609-425-4303 to see what they are going for. Let’s get started.   
Libation Charters, wintering in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina sends word of a recent trip during “a sweet weather window.” They had a “perfect day” but the bites were hard to come by. They got eight bites and were able to land 2.6 Wahoos. Huh? Well, the pictures explained the unusual catch total. It seems something in the area was also hungry and took a big chunk, approximately 40 percent, out of the tail end of the wahoo. They also caught, and released, a sailfish.
If you are down that way, take the time and look them up, say hi and then go do some southern-style fishing. Wahoo, tuna, and plenty of other species are always on the radar.
The 26th Duke of Fluke Tournament is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 13   starting at 6am. The event is run by Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle. The Captains meeting will be held on July 12 and there will be kayak and boat divisions. More details will be available as the tournament approaches.   
The Philadelphia Fishing Show will be held February 22 to 24 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. You’ll have the chance to purchase saltwater, freshwater, and fly- fishing tackle, gear, apparel and more. Free seminars hosted by Fisherman Magazine, a trout pond, and a 5,000 gallon fish tank full of game fish will be featured. In addition there will be information on lodges, guides, charter boats, kayaks, boats, RV’s, marine equipment and electronics and art and fish replicas. Check out their website at phillyfishingshow.com for more information. 
The Mauricetown Volunteer Fire Company will hold their Sportsmen’s Show on Saturday, March 23^rd. The show runs from 8am till 4pm and is being held at 9544 Noble Street in Mauricetown. And a nice feature is that the admission is free. The show will feature campers, boats, hunting equipment, fishing equipment, exhibits, and food. If you’re a vendor who would like to display your wares, then get in touch with them for an application.    
The Saltwater Fishing Expo will be held from March 15 to 17. It will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. Major tackle manufacturers will be on hand to answer your questions, while local tackle retailers will be present to fill your orders. Seminars and giveaways are just a couple of the things that await you. Tickets can be bought online.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle has announced that they have the tickets available for the Beef and Beer that will benefit Rusty Zeigler and his family with his medical expenses. The date is March 16 at The Bellevue in Court House. Call 609-884-7289 for tickets and to set up whether you will pick them up or have them mailed to you. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. 
I was looking at the NOAA website recently after it was brought to my attention that the recent Government Shutdown may affect our local fishing. There was an explanation from the GARFO (Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office) regional Administrator, Michael Pentony. In the letter he explained that there is a backlog of work to do. Some of this work is “time-critical” and that our patience is requested as they work through it. They will be focusing on commercial issues first, then others as they catch up.
So what does that mean for the local non-commercial angler? That our fluke and sea bass regulations may not be determined until late April or maybe even late May. Hopefully all regulations will be finalized in time for us to get fishing when the seasons for those fish arrive.
Good luck if you are able to go fishing and if not, well, then get to some of the upcoming shows and check out the bargains. I’ll see you out and about.     
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.