Well, the cold, all-be-it indirectly, finally slowed most boats from getting out. Not all though. The accompanying ice in the local waterways was the real culprit. As the expected snowstorm approached, we saw an end to the week’s fishing… and just after I had read an article about blackfish and was hoping to get out. This is the time for big fish of that species, and I’m still trying for my first double-digit fish. Hopefully other opportunities will develop soon enough. For now though, let’s check out what recently occurred.
Captain Tom and Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters got out in spite of the cold and snow. Such is the life of those who love to fish for blackfish. For their chilled efforts, they were rewarded with some frozen, sorry, some nice fish.
On the Friday before New Year’s Day, the Ron McClelland party had the boat. The chilly weather didn’t deter anyone as they caught 26 keeper tog, with the biggest fish reaching 7.5 pounds. With that amount of keepers, it probably didn’t seem that cold. Well, as someone who’s fished in the cold, that may be my way of rationalizing those conditions.
On Saturday, the Rob Rommel’s group faced not only the cold temperatures, but also some snow from Mother Nature. Tune in next week to find out how they handled it. No, no, just joking. They had 23 keepers, but the big fish was a nine pounder. “Good short life on each drop both days, so you were getting bites” is how the action was described. Consistent bites is all you can ask for, as that gives you hope of a keeper on each drop.
The Porgy IV was out before the weekend and fishing for blackfish. An angler I know was aboard and reported a bite that was tough, but not impossible. He had two keepers for himself. Other fish were caught, about 15 total. This “scratchy bite” that has been going on “seems like the trend all over the Jersey Coast this blackfish season.” He concluded with “but that’s fishing, as every year is different.” Hopefully the bite will turn around, but until then we just need to keep fishing as opportunities allow.
First Fish Adventures of Sea Isle City was out a couple of times in the days before the New Year festivities. They had two good striper trips and the pictures showed nice fish for all the anglers involved. That’s a nice way to close one year and prepare to roll into the next.
The Full Ahead Sport Fishing Charter boat out of Cape May was heading to the “rebuild shop” for maintenance and some “new toys.” Captain Bob sends “thanks to all who fished with him this summer.” Thanks, Bob, for the information and pictures you share with me. It helps me and provides good information for our readers.
It soon will be the start of the boat, fishing and outdoor activity show season. With that in mind, I’ll mention two that will be happening sooner than we think.
The closest, as of now, will occur on Feb. 24. It is the Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar. It runs from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. and is being held at the Linwood Country Club. The after-party at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City will run from 5 till 9 p.m. The host of the show is George Poveromo. He also hosts the show “George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing” on the NBC Sports Network, and is a contributing editor for Salt Water Sportsman magazine. The co-host is Nick Honachefsky, a writer, author, TV personality and New Jersey fishing authority.
Various local captains will discuss their fishing specialties for multiple species. Nationally known anglers will also speak on different fishing topics.
Five hours of instruction will occur with an hour off for lunch. Additionally, there will be drawings for assorted fish gear throughout the show, and your admission ticket is your avenue to winning. A bucket of gifts will also be given to each entrant. The grand prize for this show is a Florida Keys fishing trip. The super grand prize, once the seminar series concludes, is a new Mako Pro Skiff 17 Center Console boat.
To register or for more information, call 1 (800) 448-7360.
The second show to mention is the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo 2018. It is scheduled for April 7 and 8, officially opening up on Saturday at 9 a.m.
When you go, you’ll find various makes and models of 2018 boats, new items for fishing and boating, sunglasses, vendors of fishing related services, the latest electronics, custom rods and tackle, and seminars covering assorted topics of interest.
The list of businesses attending is constantly growing, so check out their Facebook page or go online to www.fishingexpowildwood.com to see everything that is being offered.
Parking is available at the Convention Center for a fee, or there is plenty of free parking on the street. Put the dates aside and plan on coming out and enjoying the day.
I’ll wrap it up now as the snow storm concludes. Hopefully, as the weather clears and life returns to normal, we’ll see some boats getting out – some looking for stripers, while others aim for tog. If you get to grab a spot at the rail, let me know how you did. The fish are still around, and we just have to get out and try for them. Good luck.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
