Let’s see. Is it the first weekend of the New Year? Check. So you know what that means. Yes, that’s right. More foul weather. But not as bad as predicted since the rain didn’t materialize to the degree that was expected. Saturday had a little rain and wind late in the day, but the morning was foggy, but fishable. Double-digit blackfish, plus other nice ones, were caught on Friday and Saturday, and even into the following week, so not all was lost. Let’s check things out.
Well, the gloomy weather of Saturday that we discussed didn’t stop Captain Al and Bayhound Charters Light Tackle Sportfishing from getting out. They had Teddy Gill aboard and he made the most of the opportunity. He was using a blackfish jig and the result was a “pig on a jig”. That translates to a big fish which in this case was a 14-pounder.Teddy was using “a super light spinning set-up which allowed for a fight that he “will never forget”.
On a trip the following Monday the charter caught 18 keepers with fish to 12 pounds. Al is running an open boat, so give him a call at 609-602-2662 to set up a trip.
The Cape May Lady was out over the weekend and had an admittedly “”tough” day. That doesn’t mean no fish came over the rail rather that after a first drop of “great action” the changing tide caused things to “quickly” fall apart. For the day a few anglers went home with a couple keepers each. A 7-pounder took the pool while Linda Fiordimondo got her personal best with a 6-pounder. Nice catch Linda. Call 609-780-7900 or 609-425-4303 to find when they are running.
Captain Tom had the Fishin’ Fever out on Friday with a private charter. Amongst them was Ron McClelland who, if you’ve followed the column for a while, you’ll know because of his penchant for catching large blackfish. Well, he struck again as he reeled in a nice 13-pounder. He’ll be fishing some more through the winter on various boats, so I’m sure I’ll be reporting on some big catches soon.
The Starfish was out over the weekend, starting Friday and minus Saturday, and had some nice blackfish to show for efforts. They have been producing quality fish on recent trips so if that sounds good to you, then call 609-263-3800 for an updated schedule of upcoming trips.
The Porgy IV was out on Sunday before the Eagles game. They had a “nice crowd on a windy day”. The wind didn’t hurt the fishing as they had 30 keepers with limits for Mike Youcis and Don Mark. The pool fish was caught by Anthony Venuto of Vineland. Call 609-884-1214 to find out when they’re running.
If you’re looking for some fun, water-related activities for your children or grandchildren, then Summer Fishing and Crabbing camp is for you. This will be the third year that Avalon Lady Fishing will be offering this camp which covers four evenings. Young anglers, 8 and up, will learn how to use a boat and spinning rod during two evenings of back-bay fishing. They then will spend two evenings crabbing, while learning how to bait and use 3 different styles of crab traps. Captain Brandon will also teach you how to clean your catch for the dinner table. Knot tying, basic navigation skills and boat safety skills will also be addressed. Camp weeks in July are the 8 to 12 and the 22to the 26. August camps are from the 5 to 9 and 12 to 16. Sessions run from “4:30 to 6:30 to 7pm-ish”. The camp weeks will run on Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be an off day. Campers receive a t-shirt, a gift-certificate for a trip on the Avalon Lady or the Miss Avalon where you can practice your skills, and a certificate of completion. Camp is run by Captain Brandon and his “first mate and wife” Jennifer. Call 609-967-7455 or send an email to avalonladyfishing@gmail.com for rates and for any other needed information.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle listed the winners of their 2019 BEAT THE BOARD winners. The winners, weights, and species were Bill Priole,62.55 pound black drum; Roy Trainor, 11.8 pound bluefish; Al Colombo, 100.75 pound Bluefin tuna; Joe DiDomenico, 10.36 pound flounder; Francesca Maccarone, 19 pound mahi-mahi; Jeff Becker, 2.92 pound sea bass; Jonny Thomson with two winners, a 33.32 pound striper and a 50.4 pound yellowfin tuna; Tom McCouch, 8.85 pound tautog; Joe Smith, 2.96 pound weakfish; and finally, Dave Feast with a 86.5 pound wahoo. Congratulations to all.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife will host a 2-day Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) training session on May 17-19, 2019 at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resources Education in Ocean County.
This program is for adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered organizations looking to offer a youth fishing program. It is a great way to introduce youth to fishing, their local waters and other natural resources while supporting positive outdoor recreation and life skills.
Registration is required and due by May 1, 2019. Go to the division’s website for more information and look on the left side of the page.
One other notice concerns the first 2019 Fisheries Forum on Saturday, January 19th at the Hackettstown Hatchery in Warren County at 10 a.m.. Topics include: Bass sampling Highlights in North/Central NJ Lakes; Restoration Projects Update; and Fish Production Activities. Suggestions for regulation changes for 2021 will be welcomed during the open discussion. There will also be time for one-on-one discussions with DFW fisheries biologists following the meeting. A second forum will be held February 23 at Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest.
Good luck if you get out, and if you catch something let me know. Hopefully, I’ll see you out and about on a boat, fishing.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Captions: (4)
- Ron McClelland and his 13-pound blackfish, courtesy of the Fishin’ Fever. fish on boat w/ocean and a guy on right of picture.
- Linda Fiordimondo and her personal best 6-pound blackfish, courtesy of the Cape May Lady.
- A nice blackfish, courtesy of the Porgy IV.
- A keeper blackfish, courtesy of the Starfish.
