The Fishing Line Jan. 2

Well, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all had a fun and safe Christmas and received everything that you asked for, especially the fishing related gifts. Now some of you that like to go out for blackfish, or tog, like I do, will get the opportunity to try out your toys soon. Other cold-water fish are also available to test out your gear. Hey, you may have already done that over the last week. Others, that like to fish for other species may have to wait a little bit, at least locally, or they could head south to warmer climes. If you catch anything, locally or afar, don’t forget to let me know so we can all celebrate your success. Recently it has been slow here due to a number of factors, namely weather and the holidays, but some anglers were able to get out and do some fishing. Let’s check out what occurred.
On the Sunday before Christmas, the Cape May Lady was out fishing for blackfish. As they described the trip, it was a “very frustrating day.” To clarify, that’s not a bad or surprising outcome when fishing. Of course, you always picture success but you have to be realistic. You just have to appreciate the fact that you were able to spend some time fishing and get your line in the water. There was “tons of current,” but as they also added, “we can’t complain about the weather.” The current and the water conditions contributed to the tough outing. The action was slow, but not non-existent. They recorded one nice catch that high-lighted the day, at least for that angler. Let’s just imagine the good days of fishing, and the corresponding catches that will follow. Stay positive.
The Porgy IV continued to put fish in the boat during the holidays. On Sunday they had 20 keepers with three that were close to 6-pounds. Three anglers had three fish to lead the way. On Wednesday they had 18 keepers with the largest topping out at the near 6-pounds. Alex Levantovsky was the high-hook with three keeper fish while others had one, two or none. Wednesday had a “very slow bite” but it was good for my son, Zachary. He had three keepers with an 8.2-pound pool-winner, a 5.2-pound fish and a 3-pounder. Me? Well, my total feel into the “none” category. Linda Fiordimondo had a nice keeper during the same trip, while the total amount of keepers was around ten. It was nice to meet Linda, since I know of her from seeing reports of her previous fishing exploits and also Justin and his group.  Also, special thanks go out to Captain Paul and Mate Kevin for their efforts to get us on the fish. Plus, the day on the water with my son was a nice extra gift during the holidays.    
The Division of Fish and wildlife released news on the Garden State Outdoor Sports Show scheduled for January 10 through the 13. The show will also feature the Deer Classic which recognizes outstanding white-tail deer that were harvested during the previous year’s hunting seasons and the hunters who took them. The event will be held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison. The event is ideal for sportsmen and sportswomen and for exhibitors, drawing 40,000 sporting enthusiasts. Go to the Division of Fish and Wildlife website and tap on the Garden State Deer Classic picture for additional details such as discount tickets and discounts on Celebrity Autograph and Photo Opportunities for New Jersey license holders.
A recent storm removed sand from the Stone Harbor Point area exposing the ribs and rough shape of a lost vessel. Early reports said the ship was made of wood, lead sheets, and wooden pegs which lead one to believe that it was an older style, nothing new. I would like to get down there and take a look at it is a part of the local nautical past. Hopefully, more news on the finding will follow. If the wood could talk though, what a story it could tell.     
This reminder is to those that applied to the New Jersey Striped Bass Bonus Program. If you received a bonus tag and daily log, don’t forget to fill out the log (even if you didn’t get to fish) and return it by January 15. You can mail it back or submit it online. By doing so, you will remain eligible for the plan for the following year.
Well, due to the holidays and the weather it was our lightest week in a while. Let’s hope the action rebounds and anglers can get out. If you’re able to, let me know how you did. Take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.