The Fishing Line: March 27

Another slow week, but at least it’s another week closer to some fish showing up. Well, hopefully. Of course we know it will happen, but the closer you get the farther away it seems. Regardless, the time can be used to get your gear ready, or better yet, maybe you can use it to get some new gear. The local tackle shops are showing signs of life, and now is the time to get ready.
News on the 2019 Summer Flounder Season was released and the resulting season will look almost the same as last year. Due to a change in the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) estimation methods and the government shutdown, the final decisions for the 2019 were very uncertain. The information from 2018 will be reviewed and compared relative to this year’s allocation. Decisions will be formulated, and then adjusted, and then a vote will be taken on the final regulations. As of now the proposed regulations would be three fish at eighteen inches with a season running from Friday, May 24 through Saturday, September 21. The specialized regulations for the Delaware Bay and Island Beach State Park will remain the same, with a similar shift in season dates. If any more information becomes available, I will let you know.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting will be held in Avalon from April 8 to 11 at the Icona Avalon Resort. It is located at 7849 Dune Drive and the phone number is 609-368-5155. The public is invited to these meetings. The briefing documents of what is to be covered will be posted at www. Mafmc.org/briefing/april-2019 as they become available.
For Public Comments: written comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2019 to be included in the briefing book. Comments received after this date but before 5 p.m. on April 4, 2019 will be posted as supplemental materials on the Council meeting web page. Any comments after that date must be submitted using an online comment form available at www.mafmc.org/public-comment.
                Finally, you’ll have the option to enter a webinar for the meeting. For online access to the meeting, enter as a guest at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/april2019.        
Local angler and well known fish-tagger Bucktail Willie has let me know that the next seminar in the Marine Extension Program Seminar Series with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension will be held on April 3 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The feature speaker will be Jeff Dement who is the Director of the Fish Tagging Program run by the American Littoral Society. The seminar is titled, “Tales Tags Tale: Five Years of Fish Tagging with the American Littoral Society.”
The fish-tagging program started in 1965 and, through volunteers, has tagged over 640,000 fish. You’re invited to learn about the past, present, and future of the program, including tagging results and how volunteers can get involved.
This will be a free “HyFlex” seminar. That means you can attend the seminar in person at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County. The address is 163 Whitesville Road in Toms River. Now for the best part. Since this is “HyFlex,” you can attend remotely via webinar. All you need to do is register by Friday, March 29so you can let them know if you are attending in person or through the webinar. Contact Kelly Jurgensen at kjurgensen@co.ocean.nj.us.
The Starfish, which sails out of Sea Isle, has declared that they will start sailing again on May 15 which happens to coincide with the opening of the 2019 Sea Bass season. Call now to book your next fishing trip or a party cruise. You can reach them at 609-263-3800. The bag limit for sea bass is listed at 15 fish with a minimum size of 12.5 inches, so be prepared to load up on some tasty fillets.
The Kayak Fishing Store had a successful opening of their new building. The crowds were there sharing in the refreshments and the hospitality of Chris and his staff. Some new kayaks were sold as more anglers are becoming familiar with the enjoyment and challenge off fishing from a kayak. Stop by the store which is located at 380 Route 47 South in Green Creek and say hello.  
The Third Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo is almost here. The show runs for two days starting on Saturday, April 6 at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, April 7, the show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. The expanded exhibit floor features more boats, more boating accessories, more tackle, and more of everything fishing related. Local Bait and Tackles, Charter Boats, and open boats will be showing what they offer.  Kayaks will also be on display as The Kayak Fishing Store will be featuring their fishing and regular style kayaks and SUP’s. Other features include apparel, fishing collectibles, fishing and marine decorations and free fishing and boating seminars featuring Captain Fred Ulhman from No Bones Bait and Tackle, Captain Adam from Adam Bomb Sportfishing , Captain Tom Daffin from the Fishin’ Fever, and Captain Dan Schafer from Insomniac Guide Service, and members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary who will be speaking about boating safety. There will also be a variety of great door prizes that will be raffled each hour. Bring out the whole family because children under 12 are free. There will be plenty of off-street parking at the Wildwood Convention Center, as well as lots of street parking.
Take care, and I’ll see you around.                    
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.