Weather. The weather still reigns supreme. Snow, rain and wind. Lots of it, too. About the only good thing is that this isn’t the prime time of the season. Well, get it out of your system now, Mother Nature, so we can hit the water somewhere soon. In this issue I’ll take a look at the recently held boating show in Wildwood, but I’ll start with some sad news about the loss of a local man known to many in the local fishing community.
Literally, while having just gotten up from writing this column to take a break, I received a call from a co-worker. It was with great shock that I found out that a local husband, father, fisherman, co-worker and contributor to the column, Timmy Myers, had passed a couple of hours ago. He was a great guy who will be missed by his wife, family members, friends, co-workers and those in the fishing community. He loved the beach and his hunt for striped bass. I heard he was returning from the beach, no doubt after checking the conditions, and probably watching the sunset on that cold Wednesday. From our conversations, I know he was preparing for his annual trip to the Florida Keys over Easter break, and the time there filled with fishing. Rest peacefully, Tim, and tight lines to you, my friend.
The big local occurrence recently was the inaugural edition of the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo. The event was very well attended and had people milling about all the time, with a reported heavy opening rush then another influx we saw after the lunch hour. People were buying, which was good for everyone. People were checking out the boats also, so hopefully some sales will spin off from the show. At the conclusion of the show, I was able to catch up with Jerry Vessels who put everything together. He was very pleased and was already looking ahead to the second annual edition to be set up for some time next year.
From a personal point of view, my son and I went over to check things out and were glad to see many people when we arrived. It was nice to see so many people who share our interest in fishing, boating and the shore life in general coming out on a cold, blustery day. Actually, I’m sure that was a huge benefit, as many people I’ve been speaking to have be waiting for warm weather. This show took them to their “warm place” as they planned for their fishing and boating getaways. While walking around, we ran into some fishing regulars such as Captains Irv and Brandon from the Miss Avalon. They will be starting on April 8, targeting blackfish. Big news from them is that they will have an addition to their fleet, the Avalon Lady. What’s that? Well, it’s their new 45-foot pontoon boat. It will ply the back bays looking for bluefish, stripers, sea bass and flounder. Whatever swims in the back will be eligible to be caught. Of course, seasons and size limits will help determine what stays aboard and what goes back. With that in mind, they will also be doing some crabbing. It doesn’t get any better than that. They plan on starting during the first weekend in May. This gives another option to people who want to fish, but don’t want to hit the open ocean. An event to keep in mind will be their Summer Fishing Camp. Designed for those ages 6 and up, the camp will look at fishing and crabbing, plus rod and reel operation, different ways and places to crab and fish, knot tying and safety on the water. Also, tides and currents and how they affect fishing will be explained. A little science, plus some crabbing and fishing? Sounds like a good summer experience for any young angler. Two, one-week camps will be offered on July 10-14 and July 24-28. Email Captain Brandon at info@missavalon.com for any additional information.
We also spoke with Captain Andrew from Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing in Wildwood. He runs a pontoon boat also, and is preparing for another exciting season. He runs two trips daily, so you can fish early or sleep in a little and catch the afternoon excursion. Visit www.sailorsdelightfishing.com or contact him at (609) 827-8309 with any questions or to set up a trip. I also wanted to mention meeting his mother, Linda, a fine angler in her own right. It was nice to meet you, Linda. Good fishing to you this season. Captain Andrew’s boat is located at the base of the bridge when entering Wildwood, right near No Bones Bait and Tackle. Speaking of which, we ran into Captain Fred, the proprietor of said shop. He had done a seminar on back bay floundering and is looking forward to the upcoming season, even if there is still some uncertainty surrounding it.
We saw Captain Fred from Utsch’s who mentioned that the charter boats at the marina are finishing up their winter overhauls and lining up charters for the different fishing seasons. He had some rods and reels, plus some rigs and assorted items for sale, and things were moving.
We also were talking to two Chris’s, Chris from In Depth Fish Prints and Chris from The Kayak Fishing Store. Both have been mentioned before in the column, and hopefully will be again. It was good to see them participating.
We want to welcome a new contributor to our ranks. I met Kyle Dougherty at the Expo and he will report on the charters from South Cape Fishing. We will be reading about two boats, the On Time and Whiskey Girl Sportfishing. Both boats are located 978 Ocean Dr. in Cape May. This April they will run the On Time from Cape May for blackfish, and the Whiskey Girl from Greenwich for trophy striped bass. The charters also fish for drum, fluke, bluefish and sea bass, and venture offshore for marlin, tuna and sharks. Inshore tuna and shark trips are also available. An important fact is that they are “small children” friendly. Find them online at South Cape Fishing on Facebook or www.southcapefishing.com, or contact them at (609) 425-4808, (609) 675-1108 or (856) 419-7009.
I wanted to get word out of an upcoming event. Heroes on the Water will be having its outing on June 3 in North Wildwood. It is a “FREE” kayak fishing outing for wounded service members and veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces. All necessary gear and snacks are provided free of charge by Heroes on the Water. Best of all, no experience is needed. Check out the event at www.HeroesOntheWater.org or the event’s Facebook page.
Take care, and if you get out, let me know how you do. At least one or two warm days are forecast, so take advantage of it if possible.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
