Rain, rain and more rain and always near the weekend. I know it rains on other days, but most of the fishing this time of year is being done on the weekend. Because of that, a rainy weekend tends to stand out more. Well, at least this weekend it stayed away long enough for some anglers to get the line wet. With saltwater that is, not rain. We’ll also see what else is going on and hit you with a few reminders of upcoming events.
The Cape May Lady got in one final trip for blackfish on Saturday. The winter season ended on February 28 so they will take a break, re-energize, and get the boat ready to roll come April. They reported a “slow day out there but you can’t beat the weather for February.” They were happily able to beat the rain which arrived late in the day and didn’t hamper fishing, but a little rain was never a real impediment anyway. They caught “a few blackfish and most of the exotics were of the non-edible variety.” They had been catching monkfish, cod, Pollock and bergals when hitting some of the offshore spots. Take care guys, enjoy your break and see you in the spring.
A quick report from Jeannie D. Sportfishing had them getting their lines in by 5:15 a.m., and being hooked-up by 5:20 a.m. on a recent Tuesday morning. They were headed in by 6 a.m. In the 40 minutes inbetween, they were able to land a 95-inch Giant Bluefin Tuna. That’s a nice quick return on investment. They were planning on heading out later that same night.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking your input. They have extended the deadline for members of the public to comment and help complete the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan Survey. The survey will be available until March 8, 2019. You are encouraged to give your opinion on how the council has performed under its current strategic plan and to address issues that should be covered in the next plan.
The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and provides opportunities to comment on the Council’s vision and mission as well as the specific goals and objectives that will guide the Council’s management activities over the next five years.
You can visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/MAFMC-Strategic-Plan-Survey to participate in the survey. All comments are anonymous and will be aggregated for analysis and presentation. The public will have another opportunity to provide comments on the draft strategic plan later in 2019.
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 led to the establishment of eight regional councils of which the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one. It manages the fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between three and 200 miles off the Mid-Atlantic coast. Member states include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Notice: The first day of the states two Free Fishing Days will be on Saturday, June 8. That is also the day that the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program’s Youth Fishing Challenge occurs. It is a free statewide event to promote fishing among youth and their families. Registered youth are eligible to receive prizes for the fish they catch during the event. They must be present at the end of the event to be awarded the prizes. Also, if they are lucky and catch a tagged trout as part of the Hook-A-Winner Program will receive a special prize following the event.
The Cape May County area to fish will be at Lake Nummi in Belleplain State Park. The park is located in Woodbine. Contact Kathleen Meyer at Kathleen.Meyer@dep.nj.gov or at 609-861-2404 with any questions or for additional information.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced there will be an Outdoor Women of New Jersey Turkey Hunting Workshop on April 6 and 7 at the Atlantic County Game Preserve in Estell Manor. Participants will not only learn the basics of turkey hunting but will be able to get out in the field for an early morning scouting trip. The workshop is open to women 18 years of age or older who have completed a Hunter Education course. The workshop has a $30 fee which includes meals, lodging at the Atlantic County Game Preserve’s Clubhouse, a one year membership to the National Wild Turkey Foundation, plus some turkey hunting giveaways. If you are interested please contact Karen Byrne at karen.byrne@dep.nj.gov or 609-748-4347. You can also go to the Division of Fish and Wildlife website and download more information there. Go to the “What’s New” section on the right side of the page and look for the “Several NJ Outdoors Program Workshops Added to Schedule” heading..
The Mauricetown Volunteer Fire Company’s Sportsmen’s Show is happening on Saturday, March 23 from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. at 9544 Noble Street in Mauricetown. It will feature campers, boats, hunting equipment, fishing equipment, exhibits and food. A nice feature is that admission is free. Plan to check it out if you’re in the area.
Don’t forget about the upcoming Beef and Beer fundraiser for Rusty Zeigler. A lot of us know Rusty from his time at Off The Hook Bait and Tackle and from another store that is no longer open. He is suffering from non-alcoholic liver disease and is in need of a liver transplant. This event will provide aid with his medical bills and related expenses. The night is Saturday, March 16 from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. and the place is the Bellevue Tavern in Cape May Court House. There will be door prizes and a 50/50. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
If you would like to purchase tickets or donate a prize, you can call Chuck or Mary from Off The Hook Bait and Tackle at 609-884-7289 or 609-884-0444.
Take care, get out and fish if you can, register for the Salt Water Registry, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
