Well, striped bass are now officially legal, while tautog went off limits till April. Simply put, the regulations giveth and the regulations taketh. Register with the state for the saltwater registry, print your card and get out there. This week we’ll look at a recent news release from the DEP, check out a few approaching tournaments that may pique your interest, and check out what happened when the weather allowed for some actual fishing. Let’s get going.
Let’s get started with a report from out of the area. Word arrived recently from a southern port about a group of local guys doing good. In Wrightsville Beach, N.C., the winter home of Libation Charters, the nice weather allowed them to leave the dock behind. Their first trip on Friday, Feb. 23 saw them fishing in “board shorts and sandals,” and was successful as they “boxed” six nice wahoo.
A second trip occurred that weekend and the results were even better. Twelve bites equaled nine wahoo that were smaller than the previous trip, but obviously, more plentiful. Trolling four hours also brought three king mackerel over the rail that went back to swim another day. Dinner was on the menu though as two blackfin tuna were caught, then converted into sashimi.
A group of anglers, including Cameron, the owner of Boulevard Bait and Tackle, got in a late February blackfish trip. For their effort and determination, the big tog “chewed good” for them. They totaled out with 12 “quality keepers.” Three cleared 10 pounds, with Sal landing the biggest which peaked at 14.2 pounds. “A handful” were just under 10 pounds. They closed out their catch with the “bonus” of “another cod fish.”
The Cape May Lady got out right before the winter season for blackfish ended. Anglers had “a bit tougher” outing but still managed a “handful of keeper blackfish, a nice keeper cod and plenty of tasty bergals.” They wanted to thank those who fished with them as the winter allowed, and I’m sure they’ll be getting ready to hit the wrecks as soon as April rolls around.
Recently I received a press release from the state concerning the easing of consumption advisories for certain fish caught in the lower Delaware River and the Delaware Bay.
A highlight of this release is the removal of all advisories for the consumption of weakfish for both the general population, and those considered to be at a higher risk. With that in mind, Acting Commissioner McCabe wants to “encourage all anglers to take a few minutes to review fish advisories issued by the DEP and the New Jersey Department of Health so they can make sound decisions on safe consumption of fish.”
The DEP has also revised its recommendations for consumption of bluefish caught in the bay. The standard had been one meal per year consisting of bluefish that are less than six pounds, or 24 inches. The new recommendation is one meal per month from fish that are less than 20 inches.
The DEP has revived the general population recommendations of consumption of Delaware Bay bluefish over 20 inches from a “do not eat” status to one of “three meals per year.”
The reason for the changes in consumption recommendations reflects a decline in “persistent contaminants such as PCB and pesticides in the waterbodies.” The explanation continues by saying that “while water quality in New Jersey continues to improve, past pollution can persist for many years in sediments and continue to accumulate in fish at or near the top of the aquatic food chain.”
Certain high-risk population members such as pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, nursing mothers and infants or children have advisories that “can range from no more than one meal per week to do not eat.”
If you’re eating the type of fish covered in the advisories, certain steps can be taken to reduce your exposure. Since fatty tissues of the fish are where contaminants concentrate, two steps are important. Proper cleaning and cooking of the fish can significantly reduce levels of PCBs, dioxins and other organic chemicals. Even these steps will not remove or reduce unsafe levels of mercury from fish.
Finally, the New Jersey Department of Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal reminds us that “New Jersey residents should be aware that environmental contaminants can create health risks for people eating fish caught recreationally in the state. However, by following the guidelines in our advisories, the public can safely include fish and other seafood they’ve caught as a part of their healthy diet.”
A notice for the surf-fishing anglers amongst us: I have news of an approaching tournament. On Sunday, May 20, the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will commence at Island Beach State Park. You can register early and save on adult registration fees, be eligible for early entry prizes, plus enjoy expedited entry to the park on the day of the tournament. For registration and tournament information, please visit njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm or call (609) 748-4347.
Another outing being promoted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife is the Third Annual Youth Fishing Challenge (YFC) on Free Fishing Day, Saturday, June 9. This is part of the “Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs” program and is a family-oriented event. It introduces young anglers “to New Jersey’s excellent fishing opportunities while encouraging youth to avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco by pursuing fun activities like fishing with friends and family.” The goal is to have a YFC event in every county, and that’s where you may be able to assist. If you’d like to register your location as a host site or if you want more information, visit youthfishingchallenge.nj.gov.
The Landisville Gunning Club’s 13th Annual White Perch Tournament is scheduled for April 21. The fishing day will start at 6 a.m. anywhere in New Jersey. The weigh-in is at 2 p.m. sharp at the Gunning Club which is located at 4th and Cape May Avenue in Estell Manor. A cash payout goes to the top three finishers and a fish-fry, clams and other refreshments will follow the weigh-in. You can register at the Captain’s Meeting on April 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., or online at whiteperch.com. Other details and rules are posted at the website.
Well, after reading this, you can see that the fishing season and its accompanying activities are starting to awake from their winter slumber. Get ready, get out and enjoy some of it. If you’re heading out to do some freshwater fishing and practice for the tournaments listed above, don’t forget to get your license, and if you choose, a trout stamp. Take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.