The Fishing Line: Mid-March Maladies

Mother Nature continues to tease and taunt us but having turned the clocks forward, spring must be ‘just around the corner,’ right?
At the ASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council) meeting on March 13 the summer flounder regs for New Jersey were tweeked. There is now a five (5) bag limit (not the previously report at four fish) and the size remains 18 inches. New Jersey expects a 128 day season which will be determined at the NJ Marine Fisheries Council meeting on April 3.
If the weather cooperates and you head out to test the waters remember winter flounder season opens March 23 with two (2) fish at 12 inches. Tog season doesn’t begin again until April 1 when you can have four (4) fish at 15 inches. Unfortunately, I do not have any news on black sea bass which is currently closed.
If you spend time surfing the web, you should bookmark NJDEP Web site. Always something interesting there.
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced the winners of the 2013 Skillful Angler Awards Program. The program honors anglers who catch both freshwater and marine fish that are not quite record size, but are large enough to have tested the angler’s skill and be worthy of recognition.
For more information about the winners http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/skwinn13.htm . To learn more about the Skillful Angler program itself, including minimum size requirements for entry, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/skflang.htm
For information about fishing and places to fish in New Jersey visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/fishing.htm .
There will be a 2-day Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) training on April 3 & 4, at North Hudson Park Environmental Academy in North Bergen. The training is for adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered community and/or faith-based organizations looking to offer an ongoing or year-round youth fishing, conservation and aquatic education program.
HOFNOD is a great way to introduce youth to fishing, learning about their local water and other natural resources while supporting positive outdoor recreation activities and life skills. The program is flexible enough to be tailored to fit most organizations. The registration deadline is March 28 with a non-refundable registration fee of $30. Fee includes instruction, teaching materials and equipment, breakfast and snacks. Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. For more information visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2014/hofnod_train4-14.htm
Thanks to Captain Ray, TideRunner, Cape May, for some great pictures of his trip to Florida. Gives us all hope for a really good season.
Would love to hear which boats are ready to head out. The Fishing Line runs year round so keep sending your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. Column and pictures are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com and on Facebook. Keep them coming.