Politics and legislation, regulations and debates, remain the focus of the fishing scene. Soon, though, no matter what decisions are thrust upon us, the warm weather and lure of the sea will have us out fishing again.
Last Thursday, The New Jersey Marine Fishery Council voted on the regulations for summer flounder. In a split decision it was decidied to go with an 18-inch fluke, bag limit of six (6) with a season from May 23 to Sept. 4
It was either start the season May 23 and get in Memorial Day and miss Labor Day weekend or start later missing Memorial Day but getting in Labor Day Weekend. The earlier start will benefit bait and tackle shops, those who rent boats and all the anglers with small boats that fish the back-bay since fluke fishing is usually better earlier in the season.
If there are any changes, you’ll find out in this column.
The Atlantic Star, of the Starlight Fleet, Wildwood Crest with Captain Jim Cicchitti continues to produce some great fishing trips. Captain went to a wreck for the first time this winter and had good action all day, with most anglers catching their limits. SW winds 15 to 20 knots produced 3 to 5 foot seas.
Successful anglers were Yong Yan, Edison, 21 sea bass up to 5-pounds, four tile fish including the pool winning 14-pounder.
Dong Chun Lee, NY, 22 sea bass and three tile fish; Mike Jung, Woodside, NY, 20 sea bass and four tile fish; Sei Soong Yoon, NY, 23 sea bass and five tile fish; Had Birchmier, Cherry Hill, 23 sea bass and five tile fish. On that day the captain reported beautiful weather with a light southerly breeze; tough anchoring current against the wind and lots of dog fish.
Another trip out saw Tom Amenhauser, Villas; Allen and Andrew Cummings, Plumsteadville, Pa.; Ed Tait, Rio Grande; Humberto and Jesus, Patterson; Sung S. Lee, Ellicott, City, Md.; Eric Cho, Annandale, Va.; Ted Smith and Jerry Bennings, Philadelphia; Dan Rau and John Sawicki, Blenheim; Kevin and Gregg Carr, NY; Paul Park, Wayne, Pa.; Joe Bluestein, Vineland; and Peter Lee, NY, all caught the limit of sea bass up to 6-pounds.
Feng Gol, Philadelphia, Pa., also limited out and had a nice 7-pound pool winner.
Later in the week, the trend continued. Joe Sullivan, Broomhall, Pa., sea bass limit and five tile fish up to 10-pounds; Lucien Iannucci, East Williston, NY, limit of sea bass and four tile fish; Christopher Mitryk, NY, sea bass limit and three tile fish; Eddie Chin, NY, limit on sea bass and three tile fish. That day there were NE winds of 20-25 knots and good steady pick all day. All anglers were jigging.
Responses have been light to the information about the saltwater registry but most of what I hear is in favor of a dedicated fee. Bill Shillingford (Bucktail Willie) wrote:
“I am in favor of a NJ saltwater license with the funds going to the Fish and Game Council for law enforcement, improved fishing access and ramps, R & D in conjunction with State Universities, and improved data collection.
I just returned from Florida where I paid $50 for a non-resident license without hesitation as I saw first hand how money was being used.
Florida has law enforcement with new equipment, ongoing new fishing access availability, new and improved ramps. Also Florida in conjunction with State Universities has ongoing Research programs including saltwater hatcheries.
Certainly a Saltwater registration without a fee will help but will not generate the funds required, and this State, given the current financial conditions, will never put the required money into the Fish and Game Council. The State continues to reduce the funds required by this council.”
Everyone I heard from agrees that the key to a license fee is to assure all money goes into the council’s budget.
What’s being said at your marina?
CALENDAR: March 20-22, Saltwater Fishing Expo, Garden State Expo Center, Friday noon-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit sportshows.com for details.
March 21, ASAC Meeting, 9 a.m., Intermediate School, Bay Avenue and 18th Street, Ocean City, 624-1427.
Check out SeeMyBigFish.com and be sure to send your fish stories to cmiller@cmcherald.com. This column appears first online at capemaycountyherald.com
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