Stripers are around if you stick it out and brave the elements. It has not been the best fall season, but still worth the trip when you hit that big one. Tog are around, too. Think fish for Thanksgiving!
Our friend, Bucktail Willie fishing out of Whale Creek Marina in Strathmere, called it a year for 2014 on Nov 12 but only after he had tagged and released 855 fish including 492 fluke, 188 striped bass, 150 bluefish, and eight weakfish. Willie says the fluke were biggest in April and early May but there appears to be a class or two missing . He tagged more bluefish this year than in several years with the largest at 26 inches. Striped bass were caught every month from April to November but the fall run has did not show up like years past.
Willie thinks this could be due to two problems: significant reduction in overall population (hopefully new regulations for 2015 will help that), and then the warmer water temps in October and November may be holding the migration back. In any event there were fewer bass behind Strathmere. Weakfish showed up but didn’t stay long, with bigger fish tagged at 27 inches.
There will be a lot of discussion over the next several months in regards to fishing regulations for both fluke and striped bass. “If you want to make a difference you need to get involved. Without input from recreational fishermen, you will not like the regulations we get. Fishing is not a spectator sport; you need to be involved especially if recreational fishing is your love or provides an income for you.”
Anyone interested in 20 years plus of tagging information can go www.bucktailwillie.com and click on tagging. Willie will also provide a full year recap by species along with some tips in upcoming weeks.
The Starlight has had a schedule change: Fridays and Mondays, six-hours, leaving at 10 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday four-hour trips at 8 and 1. Some notable catches this week were Jim Newsome, Philadelphia, with six sea bass, four porgies, and two triggers. Also with mixed bags were Al Spingler, Berwyn, and Anne Helfrich, Cape May.
NEWS: To ensure the health of the striped bass population, the Coast Guard will intensify its efforts to stop offshore poaching of Atlantic striped bass along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts. It is working to raise awareness of federal regulations stating that Atlantic striped bass may not be caught, harvested or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, three nautical miles from shore and extends out to 200 nautical miles. A person caught fishing for, or in possession of striped bass while in the EEZ is subject to civil fines. The public should report any suspected poaching activity to Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay at 215-271-4974.
CALENDAR: American Littoral Society, first Saturday of each month, December through March, Lunch n’ Learn series, Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park Boardwalk. Learn about protecting, restoring, and enjoying our coast with delicious and sustainable food.
Dec. 6 Surf Fishing Clinic, Jan. 3 Oysters In Your Bay, Feb. 7 Native Plants Class, March 7 Beach Grass Planting. Registration is required, info@littoralsociety.org (732) 291-0055
Beach N Boat Awards, Dec. 9, River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar, 1600 Route 70, Brick, 6-9 p.m. 2014’s top anglers receive awards in eight species categories.
Freehold Fishing Flea Market, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Park Avenue Elementary School, 280 Park Ave., Freehold. The cost for an 8 foot space $40, bring your own table or $10 extra. Back Bay Adventures, 32 Tiller Drive, Barnegat, 732-330-5674.
The Fishing Line runs year round so keep sending your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. Column and pictures (including some that didn’t appear in print) are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com and on Facebook. Check out Miller’s new children’s book “Counting the Fish in the Sea: The Story of the NEAMAP Trawls” on www.epektales.com
