This week is a real mixed bag of information and with only one more week to go in February, many of you will be thinking about getting out on the water. Here’s a gentle reminder that sea bass are in season until Feb. 28 (unless that changes again) with a 15 fish limit at 12.5 inches. Along with tog, drum and stripers, that’s something to pursue.
Angel Ditoro Logan has some timely reminders: In the wake of hurricane Sandy, the cleanup efforts will be ongoing. If you own a boat, watch out for floating lumber and shifted canals. Navigation will be interesting, markers have moved off main channels, sand bars have shifted, and normal fishing areas may be no more. Not necessarily a bad thing if you take the time to go out and find new areas to fish. The water will be warming up and you should take time to explore moved wrecks and fishing holes.
When wreck fishing, a good tip to land a box full of sea bass is to set your rigs with red plastic grubs on 3/0 or 4/0 circle hooks along with a 4 to 5 ounce sinker with squid or clams. Depending on the seas and how fast you are drifting, the sinker weight will either decrease or increase. Sea bass love red – when you feel the tug, drop the rod tip and then lift and reel – no need to worry about setting the hook. (Capt. Rob, Fin-tastic Charters)
Bill (bucktailwillie)Shillingford sent an urgent call for folks to be aware of the potential lost access to Drag Island for shore based anglers as a result of the new planned parkway bridge over the Great Egg Harbor Bay. A group has been organized to get support to assure access to Drag Island which has been there since 1928. Concerned anglers should contact Bob Martin, DEP Commissioner asking for a review as the island has been identified as Marine Recreational. Phone calls can be made to Marilyn Lennon, Land Use Manager for DEP at 609-292-2178 or e-mail Bob Martin at bob.martin@dep.state.nj.us
Cape May County needs shore based access for recreational anglers. States to our South all the way to Key West are adding angler access and boat ramps and NJ seems to be lacking in that effort. The new bridge has a planned walkway but no access to the island which is also an ideal place for bird watchers and others who enjoy the wildlife on the island. The time to do something is now.
The past 100 years have produced a great deal of fishing, camaraderie, and community service for members of the Ocean City Fishing Club. Included in the club’s Certificate of Incorporation on Sept. 4, 1913, were such lofty objectives as “to advance, promote, and enjoy the sport of fishing in this state and to prevent the violation of the laws thereof relative to fish and fishing…and to establish social intercourse and good fellowship…” IN celebration of their 100th anniversary, the Club has plenty of activities planned. Visit the Website at www.oceancityfishingclub.com
NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, with the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3), is sponsoring a Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) training seminar ideal for formal and non-formal educators and youth group leaders interested in using the sport of fishing to engage youth with the outdoors and to help them develop skills that lead to healthy lifestyle choices. The workshop will be held at Cheesequake State Park, Matawan, Feb. 23 and, Feb. 24. (www.futurefisherman.org/news/future-fisherman-foundation-and-new-jersey-division-of-fish-wildlife-announce-hofnod-training/
Spring Fishing Classic at 52 Bass Pro Shops store locations, free. Visit www.basspro.com/classic and click on the local store from the drop down box for more information.
Send your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. Column and pictures are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com.
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