Capt. Gary's Fishing Report

Hello and Welcome, I am writing this article while I patiently await the start of the 2010 fishing season. As we drift into May the warming waters and milder weather will pick up the pace of the arriving species of fish into our bays and ocean. Big Brother (Marine Fisheries) has issued the regulations, which put restrictions on sea bass, fluke, weakfish, bluefish, tog, sharks, and many other species. But Wait! The President is on the official record stating "that all Americans should be guaranteed the right to catch and keep 50 fish per year." Unfortunately, the only problem is that President Herbert Hoover made that remark some seventy odd years ago. Who said America hasn't changed. I strongly suggest you check up on the latest regulations before you pursue any fish.

The early season should be focused on the beachfronts, and bays with the warmer water. The last two years the Delaware Bay was the ticket with stripers and drum fish. Tog (black fish slippery bass) will dominate the inshore wrecks. Spiny dogfish can compete with the tog on the wrecks. Spiny dogfish can be dangerous so be careful bringing them on board. Water temperature will dictate when the sea bass will arrive on the wrecks also. Artificial lures will become more effective with blues and stripers as the temperature climbs. Fluke will become more aggressive in the back bays hitting cut bait and minnows. One species often overlooked is the kingfish (Northern Whiting). They can be caught early in the ocean surf. They prefer bloodworms fished with a hook and float (keeps the crab away) with a sinker on the bottom. Fish near sharp sandy drop offs an hour before and after slack water. They hit hard and fight like bulldogs. They are excellent table fare.

Success in fishing can be some luck, but often it is the knowledge of the species and what they feed on with your bait being presented in its nature way. Tackle decisions can be crucial to success. Leader material visibility and proper weight for some species is critical. When in doubt, stop in a local tackle shop and get some pointers. I have found most fishermen will usually help someone get on the right track to catch some fish.

June usually explodes with variety and action. The off shore boats are into sharks, tuna, and white marlin in the tips of the canyons. Sea bass will peak on the inshore wrecks in June. Fluke start appearing in many more locations. Drum fish will be schooling and filling their bellies for the long swim to the deep. Catching fish has not been a problem, finding ones you can keep is the trick.

I also encourage all boaters to take the time to check out your vessel for its seaworthy issues, mechanical soundness, and safety equipment. During an emergency is the wrong time to discover your fire extinguisher is low, or you forgot to put flares on board. I wish you all a good start to the season and the Crew of the Adventurer hopes to see you all on the water. God Bless!

Captain Gary Sloan,
The Adventurer, Wildwood, NJ