with Capt. Gary Sloan
Dear Fellow Anglers:
I like to offer a warm welcome to you. I’ve been known to rant a bit so I will ask for forgiveness now. I always enjoy the autumn season. I approach it as a time of reflection and relaxation from the busy summer. The fall foliage reminds me of the circle of life on this planet. It can be a great time for fishing with a large variety of species hanging on in our local waters.
If you are looking to top off your freezer you don’t have much of a chance thanks to current regulations and closed seasons this early fall. The Seabass and Fluke season, plus the 1 Tog limit for most of the fall really puts a damper to it compared to years past. We can only hope the weather stays nice in the latter part of the fall when the seasons open again. I think it’s time for smaller management zones so all anglers get a fair chance. Right now North Jersey takes the lion share of the Fluke season quota. Bordering Delaware, you can catch a 16 1/2 inch flounder and move 20 feet toward New Jersey and you have broken the law. I believe a management policy designed for the entire bay would make more sense. The southern part of the state has had poor Fluke catches the last few years. Obviously something else has been impacting on our area. Could it be the more liberal Commercial regulations? Well, so much for ranting.
The constant strong Northeast winds in early October with an additional Northeast Storm really changed the water conditions and chased most of the baitfish out. The Seabass fishing has been ok as they will move off shore. The local Striper seemed to have some good numbers although they are on the smaller size. Small Blues are also in good numbers. We can only hope the winds are light and the oceans stay calm so the opportunity to get some wreck fishing will be there. We can also hope for the return of some migrating Stripers to hug the coast and invade the Delaware Bay and rips.
Regardless of the many negative aspects of today’s fishing world, it’s still the best opportunity to share the mystery and beauty of Nature in Cape May County. I believe we all have the responsibility to introduce the youth to this environment. Their appreciation of this blessing will make them better stewards of this important part of our world. I cherish the smiles on my grandchildren faces as they experience Nature first hand. The sharing of the many opportunities in nature have created memories for years to come. Reach out and make a day in a child’s memory of the good old days.
Since the department stores have started to put out Christmas stuff before Halloween, I guess I can come up with my own Christmas list for all of you.
May you all be blessed as I, to have had the opportunities to enjoy the bounty and passion of nature in our area.
I wish you will go to the sea and see whales and tails again next year.
I wish you can come face to face with a massive sea turtle.
I wish Marine Fisheries finally hear the voices of recreational fishermen.
Best of all I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a great New Year.