Tight Lines

It may be just a formality. but New Jersey back bays open for striped bass and winter flounder on March 1. Stripers may be picked on seaworms, jigs and small plugs around bridges and in Raritan Bay, Flounder have been almost a dead issue in recent years, but some may be hooked on worms or mussels by casting from the Belmar piers.

It will be warmer at the Atlantic City Boat Show which winds up March 1 in Convention Hall.

The Saturday forecast is for southwest winds at 5-10 knots,

Vinny D’Anton reports from Sarasota that the latest drop into the thirties didn’t seem to bother shallow water fish. The water temp was back up to 63 degrees this morning. Vinny started with live shrimp and was surprised that live bait didn’t work though a switch the Mirrolure Miradine produced a 20-inch sea trout which is big for that species.

Calm weather is predicted in NY/NJ Bight with east winds at just 5 knots.

After what just happened in NY/NJ Bight. it’s looking better with a forecast of southwest winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25 and likely snow.

The northeast took a pounding today from Winter Storm Humberto, and it will take some time to come back from it in a clearing northwester. There were gusts up to 83 knots on Nantucket.

It’s already snowing and there’s a lot more to come as the northeast will be out of action for days.

Sorry for the blog,.but a family party went into overtime before we looked up and saw the strange-looking moon. I’ve fished many moons over the years, but never saw anything like it.

With the Winter Olympics producing American winners singing the Star Spangled Banner

I recall my own brief version of such glory in the fishing world.

It started just a week after 9/11 when I was one of the very few passengers on an Air Japan flight to end up in Nagasaki for the first World Cup Fishing Tournament. Capt. Bob Rocchetta was also on that flight, and was ready for any development in that uncertain time by telling me if anyone starts acting “funny”‘ I’ll take him high while you take him low.” There was nothing really to worry about until we heard we were flying into the end of a typhoon.

As it turned out, that fouled up the entire fishing schedule. We had hardly any info about the fishing beforehand, and went out on a couple of commercial boats to drift off a busy port on what was supposed to be a practice day — but turned out to be a morning qualifier for the afternoon final. All the Asian anglers were entered in an inshore tournament requiring specialized tackle and techniques. while all the others from around the world had to learn quickly how to catch small fish on the rigs and bait provided. everything counted except for sharks and rays. The captain sat in the stern to measure each fish with a minimum of about one foot. Keepers were handed back to the angler to be put into his personal live well — while the shorts went in the captain’s bag. Many of the fish were Japanese versions of fish I was familiar with from the Atlantic, such as sennet and blowfish. The dangerous lionfish joined them in the well after the captain cut off the fin that carries the poison.

Upon returning for lunch, we found out that the morning was actually a qualifier for the afternoon championship. Bob surprisingly didn’t make it, but my formative years of catching nibbling fish on small hooks paid off — and maintained my reputation as a trash fish king.

I never felt as if I was in contention, but when the fish wells were weighed in I was amazed to find that I had a small, but clear lead.

At the awards dinner that evening, I was declared the World Cup winner as the band pounded out the Star Spangled Banner for my “Olympic’ moment during which i was presented with enough roses to start a business with before adding a very large and heavy trophy — and $20 thousand dollars in crisp new twenties.

Ice coverings of northern rivers are finally melting away, and it won’t be long before fishing improves.

Sorry about no blog yesterday as Kathy a nd I spent the day crossing Florida for the fifth birthday of our beautiful granddaughter Liz in Palm Beach Gardens.

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The Friday forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for east winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25.

The 2026 class represents a wide range of excellence across governance, conservation science, industry leadership, guiding and media. Roy Cronacher is recognized for transformative leadership within the IGFA and elite angling accomplishments. Tom Davidson is honored for founding Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and advancing science-based fisheries conservation worldwide. Patrick Healey, President and CEO of Viking Yacht Co., is celebrated for strengthening the sportfishing industry while advocating for sustainable fisheries and policy reform. Captain Ralph Delph is remembered as one of the most accomplished light-tackle guides in history. Jose Wejebe is honored posthumously for inspiring generations through fishing media, conservation and mentorship.

The 2026 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Elected unanimously by the IGFA Board of Trustees, the 2025 class will join 162 legendary anglers, scientists, conservationists, writers, and industry leaders enshrined in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

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The forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for southeast winds at just 5-10 knots.

Paul Haertel of the JCAA reported that the reason party boats aren’t trying for cod is that NMFS closed federal waters to that species even though some states refused to do so in their waters. New York and New Jersey have open seasons now in their waters.