The weather was still brutal yesterday at Cape Charles, Virginia, but big striped bass seemed to be comfortable underwater, even if it took some time before they turned on.

Capt. Clinton Lessard reported from his SHO-NUF as follows:

You don’t know unless you go!!!!! Blustery and frigid but it didn’t stop Art, Carol, Jimmy, and Kenny from taking a shot at it! Not a bite until 2:05, but after that it was NUTS. We went 6 for 8 for the remainder of the afternoon. Biggest today was 49 pounds, but all 6 were over 40 pounds. Back at it Monday. Here are todays pics.

The NY/NJ Bight forecast is for northwest winds at 10-15 knots before increasing to north 15-20 in the afternoon.

Famed N.J. angler Kil Song will go anywhere and do anything for good fishing. He was in Florida yesterday and didn’t like the conditions. So, he drove his car to Texas to catch this bull redfish while casting from a jetty!

The following report from the ASMFC doesn’t provide much hope for NJ/NY Bight (SNE/MA stock) anglers — and they don’t even mention the seal invasion of Shrewsbury River which offers little hope for improvement. Remember when it wasn’t uncommon to catch 100 flounder in Raritan Bay or off Sandy Hook?

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Management Track Assessments Find Winter Flounder Stocks for the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Not Experiencing Overfishing

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• Management Track Assessments Find Winter Flounder Stocks for the Gulf of Maine and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Not Experiencing Overfishing Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Winter Flounder Management Board reviewed the results of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s (NEFSC) management track stock assessments* for the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) winter flounder stocks. These assessments found GOM winter flounder is not experiencing overfishing while the SNE/MA winter flounder stock is not overfished nor experiencing overfishing. The overfished status for the GOM stock remains unknown. The management track assessments for both stocks include data through 2021. SNE/MA winter flounder experienced a change in stock status from overfished to not overfished due to a change in the years of recruitment estimates used to estimate biological reference points. Instead of drawing upon the entire time series of recruitment estimates, the projections now only use recruitment estimates from the past 20 years (2002-2021). The SNE/MA winter flounder stock is most likely not capable of achieving the high levels of recruitment that were observed prior to 2000 due to changes in environmental conditions; therefore, using a truncated recruitment time series of only the past 20 years better reflects current stock condition. However, despite a change in stock status; trends in survey indices and model estimates all continue to indicate the SNE/MA stock is in poor condition.
   The GOM stock uses a modeling method that incorporates survey indices of abundance to obtain area-swept biomass and exploitation estimates. There have been time series lows in fishery removals (harvest and discards) for GOM winter flounder in recent years. Overall, the indices of abundance have not responded positively to the large declines in commercial and recreational removals since the 1980s. However, there were increases in the fall 2021 and spring 2021 and 2022 area-swept biomass estimates, which, if they continue, could be the beginning of a response to continued low fishery removals. It should be noted, however, that no survey data is available for 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, which is a source of uncertainty in this area-swept assessment that relies on survey data. Given this information, specifications recommended by New England Fishery Management Council, and recommendations from the Technical Committee and Advisory Panel, the Board maintained 2023 recreational and commercial measures for the GOM and SNE/MA winter flounder stocks for the 2024-2025 fishing years .The next management track assessments for both stocks are scheduled for 2024, and the next research track assessment, the equivalent of the Commission’s benchmark stock assessments, are scheduled for both stocks in 2026. As part of this analysis, the NEFSC will attempt to incorporate climate data into the SNE/MA winter flounder stock assessment. The management track assessment reports for GOM and SNE/MA winter flounder are available on the Commission’s website at
  http://www.asmfc.org/species/winter-flounder under Stock Assessment Reports.
• A shift to southwest winds will warn northern areas. Sunday’s forecast is for SW at 20-25 knots with gusts to 35.

With brutal cold expected in northern areas this weekend, a swordfish photo sent by Capt. Nick Stanczyk in Islamorada, Florida Keys proves that there are better alternatives a short flight away. As a kid I could only dream about catching a swordfish sometime during my life to join a very select group of anglers. Yet, the daytime deep drop fishery pioneered by Nick’s father, Richard, has made that quest almost routine. Indeed, that sword was one of four that hit baits dropped by Nick yesterday –and all were caught!

In order to book a trip on Nick’s Broad Minded, call Bud N’Mary’s Marina at 305 664-2461.

The NY/NJ Bight forecast includes a freezing spray advisory through Saturday afternoon. Northwest winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 in the morning drop to west 10-15 in the afternoon.

The following post by SHO-NUF in Cape Charles from yesterday follows:AMAZING . 12 BITES. 11 BOATED. 2 more 50 pounders. Best day of the season for us so far today. Alex and Eric made it happen. Of course the fish were chomping too. What a great season so far and we are not done. We have caught, as of today 154 ROCKFISH and 33 have been over 50 POUNDS. CRAZY GOOD. 757-710-0098

If you need more urging to go south, check out George Poveromo’s how at 8 a.m. Sunday on Discovery Channel as he fishes at Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas.

Jim Hutchinson Jr. of the Fisherman magazine reports all the governing agencies have decided that New Jersey will have to maintain status quo fluke regulations for the upcoming season. Though those regs probably worked out well for party boats and casual anglers, dedicated fluke fishermen generally hated throwing back fluke over 18 inches which they have become expert at catching while having to settle for a limit with smaller fluke.

The Tackle Box in Hazlet will hold their Super Saturday Sale on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with everything reduced up to 50%. That will also be the final chance to enter their Striped Bass Raffle — and Bobby Back Bay Lures will be selling 100 custom metal lip plugs.

The Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County will be holding their annual Fishing Flea Market on Sunday from 9-8 at the Hasbrouck heights Hilton. A blackfish seminar will be presented at 9, and a surf fishing seminar follows at noon.

A small craft advisory goes up at 6 p.m., and changes to a gale warning from Friday morning to night. The forecast is for northwest winds at 25-30 knots with gusts to 35 plus freezing spray.

Vinny D’Anton has been doing well with spotted seatrout while wading flats around Sarasota, Florida. There have also some ladyfish, and he even caught a blowfish on his MirrOlure. Southern puffers seem to be more aggressive than the similar-looking norther puffer. Vinny got a surprise when a dolphin chasing a mullet almost bumped into him.

Chuck Many with another Cape Charles striper on Show-Nuf before release with a Gray tag and the spring spawn

It’s hard to believe that anglers can enjoy what may be some of the best Mid-Atlantic sportfishing of the entire year right now in mid-winter — if they are willing to travel.

Capt. Mark DeBlasio reports from North Carolina that bluefin tuna fishing has been more productive on his Water Proof in the last few days than it was throughout January. That charter boat from N.J. is finishing up its commercial season, and will be taking both charter and open reservations during a period when anglers have their best chance to boat a trophy tuna. They are catching 10-15 tuna under 73 inches while seeking giants, and more recreational-size bluefins are moving in every day. Mark says the 50-85-inch bluefins are best for stand-up fishing or for jig/pop excitement. Call 201 988-5475 for info and reservations.

The following report from Capt. Clinton Lessard about yesterday’s

striper trolling off Cape Charles, Va. fishing sums it up.:”What a day with Chuck Tyman Manny 16 Bites today, Crazier, 10 fish boated, 3 over 50 pounds. 2 Hooks in one fish. Nuts. Watched a rockfish play with planer board for 20 seconds. Hard to beat a day like today but we dam sure gonna try again on Thursday. Crazy we had 25 bites the last two days. . 757-710-0098

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported good Tuesday blackfishing despite some drizzle and sleet on a calm ocean. There were lots of shorts, and some keepers turned on late.

The forecast is for west winds at 5-10 knots before going southwest at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25 in the afternoon.

Chuck Many used to pull out of Cape Charles as the pre-spawning big stripers seemed to stop hitting in January, but that doesn’t seem to be the case during this relatively mild winter. SHO-NUF from that port reported a “wild” day of trolling in flat waters as four up to 47 pounds were released with Grey tags! Charters will continue as long as the bass cooperate.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar enjoyed flat seas yesterday along with a south current which provided a good blackfish bite. Some anglers had limits plus releases, and there were lots of shorts.

The forecast is for north winds at just 5-10 knots and possible snow showers before going to northwest in the afternoon.

The amazing numbers of double digit blackfish from the southern end of N.J. through Delmarva being caught this winter have included the largest ever by a woman and many multiple daily catches by individuals.

New Jersey pro Dante Soriente reported even dead whitelegger crabs worked on his Magictail jigs as his crew aught 10 in the 11-14-pound range. Fish Bound from Ocean City, Md. reported a challenging bitelast week, with Sunday being an especially tough grind. However, the opportunity is there for dedicated tog anglers. One group had five up to 15 pounds along with three-fish boat limits of smaller blacks despite having to fish through lots of sea bass which are out of season.

Tautog of that size are very hard to come by in heavily fished northern areas. The Big Mohawk from Belmar reported lots of tog action yesterday with shorts plus an occasional keeper up to 6 pounds plus a couple of keeper cod. They’ll be taking a break until April’

The NY/NJ Bight forecast is for north winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20.

Capt. Greg Mercurio says it looks like the wind gods will permit the Yankee Capts. to get out of Key West for great variety bottom fishing and jigging.

With a prediction of west winds at 5-10 knots, Monday looks like a winner in N/NJ Bight- and the week also looks generally good.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reports their seasonal blackfish pool is up to almost $5,000. They had a slow start yesterday with wind, swell and cold water, However, all that changed later and a shared his latest column as follows: decent bite developed as they ended up with some keepers including a few of 5-7-pounds. ((Photo below)

Jim Hutchinson Sr. shared his latest column as follows:

“

The 2022 LBI Surf Fishing Classic is now a memory for Long Beach Island anglers, but their thoughts of many are on its spring cousin, the 21^st annual LBI Spring Derby.

The Spring Derby runs from early April to the last week in June. Anglers cast lines from shore in hopes of catching that big striped bass or bluefish that will earn them a cash prize.

The problem now in mid-winter is surviving until the beach action begins. While the choices below may not be as exciting as a rod with a big striper on the end of the line, these activities may supply that needed fishing fix, and perhaps improve your angling skills.

This is a great time to examine your fishing gear. Did you just throw everything in a pile or jam into a tackle box last fall? If so, take everything out and make sure you are ready for that Spring Derby.

Everything, including waders, rods and reels, terminal tackle, and anything that might have come in contact with salt water last year, should be rinsed in salt water. Next, check your gear and inventory what you will need in the coming months.

Check your rod guides and reels. Replace line as needed. If anything needs professional attention, this is the time to do it. The experts at our local bait and tackle shops are not as busy as in the summer. They can tend to your needs in a timely fashion. Have them take those reels apart and get everything working properly.

In baseball lingo, winter months are termed the “hot stove league.” This refers to fans hashing previous seasons while they wait for the upcoming season. While the term is not used to describe fishing activities, it could. There are events where anglers can join like-minded folks and swap fish stories. They might even pick up some new fishing tips.

There are a plethora of fishing and boating shows in winter within an easy drive of southern Ocean County. If you have never made it to one of these shows, you are in for a treat. Once you pay a nominal fee, you enter an area filled with like-minded people. There are booths where various businesses are available to answer your fishing questions as they try to sell you a variety of items ranging from magazine subscriptions to guided fishing trips to sunglasses.

See what you can learn from these onsite representatives as well as other anglers on site. Who knows, a surf fisherman from Long Island, New York, make give one from Long Beach Island, New Jersey, the tip to land a winning fish in the spring derby.

Most shows also have seminars conducted by fishing and boating experts. Often you can pick and choose the topics that most interest you.

Then, there are local fishing flea markets. These are smaller versions of fishing shows with booths set up selling a wide variety of fishing gear, both new and used. Once again, with a room filled with fishing fanatics, how can you not get enthused about the upcoming fishing season?

As a bonus, most of these shows are run for some type of benefit. Local high school fishing clubs conduct theirs to raise funds for club member activities. As a matter of fact, the Southern Regional High School Fishing Club will be holding its annual market on Saturday, February 11, at the Middle School in Manahawkin.

One other way to calm your winter jitters is to stop in at a local bait and tackle shops. Although their days and hours are limited compared to in-season, there is usually someone there willing to swap fishing stories.

You are welcome to continue counting the days until the LBI Spring Derby opens up, but you now have a couple  of ideas to make the time pass by a little faster.”

Anglers in NY/NJ Bight may have an early window of opportunity Sunday morning with south winds at 10-15 knots before picking up to 15-20 knots in the afternoon. Blackfish continue to be the best bet inshore. The weather looks good enough to load up with jumbo porgies on the Jamaica’s trip to far offshore wrecks which departs at 11 p.m. Check 732 528-5014 for reservations.

Gangler’s Fishing Lodges in Canada has a booth at the Fly Fishing Show in N.J. Expo Center at Edison which concludes tomorrow. I fished at their camp some years ago and even this saltwater guy enjoyed the action in a beautiful setting.

Capt. Monty Hawkins got out from Ocean City, Md. yesterday with his Morning Star, and had good tog fishing despite a rough sea. The pool fish was 28.5 inches. Monty uses measurement so anglers can participate in the pool and still release big spawners if they choose to. He noted that they could have limited on sea bass if that season was open.

Chuck Many fished his boat at Hilton Head, South Carolina for large red drum, but had to settle for lots of variety This amberjack or similar almaco displays the distinctive black feeding stripe on the head which appears when feeding. Grouper, sea bass and little tunny were also caught.

The IGFA is holding their 39th annual Live International Auction at 8 p.m. To get in on this event e-mail Kim Strong at kstrong@igfa.org.

The Jamaica from Brielle is sailing to far offshore wrecks for jumbo porgies at 11 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. Call 732 528-5014 for required reservations.

Saturday’s forecast is for southwest winds at15-20 knots before dropping to west 10-15 knots in the afternoon.

This beautiful African pompano was boated by James Loisel on a 20-pound Stanz rod with 30-pound braid on Capt. Nick Stanczyk’s Broardminded at Bud N’Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Florida Keys.