Northeast winds blowing out the end of fishing season - The Mercury

This time last year everyone was watching a far-off hurricane named Sandy. The rest, as they say, is history. Even though it has been a year, there are many here along the shore that maintain the effects of that storm on the fishing remain.

By no stretch was it a Sandy, but the Jersey shore has gone through almost two full weeks of northeast wind. The worst of it was a week ago Tuesday through Saturday. Things could have been a whole lot worse if those northeast winds were stronger. Fortunately, they maxed out at around 35 mph, although the most I could register on my home equipment was 26.8 mph.

Ocean conditions looked like something out of the Bering Sea and many times we had whitecaps on the bay waters as well. High tides washed over the meadows and that meant dirty water that has to get flushed out. Again, New Jersey was fortunate because we were between the full and new moon so those tides, although they did flood some streets in the island communities, were not destructive. About the most damage took place on the beaches where there was considerable erosion in some areas.

I suppose it was the surfcasters who were negatively affected the most. That is a shame, too, because there are a number of tournaments taking place up and down the coast. There were a few hearty souls who headed to the beaches and even some jetties, but from everything I have heard anything they did happen to catch was hardly worth the beating. There were a few kingfish and croakers and even a couple of short stripers but if someone caught a big fish they kept it a secret.

As far as I could tell there were zero anglers fishing in the back bays. There may have been a few on the Route 54 causeway fishing pier but I never did see anyone fishing from the Rush Chattin Bridge between Strathmere and Ocean City and the only boat I saw during the heart of the blow was a friend of mine running his charter boat down to Cape May for the fall season..

The Ocean City Fishing Club?s big 100th anniversary surf fishing tournament finished Saturday and you will have to wait until next week?s column to get the results. If anyone can catch fish in the surf these six-person teams from up and down the east coast are the ones to do it. When they are chasing a $20,000 prize pool the heavy hitters turn out.

This is the time of year when you should be able to get a good perch bite in our tidal rivers, such as the Mullica, Great Egg, Tuckahoe and Maurice. Perch make an excellent introduction to fishing for the younger set because even small children can catch them. Besides, they taste good, too.

ACROSS THE BAY

If you think Delaware and Maryland salt water fishing was not affected by that never-want-to-leave nor?easter, think again. They got hammered just as we did here in New Jersey. The folks are Bill?s Sport Shop in Rehoboth tell me a couple of anglers did brave the blow and found a few red drum, stripers and blues in the Indian River Inlet. They also reminisced that as soon as Sandy went by last year the red drum fishing exploded in the surf. Incidentally, apparently those drum in IRI were hitting on white bucktails.

A tip of the hat to 1,900 volunteers who spent one day last month participating in the Delaware Natural Resources 27th Annual Coastal Clean-up. They picked up almost four tons of trash along the 80 miles of Delaware water they patrolled from Wilmington down to Fenwick Island. About half of what was picked up was recyclable.

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Early Season Back Bay <b>Bass Fishing</b> Tips

Striped bass season begins in the back bays and rivers March 1, and Patch caught up with Dennis Palmatier of Murphy's Hook House Bait and Tackle in Toms River for some tips.

The regulations for striped bass remains two fish per angler, per day, with a minimum size limit of 28 inches.

Striped bass season in the back bays and rivers runs from March 1 through Dec. 31. In the ocean, the season is open year-round.

Anglers fishing Oyster Creek should keep in mind that fishing the west side of the Route 9 bridge over the creek requires a freshwater fishing license. Fishing the east side of the bridge does not, though all anglers statewide must obtain a free registration card online before fishing.

Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.

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Changing season sees <b>fish</b> go off the feed

I TOOK the freshwater fishing tackle for an outing on Sunday and despite the sunshine found the coarse fish harder to catch.

It's usual at this time of year when the frosts are only just starting to bite to see the fish go off the feed.

Then once the cold weather settles down they start to show again.

Around the region catches have slowed from the wild fisheries and the clearing water is a sure sign the fish are not moving around so much – time to get the pike gear out on venues like the Royal Military canal.

Elsewhere, the best catches will continue to come from the commercial fisheries and there are plenty around the region.

One of the largest is Cottington near Deal, which has a mixture of lakes offering silver fish, match fishing, specimen carp etc.

The mix of lakes allows some choice other than carp and Black lake was the venue for the latest competition and that was won by Folkestone angler, Martin Waters with a catch of skimmer bream and quality perch for 19lb 15oz.

A close second was James Young of Deal with 19lb 8oz and third was Pete Joiner of Lyminge with 12lb 15oz. Lake Heron and Lake Alder are reported to be the best of the freelance lakes with bream and carp showing to worm and pellet.

The other fishery in the region worth a look is the Sandwich Fishery on the Sandwich to Ash Road, again a mix of specimen, match and freelance lakes.

The first of the seasonal Christmas fishing events took place on Sunday when 23 members of Ashford Angling Society fished their Christmas fur and feather match on their match lake at Surrenden. The winner with a mixed net of 14lb 2oz taken on pellet was Ashford angler, Lee Talbot. Richard Payne of Ashford was the runner up with 11lb 2oz and he was fishing with sweetcorn.

Ken Crumbie was third with 8lb 3oz.

At sea whiting dominated the latest Martin Walters Sea Angling Club's beach fishing events with Gary Jago of Folkestone winning from Folkestone beach with 14lb 3oz. Second was Danny Jago with 9lb 5oz and third Andrew Gibson with 9lb 4oz. At the club's late night competition fished at Princes Parade, Seabrook the best catch was 15lb 8oz, again mainly whiting, for Barry Uden of Folkestone. The best flat fish was a sole of 14oz for Garry Jago.

The next open sea angling contest being fished in the region is this weekend when the Kent Open Series takes place at Princes Parade at Seabrook on Sunday morning.

It's a very early start with the fishing is from 7.30am until noon. Meet at the Murco Garage, CT21 6NB, at Battery Point.

Also coming up are several Christmas events. The Deal 1919 SAC 50 turkey open festival is on December 2, from 11am until 4pm.

This is the largest of the open Christmas events and has prizes and cash pools as well as the turkeys. Details from Deal 1919 AC.

The Dover SAA open Christmas event is on December 1, from 9am to 3pm. Entry details on 01304 204722 or email dsaa12@btconnect

If you have caught a big fish, won a match, freshwater or sea, why not let us know about it. Contact Alan Yates on 01303 250017, 07790 132656 or e-mail alankyates@aol.com.

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<b>Fishermen</b> keen as Murray Cod season set to open

Freshwater fishers will be able to target Murray cod from Saturday December 1 when the NSW season reopens following the annual three-month Murray cod breeding closure.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Fisheries manager, Cameron Westaway, said Murray cod was a popular catch among recreational fishers in the Murray-Darling River system.

"Murray cod is a prized catch of freshwater anglers as they are one of Australia's largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres and weighing more than 100 kilograms," Mr Westaway said.

"A three-month ban on taking or attempting to take Murray cod is in place each year from September to November inclusive to protect this important native species during its breeding season.

"Since the closure was first introduced more than a decade ago there have been significant increases in Murray cod numbers.

"DPI's fish stocking program and the Dollar for Dollar scheme, which is funded through the sale of recreational fishing licences and by community groups, have also boosted Murray cod numbers."

DPI Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said fisheries officers would continue to regularly patrol inland waterways including the upcoming holiday season to ensure fishers are complying with the rules when fishing for Murray cod and other species.

"It is important that freshwater fishers are fully aware of the fishing rules in relation to Murray cod before dropping a line," Mr Tritton said.

"There is a daily bag limit of two Murray cod per person per day and a total possession limit of four when fishing in any inland waters.

"The minimum legal length of Murray cod is 60cm, however fishers may have only one over 100cm in their possession."

Other rules relating to the Murray cod include:

o Set lines can no longer be used in any inland waters and are totally prohibited.

o Two attended lines may be used in all inland waters except some trout and closed waters, but these lines must be within 50m and in your line of sight.

o Live finfish including carp, birds and mammals cannot be used as bait.

More information can be found in the NSW Recreational Fishing Freshwater Fishing Guide, which is available from DPI offices and most places where NSW recreational fishing licences are sold.

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It&#39;s peak season for blackfish and striped <b>bass</b>, trout stocking programs <b>...</b>

Kenney: Plenty of fish still in the sea - New York Daily News NYDN Home?CollectionsKenney: Plenty of fish still in the seaALEXANDRA KENNEYThursday, November 22, 2012

Welcome to the season for holidays and hibernating. Various plans for rebuilding our area’s hurricane-damaged shores are being discussed or are even under way. And in a couple of months the marine industry will launch its showbiz schedules as planned.

So anglers, don’t be discouraged from enjoying our first-rate saltwater and freshwater fishing. Remember it’s peak season for blackfish and striped bass. Check with party boat captains for cold-weather schedules. Some switch to res-only charter bookings. A hardy few fish year-round. You might also head to Wakefield. R.I., to board one of the cod-capturing Island Current boats wintering at Snug Harbor Marina.

Freshwater fans are reminded that trout stocking programs are now underway, especially on Long Island and throughout New Jersey. That means the trout are big and hungry.

In terms of a progress update, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have all posted have all posted helpful Hurricane Sandy updates on their fish and game websites. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently approved New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s request for a federal fishery resource disaster declaration which will trigger coordinated federal efforts to help rebuild decimated fishing industries in both New Jersey and New York.

Plus the Army Corps of Engineers has begun working to close storm-caused breaches on the east and west sides of Long Island’s Moriches Inlet. So rebuilding progress is being made.

This weekend’s nautical notes include a Fishermen’s Flea Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus building, 400 Broadway, in Lindenhurst, L.I.

Flipping to 2013 calendar pages, the New York Boat Show anchors at Javits Center from Jan. 3-6. Browse, maybe buy, one of the vessels on display. That includes luxury motor yachts, sport fishers and performance boats.

The agenda includes interactive boating seamanship workshops, a daily series of fishing tips and a new power-boat docking challenge. The show also features an indoor heated pool, providing a chance to scuba dive or paddleboard. Adult admission is $15 and accompanying youths under age 16 are free. Purchase advance tickets or view special event schedules at www.NYBoatShow.com

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Cooler Alabama weather signals second-best <b>bass</b>-<b>fishing</b> season

Kenny Pannel flips a jig into timber at Lake Neely Henry. He primarily uses jigs and buzzbaits to catch bass as the water cools. (BASS)

The cooler weather of recent mornings has inspired Alabama hunters who are eagerly awaiting a number of hunting seasons that will begin in upcoming months.

The chilly mornings have also been exciting for Alabama bass fishermen who know the drop in temperatures signals the start of the second-best time of the year for bass fishing in the state.

"I think most people including me think that the spring of the year is the best time to fish, but the fall is definitely the second-best time," said Dan Catchings, a district fisheries biologist with Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries in Eastaboga. "From about mid-September to about mid-November, the bass are really active again."

A bass' life cycle revolves around the fact that it is a cold-blooded creature, Catchings explained. In summer months, bass seek deep-water refuges and become lethargic. In the cold months of the winter, they also live in deep water to find the warmest water. They also feed less because the colder water lessens their metabolism and makes it tough for them to chase prey. In the fall, however, bass eat like pigs at a trough. They must fatten up for the winter and they do so in shallow water where they are easier to catch.

Kenny Pannel, a pro tournament fisherman on the BFL and BASS Federation tournament trails, said the cool mornings Alabama has seen in the past few days will be enough to trigger great fishing in the upcoming weeks.

"They'll start to move shallow now and they will gorge themselves on baitfish until it gets too cold for them to move much," he said.

"They'll get up in that shallow water and that's when I like to get a buzzbait out and fish it early in the morning. I use a white or a white/chartreuse medium size with about a 1-inch blade. If it's windy, I'll use a buzzbait with a clacker that makes a little more noise so they can find it better in the choppy water."

Bass will typically gather in the shallow water along banks and seawalls. He pinpoints those areas with his buzzbait.

Alabama can still get some warm, sunny days in late September and in October, and the buzzbait bite will end as soon as the sun gets up in the sky. When that happens, Pannel says, he targets bass that will gather close to fallen trees and other timber. He uses a green pumpkin jig with 30-pound test line to yank bass out of the thick stuff.

He says the best fishing this time of the year actually occurs at night. As the temperature drops at night, the spotted bass gather in numbers on rocky points. He uses a black/blue ½-ounce spinnerbait with a No. 6 smoked Colorado blade and slow rolls it across the rocky points.

"I don't know where those fish go during the summer but when it starts cooling off like it is doing now, they get on those rocky points at night and the fishing gets really good," he said.

Doug Powell, a staff environmental specialist for Alabama Power and a fisheries biologist, says when the temperature begins cooling as it has the past few days, it signals fun time.

"Bass are no different than other critters, really," he said. "Everything in the woods gets lethargic during the hot summer months and gets active again in the fall. People think of alligators as a hot summer creature, but that isn't true. They are cold-blooded, too. They don't move much in summer but they start getting active now."

Powell says that when the water cools to the point that fishermen see shad beginning to school, that means the bass are fattening up for the winter.

"The colder mornings signal that harder times are coming," he said. "They know they have to eat while they can and what they are looking to eat is in shallow water where the fishermen can get to them better."

Pannel says he loves fall fishing for reasons other than bass getting aggressive again. Fall, he says, is the most peaceful time to fish. Most bass tournaments have ended for the year and pleasure boaters have called it quits until next spring. Many fishermen have called it quits, too, as they spend more time watching football and preparing for the hunting season.

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Best Bets: Recreational red snapper season begins Friday

?Fishing was either feast or famine over the (Memorial Day) weekend,? as reported to Dave Westra of Lehr?s Economy Tackle in North Fort Myers.

Of the feasts, many were taken by anglers fishing well offshore for red grouper, which were biting in limit numbers.

This weekend, anglers will be hoping for similar results even farther offshore, as the 40-day recreational season for red snapper begins Friday.

Nearshore anglers reported tarpon largely indifferent to flies and live baits, in contrast to 11 released by Cape Coral Capt. David Holzhauer?s parties fishing cut baits.

Anglers from Estero Bay to Charlotte Harbor reported inshore slams of snook, redfish, trout and miscellaneous other denizens biting live baits and artificials.

Freshwater anglers have given up for the time being on the too-shallow waters of Lake Trafford. But Lake Okeechobee continues to produce good action for anglers on the hunt for bass and bream.

OFFSHORE: Robert Pierce, Brian Clark, and Julie Meng boxed a dozen mangrove snapper to 16 inches, two keeper hogfish including a 17-1/2-incher, and five keeper yellowtail snapper, while releasing Spanish mackerel, crevalle jacks, blue runners, grunts and short red and gag grouper on an offshore Fishbuster Charter in 47 feet of water out of New Pass.

Also fishing offshore with Capt. Dave Hanson, Dick Bromby and Paul Gilbert did double duty, 37 miles west of New Pass, where they used shrimp to catch 10 yellowtail, four mangs, and a dozen whitebone porgies for the table, while matching brawn in catch-and-release struggles with goliath grouper estimated at 60, 80 and 175 pounds.

Another catch-and-release Fishbuster trip produced two just-short 32-inch cobia, a 15-inch scamp grouper, short reds and gags, a bluefish and 10 Spanish to 22 inches on Thursday, in 40-foot depths.

Paul Gaudreault, Kevin Kay and Luis Nunez caught six keeper red grouper and some large grunts fishing west of Redfish Pass on a Hot One II Charter with Cape Coral Capt. Roy Bennett.

Al Hayden, Chuck Reigle, Randy Mackenzie and Tom Snodgrass fished with Hank Littleton of Bokeelia in 90 feet of water, southwest of Boca Grande Pass, where they used live and butterflied grunts and squirrelfish (sand perch) to catch 20 keeper red grouper to 15 pounds.

Jerry Helms and five friends ran to 100 feet of water to get their limit of 24 red grouper and mixed bottom fish.

Two King Fisher offshore charters out of Fishermen?s Village in Punta Gorda worked depths of 60 to 65 feet out of Boca Grande Pass for catches of one and two keeper red grouper, plus mixed boxes of lane snapper, porgies and grunts over the past week.

REDFISH: Keith (Jack) Frost and Doy McPhail used artificial baits to catch four redfish including two in the slot, eight trout to 22 inches, nine snook to 24 inches, a sheepshead, a flounder and a sailcat over the Memorial Day weekend in Estero Bay.

The Bait Box on Sanibel reports anglers have been doing well on redfish at the Sanibel Pier, and they?ve also been catching a few keepers along Wildlife Drive (closed Fridays) in the J.N. ?Ding? Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Norm Zeigler?s Fly, Bait & Tackle Shop on Sanibel reports a few redfish being taken along the island?s beaches.

Cape Tool & Tackle anglers have been reporting good action on low-slot reds to 24 inches in Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound, with the best results coming on cut baits fished in the northern sound around Patricio and Mondongo keys and Part Island.

SNOOK: The best snook activity of the year has been reported over the past week, although activity hasn?t necessarily corresponded to action.

Norm Zeigler used his namesake Norm?s Crystal Schminnow fly to catch and release a 32-inch snook Sunday morning at Sanibel?s Lighthouse Beach, before opening his shop on Periwinkle Way. And Zeigler reports Dave Beall of Cape Coral caught that fish?s twin Sunday evening in the same spot, on his Dave?s Silverback pattern fly.

Zeigler reports anglers along the city beaches have been getting mostly refusals due to lousy winds and spawning activity that has been taking precedence over feeding. Michigan angler Pete Squib reported counting 70 without getting a bite.

Bait Box anglers fishing with live shrimp and cut frozen threadfin herrings on the bottom have been catching and releasing good numbers of snook at the Sanibel Pier and at the other end of the island in Blind Pass.

North Fort Myers anglers Rick and Ryan Courson used live sardines to catch 15 snook to 28 inches, six redfish and two trout of 20 and 22 inches last weekend fishing the lower east side of Charlotte Harbor. Lehr?s reports they fished under the bushes for the snook and reds, and out near the bar for the trout.

Matlacha Capt. Gregg McKee reports lots of big snook in Matlacha Pass, where Montana angler Sam Peplinski used a white Zoom swimbait to catch and release a 33-incher Tuesday in the Two Pines area on his WildFly Charter, during which he also jumped a 20-pound tarpon.

TROUT: Zeigler?s reports anglers fishing with live thread herrings have been catching trout in Blind Pass. That?s been a ditto for Bait Box customers, who also have reported some nice trout biting along Wildlife Drive and at the Sanibel Pier.

King Fisher bay boats have been catching trout scattered down Charlotte Harbor?s eastern flats south to Pirate Harbor.

TARPON: Cape Coral Capt. David Holzhauer?s weekend parties combined for 11 tarpon on cut baits fished off Sanibel?s big bend, Knapp?s Point, where the veteran guide told Westra that guides deploying live baits including threadfins were getting little action.

Capt. McKee reports getting hundreds of fly-fishing refusals off Lee County?s northern beaches over the past week, although smaller fish in Matlacha pass have been jumping on flies and Gulp! artificials.

Cape Tool & Tackle is hearing of a slow bite, despite thousands of tarpon in Boca Grande Pass.

Cape Tool also reports a new twist in tarpon fishing by Cape Coral angler David Mentist, who has been snipping the points off of very large blue crabs and fishing them on the bottom in Charlotte Harbor?s deeper holes. Metist reportedly released one fish that taped at 230 pounds, and lost four other giants over the past week.

SHARKS: Some of the slow action on tarpon off Knapp?s Point is attributable to sharks getting to the baits before the tarpon have a chance.

Capt. Bennett reports a complementary Operation Open Arms trip for Staff Sergeant Lee Riek, returning from two deployments in Afghanistan, produced eight sharks to 25 pounds, including a five-foot hammerhead, caught Memorial Day by Sgt. Riek and his dad Kyle, of Estero.

The Bait Box reports fishermen along the Sanibel Causeway?s Island B bridge abutment at the center span have been catching small blacktip and bonnethead sharks, plus flounder, jacks and ladyfish.

King Fisher bay boats along Charlotte Harbor?s eastern flats also have been catching a few bonnetheads during the course of fishing for trout with live shrimp.

SPANISH MACKEREL: Bait Box customers have been catching lots of Spanish mackerel at the Sanibel Pier, and Zeigler?s customers are reporting good numbers of Spanish along island beaches.

King Fisher bay boats have been doing well while freelining live herrings and shrimp at the Charlotte Harbor Reef, where they?re also catching a few keeper mangrove snapper.

MIXED BAGS: An inshore Fishbuster Charter with Bill, Alyce and Tori Geronimo produced releases of 15 mangrove snapper, two stingrays and a sheepshead Saturday.

Zeigler?s got a report of a goliath grouper that was caught at the Sanibel Pier and illegally dragged onto the beach (and thus rendered into possession) for photographs.

Cape Tool reports ?a ton of bonito? (little tunny) in the nearshore Gulf off Sanibel.

Anglers fishing from the north abutments of the Edison Bridge have been using frozen shrimp and halved blue crabs to catch black drum weighing as much as 40 pounds, according to Lehr?s.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Ryan Eckman of Roland Martin?s Marine Center in Clewiston, his uncle Mike Hodgson and friend H.B. kept about 30 panfish including bluegills, shellcrackers (redear sunfish) and four crappie caught on crickets along the rocky side of the Rim Canal, between Bare Beach and the Miami Canal. Eckman also reported anglers doing well on bluegill while fishing from the shoreline at the Miami Canal pumphouse, at John Stretch Park.

Anglers casting lipless crankbaits including blue-back/chrome Rat-L-Traps have been catching as many as 30 bass per day when targeting schooling fish under diving birds off islands outside Uncle Joe?s (Mayaca) Cut, and to a lesser extent off Clewiston?s ?ship channel? spoil islands.

Shiner fishermen still are catching bigger bass along the outside of the Big O?s emergent vegetation lines, although the artificial bite there as slowed significantly.

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Shep on <b>Fishing</b>: Weakfish an early season surprise

Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2012 12:15 am | Updated: 1:42 am, Sat Jun 2, 2012.

One of the promising developments in the first part of the improving fishing season is what looks to be the return of decent catches of weakfish.

The Press Fishing Contest has received five entries, which is probably already more than the last two seasons combined.

The heaviest weakfish weigh-in so far is a 7.81-pounder caught by Egg Harbor City resident Skip Compton. It was entered into the Senior Division at Dolfin Dock in Somers Point. It was caught May 21 with a yellow and white bucktail with purple worm in the back bays of Margate.

Other hefty weakfish entered - Joe Craner of Northfield with a 6.54 fish caught off Drag Island between Somers Point and Ocean City and certified at Dolfin; Gary Goll of Cape May Court House at 6.05 caught at the 8th Street jetty in Avalon on May 25 and weighed at Moran's Dockside in Avalon; Paul Dailey of Pine Hill at 4 pounds, 10 ounces caught in Absecon Bay on Tuesday and certified at Up The Creek Marina in Absecon.

You can only keep one fish, minimum 13 inches, so the stale joke is that they all limited out.

One of the long-time weakfish hot spots is Mullica River. Violet Meyer at Chestnut Neck Boat Yard in Port Republic said the early returns are better than they have been for at least three years. She said Friday that the usual weakfish spots such as Deep Point and Doctors Point in the Mullica have produced "lots of big fish."

As usual, shedder crab is the best bait. Meyer said the best time is high water or early morning.

Incidentally, apologies to all shedder crabs. They were misidentified as green crab in this column Tuesday when describing a one-day out-of-state bait-buying trip from Dolfin Dock by Joan and Rob Barrett.

Mike Hughes has seen a number of 4- to 6-pound weakfish at Budd's Bait and Tackle in Cape May, and he had a hint of a rumor of a 13-pounder that was not confirmed. Hughes said kingfish, croaker and weakfish are mixed together in the surf at Alexander beach in Cape May, and they are biting on bloodworm, shedder and even night-crawlers.

There seem to be lots of 3- to 5-pound summer flounder throughout the area. Another old-fashioned doormat was caught, and again the women are topping the leaderboard.

Howard Sefton got a call 8 p.m. Thursday - after closing Capt. Howard's Bait and Tackle in Egg Harbor City - from a very excited Kimberly Hackney of Hammonton. Sefton opened the store and Hackney walked in with a flounder that weighed an even 7 pounds and was 26 inches in length. Hackney caught it in Absecon Bay with what she described as a freshwater rod with light line and a minnow. Basic and effective.

She was fishing with Raymond Acevedo of Hammonton, who, oh by the way, picked off a 3-pound flounder.

The heaviest flounder entered into The Press Fishing Contest to date is a 10-3 pounder caught May 18 by Nancy Tregnan of Brigantine. And to add to the theme: Candy Jankowski of Marmora has been leading the way at Frank's Boat Rentals in Strathmere with keepers that went 18, 19, 20, 20 and 20 inches caught over Memorial Day weekend.

Other keepers reported recently include the first of the season by 87-year-old Tony Pagano of Cardiff. It happened May 17 on the Duke of Fluke back-bay partyboat docked in Somers Point.

Duke Capt. Brook Koeneke said it was 18 inches in length and weighed 2.3 pounds. Koeneke also reported a 4.5-pound flounder for a 14-year-old from Deptford.

Rolland Reeve of Avalon picked a 5.8-pound flounder out of Paddy's Hole, one of the best flounder spots inside Townsend Inlet.

In addition to the weakfish, Dailey caught a 4.6-pound flounder. Joe LoPane at Up The Creek said he was drifting near the Brigantine Bridge in Absecon Inlet and caught both the flounder and weakfish with a minnow.

The new fishing area at the Somers Point-Ocean City causeway bridge is a cool place and it looks like it can only get better as more people learn about it.

Brian Lee, a mechanic from Clementon, has fished it four times.

On Thursday, he pulled a 21-inch keeper flounder over the rails, and earlier he caught two. He was using a plain hook with minnows for bait at high water and the outgoing tide.

He was there with 7-year-old Andy and 8-year-old Aaron Villafana and mom, Dana, of Somers Point.

* * *

Become a fan of Shep's on Facebook and he'll let you know when he files an update. Go to our website at Facebook.com/PressofAC, and look under favorite pages, or simply search for Mike Shepherd's Shep on Fishing in the Facebook search field.

* * *

Mike Shepherd is the retired sports editor of The Press. His Shep on Fishing column and Shep's Hot Spot appear Tuesdays and Saturdays in the sports section. Call 609-350-0388 or email

sheponfishing@yahoo.com.

You can also hear Shep's on-air fishing reports Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6:05 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 7:05 p.m. on WOND 1400 AM and on our website: PressofAtlanticCity.com

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Outdoors news and notes: Red snapper season is open; free <b>fishing</b> days

Making news

REd Snapper season lasts just 40 days

The harvest season for red snapper opened this morning, but anglers better catch them while the catching is good. Federal officials predict recreational anglers will fill their quota by July 11 when the season will shut down again at 12:01 a.m.

Here on Florida's central gulf coast you have to travel about 30 miles offshore to catch these prized sport fish. Anglers may keep two fish per day, 16 inches or longer.

But before you head offshore, consider helping the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in an ongoing study of red snapper and other reef fish. FWC biologists have been distributing survey cards at public areas, including boat ramps, piers and marinas.

If any angler catches a red snapper, regardless of the time of year, he can use the card to note where the snapper was caught and, if appropriate, released, as well as the type of equipment used, the size of the fish and its condition.

Fisheries researchers and managers use the data to assess the status of the recreational fishery. To request a postage-paid survey card in the mail, email your name and address to FishStats@MyFWC.com. You can also download a data sheet at myfwc.com/research/salt water. Click on "Recreational Fisheries" and select the article "FWC enlists anglers to assist reef fish studies."

Anglers can call in a report if they catch a tagged grouper or snapper. Since 2009, state biologists have been tagging and releasing fish to evaluate their post-catch survival. The yellow or orange tags are near the dorsal fin of the fish, and each tag has a unique number printed on the side.

If you catch a tagged fish, call the Angler Tag Return Hotline toll-free at 1-800-367-4461. Note the species, tag number, date and time of capture, catch location, fish length, type of bait used and whether the fish was kept or released. If the fish is to be released, leave the tag on.

Free fishing days

Grab your fishing gear and head to the nearest pier. Florida officials have scheduled more free fishing days. You won't need a saltwater license, just a rod, reel and bait if you go Saturday.

But the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has spread out the opportunities this year so more people can take advantage of the free fishing days on the state's lakes, rivers or saltwater destinations. Make note of these free fishing Saturdays in 2012: June 9 for freshwater and Sept. 1 for saltwater.

Send your outdoors news to Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com or call (727) 893-8808.

Solunar table

AM PM

minor major minor major

6/1 3:00 9:10 3:20 9:40

6/2 3:55 10:05 4:15 10:35

6/3 4:50 11:00 5:10 11:40

6/4 5:55 0 6:15 12:05

6/5 6:50 12:35 7:20 1:10

6/6 7:55 1:45 8:30 2:15

6/7 8:55 2:45 9:25 3:10

Tide adjustments

The charts show the rise and fall of tides measured in feet and plots the tides on a one-week timeline. Times and depth may vary depending on weather conditions. You can compute the tides from these adjustments:

North (Anclote River) High Low

Anclote Key (south end) -01:37 -00:47

Bayport +01:13 +01:39

Cedar Key +01:16 +01:03

Crystal River, Florida Power +01:13 +01:33

Hudson, Hudson Creek +00:06 +00:01

Indian Rocks Beach (inside) +00:19 +00:10

North (Anclote River) High Low

Mangrove Point, Crystal Bay +01:34 +01:54

Pithlachascotee River +00:18 +00:52

St. Joseph Sound -00:34 -00:42

Steinhatchee River entrance +01:33 +01:32

Suwannee River entrance +01:22 +01:21

Withlacoochee River entrance +01:23 +01:58

South (The Pier) High Low

Anna Maria, pier -02:10 -02:19

Egmont Key, Egmont channel -02:15 -03:20

Gandy Bridge +00:59 +00:57

Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay -01:32 -01:05

John's Pass, Boca Ciega Bay -02:14 -02:04

Madeira Beach Causeway -01:32 -01:45

Mullet Key Channel (Skyway) -02:03 -02:01

South (The Pier) High Low

Pass-a-Grille Beach -01:34 -01:30

Pinellas Point -00:22 -00:29

Redfish Point, Manatee River -00:30 -00:14

Safety Harbor +01:32 +01:34

Sarasota Bay -01:38 -00:58

Corey Causeway -01:18 -00:44

Venice Inlet (inside) -02:02 -01:38

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Trout <b>Fishing</b> Season Opens Saturday

‹ Back to Article Embed | Share      Bill Ralph of Riverside shows off the trout he hooked Saturday at Brickyard Pond in Barrington.

Saturday is the first day of trout and freshwater fishing season. Expect Brickyard Pond in Barrington to swarm with trout fishermen.

The pond is always stocked by the Department of Environmental Management. Make sure you follow safety precautions because the water temperature is still very cold, according to a story in the Barrington Times. 

Brickyard Pond is one of 100 ponds and streams across Rhode Island that will see lots of fishing action. See a Patch story on last year’s opening day. It should get you in the mood if you fish.

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<b>Fishing</b> Derby Will Open Season at Cass Pond Saturday

‹ Back to Article Embed | Share      No derby is complete without the help of 90 year old retired city worker " Sudsy " Southerland.

The 2012 Woonsocket Fishing Derby will kick off this year's trout and general freshwater fishing season at 6 a.m. on Saturday, drawing young anglers from across the area.

About 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by Division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for opening day.

Sponsored by Woonsocket Lodge of Elks #850 and the Woonsocket Parks and Recreation Department, the derby is open to boys and girls 12 and under. Last year, about 175 people showed up to kick off the season during the derby.

“Getting out at the crack of dawn on opening day is a time-honored tradition in Rhode Island,” noted DEM Director Janet Coit.  “This is a great opportunity for anglers of all ages to grab their fishing poles and experience the delight of catching the first trout of the season.”

The DEM warns that anglers should make an extra effort to take personal safety precautions, such as not standing too close to the shoreline and being aware of their surroundings, so that they can enjoy a safe 'opening day' fishing experience. Boaters are also being urged to take appropriate safety precautions, particularly those who fish from canoes on lakes, ponds and rivers with dams. Even though the air temperatures are rising, water temperatures are still low and situations can quickly turn dangerous.

Cass Pond will be open for children-only during the first two days of the fishing season - Saturday and Sunday.

A 2012 fishing license is required for anglers 15 years of age and older wishing to catch fish. A Trout Conservation Stamp is also required of anyone wishing to keep or possess a trout or to fish in a catch-and-release or 'fly-fishing only' area. 

Fishing licenses and the Trout Conservation Stamp ($5.50) can be obtained at any city or town clerk's office or authorized agent such as bait and tackle shops and Benny’s.  A current list of license vendors is available on the DEM website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Hunting, Fishing, Boating Licenses” from the top left of the homepage, and scrolling down to “Hunting/Fishing Agents.”

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Walmart FLW Tour Field Eyes Lake Hartwell For First Major Of Season

ANDERSON, S.C.- The last time FLW Tour anglers visited Lake Hartwell, there were more than a few who found fish spawning. Oklahoma angler Jason Christie found what he called "Oklahoma" water in that 2011 event - shallow, dirty water that suits his style of fishing - and targeted staging and spawning fish for a total of 70 pounds, 11 ounces. But fishing fans looking for a repeat performance from Lake Hartwell in March may find different circumstances resulting in an exciting shootout of the world's best pros.

The Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Hartwell presented by Folgers will visit Anderson/Greenville, S.C., March 8-11 for the first major of its 17th season. Hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tournament will feature a full field of the world's best bass pros and co-anglers casting for top awards up to $125,000 cash in the Pro Division and up to $25,000 cash in the Co-angler Division.

"I think (fishing's) going to be a lot different this year," said Folgers pro Scott Suggs of Bryant, Ark. "Last year (the fish) had moved up and got on beds, but I don't think they're going to be up that far this go-round. It's going to be more of a pre-spawn type deal."

The 2007 Forrest Wood Cup winner said anglers will have a wide variety of techniques to employ at the Hartwell event and anglers will be able to play to their strengths.

"They're going to catch them cranking, on (Sworming Hornet) Fish Head Spins and jerkbaits," Suggs said. "And then the (anglers) who are going to stay in the creeks are going to be throwing jigs, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.

"Luckily the lake's big enough that we'll be able to get away from each other quite a bit," Suggs added.

Suggs said he believes it could take 16 pounds a day during the four-day event to take home the trophy.

"If those big females move up and get in there somewhere and get to staging adjacent to flats it may even be better than that because you'll catch some that haven't spawned out yet," Suggs said. "The weights could be even better."

In FLW Tour competition, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. This year's Cup will be in Duluth/Gainesville, Ga., Aug. 9-12 on Lake Lanier and anglers could win as much as $500,000 - the sport's biggest award. Anglers are also vying for the prestigious 2012 Walmart FLW Tour Angler of the Year presented by Kellogg's title that will be determined by the most points accumulated over the six Tour Majors.

Anglers will take off from Portman Shoals Marina located at 1629 Marina Road in Anderson at 7 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning and at 7:30 a.m. DST Sunday morning (Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday). Thursday and Friday's weigh-ins will be held at Portman Shoals Marina beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday's final weigh-ins will be held at the TD Convention Center located at One Exposition Drive in Greenville beginning at 4 p.m.

Fans will be treated to the FLW Outdoors Expo at the TD Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday from noon - 4 p.m. prior to the final weigh-ins. The Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and fans can learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public. On Saturday the first 300 children 14 and under who are accompanied by an adult will receive a free rod and reel combo courtesy of The Greenville News. On Sunday one lucky fishing fan will win a Can-Am ATV courtesy of WESC 92.5. The ATV giveaway is free to enter but the winner must be present at the conclusion of Sunday's final weigh-in to win.

As part of the FLW Tour's community outreach initiative, select FLW Tour anglers will be volunteering at Homes of Hope located at 3 Dunean St. in Greenville from 9-11:30 a.m. March 7. FLW Tour anglers will be assisting Homes of Hope interns in building porch rails at Homes of Hope for the new LoCAL home project. FLW will also be donating 50 three-pound cans of Folgers Coffee and boxes of 3M Blue Painters tape at 11 a.m. following the anglers' volunteer efforts.

Coverage of the Lake Hartwell tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network when "FLW" airs April 15 from 1 - 2 p.m. ET. "FLW" is hosted by Jason Harper and is broadcast to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.

ABOUT FLW

FLW is the industry's premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport's richest payday and most coveted championship trophy - the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the "Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water," through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world's richest fantasy sports game - FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.

www.FLWOutdoors.com

Media Contact
Chad Gay, Director of Public Relations, (270) 703-3346 or cgay@flwoutdoors.com

Julie Huber, Communications Specialist, (612) 337-1810 (w), (612) 812-9512 (m) or julie.huber@jacobs-mgmt.com

Joe Opager, Communications Specialist, (612) 337-1989 (w), (218) 434-0748 (m) or joseph.opager@jacobs-

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Kansas Trout Season Open, Some Stockings Delayed

PRATT - From October 15 through April 15, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) stocks rainbow trout in select waters across the state. During this time, some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters).

Type 1 trout waters are Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin, Dodge City Lake Charles, Ft. Scott Gun Park Lake, Garnett Crystal Lake, Glen Elder State Park (SP) Pond, Kanopolis Seep Stream, KDOT East Lake in Wichita, Lake Henry in Clinton SP, Mined Land WA Unit No. 30, Pratt Centennial Pond, Sandsage Bison Range and WA Sandpits, Vic's Lake and Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park, Topeka Auburndale Park, Walnut River Area in El Dorado SP, Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek SP, and Webster Stilling Basin.

Type 2 trout waters are Atchison City Lake No. 1, Belleville City Lake (Rocky Pond), Cimarron Grasslands Pits, Ft. Riley Cameron Springs, Ft. Riley Moon Lake, Great Bend Veterans Memorial Park Lake, Holton-Elkhorn Lake, Hutchinson Dillon Nature Center Pond, Lake Shawnee, Salina Lakewood Lake, Scott State Fishing Lake, Scott State Park Pond, Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake, and Solomon River between Webster Reservoir and Rooks County No. 2 Road, and Syracuse-Sam's Pond.

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit No. 30 requires a trout permit year-round. Trout permits are valid for the calendar year, so permits purchased last January or later are valid through Dec. 31. All residents 16-64 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.

While most designated trout waters in the state will be stocked with trout in time for opening day, the following waters will be delayed (see following text for details):

Cedar Bluff Reservoir Stilling Basin;
Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits;
Lake Charles in Dodge City;
Glen Elder Park Pond - second week in November;
Great Bend Veteran's Park;
Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream;
Pratt Centennial Pond;
Rocky Pond in Belleville - second week in November;
Scott State Fishing Lake; and
Sedgwick County Park Slough Creek - low water.
Other areas may have to delay stocking, as well. Before a trout fishing expedition, anglers are encouraged to check for updated information on stocking of trout waters by visiting the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Type "trout stocking schedule" in the search box.

As of Oct. 10, the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin had yet to experience fall turnover, which occurs as surface water cools. When this happens, dissolved oxygen levels in the water can drop, and it takes time for the system to recover and provide conditions safe for trout. Rather than risk a fish kill for newly stocked trout, biologists have decided to delay the stocking. Conditions will be monitored, and if the basin is ready, trout will be stocked in late October.

Trout stocking at Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits, Dodge City-Lake Charles, Great Bend Veteran's Park, Pratt Centennial Pond, and Scott State Fishing Lake will be delayed, but the recent cool weather should allow stocking early during the week of October 17.

The Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream is currently laden with duckweed and filamentous algae, creating water-quality problems. The seep stream is closed to all fishing, with plans to stock trout in early November, provided conditions have improved.

Smoky Gardens and the Sand Sage Bison Range Pond are currently dry. Both will need precipitation before trout can be stocked.

The Solomon River above Webster Reservoir is not stocked in the fall, nor is it stocked each year. Stocking is dependent upon flows. In years when flows are adequate, stocking generally occurs in January, February, and March.

The Glen Elder Park Pond is not stocked in October. The first stocking of the season is scheduled for mid-November each year in order to allow time for the water to cool.

Trout permits are available at the KDWPT website, at KDWPT offices, and license vendors.

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Bagwell's Bass Tactics: Dealing With the Off Season Doldrums

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Bagwell's Bass Tactics: Dealing With the Off Season Doldrums
by Jeremiah T. Bagwell

Dealing With the Off Season Doldrums Here in the Northern part of the country we are barely into our cold weather season. Already my anxiety level is going through the roof. I have cleaned the basement and got all of my tackle sorted. Next year's gear has already been ordered. Now all I can do is sit around waiting for spring and dreaming about bass fishing. That is if I want all of my hard work and practice to go down the drain.

If you are one of the millions of bass anglers that reside in the northern half of the United States, the winter months can seem to last an eternity. The lakes and rivers become over sized ice hockey rinks. No matter how hard I try, I just can't figure out how to get my Minn Kota to cut through the hard water and my Senkos just lay motionless on the ice. I guess that rules out ice fishing.

The majority of bass anglers can't afford the luxury of heading south for the winter or taking trips to exotic warm climate locations. Instead, we must stay in our snow covered prisons, anxiously awaiting our spring time release date. Rather than spending four months dreaming of the bass that you could be catching, take advantage of the off-season. This is the time of year to hone some of your skills and increase your knowledge for next season.

I have a miniature obstacle course set up in my basement. There is a variety of targets obstructed by different objects. This is how I attempt to keep in stroke for Pitching and Flipping different baits. Each one of the obstructed targets serves its own unique purpose. One obstacle that has been very beneficial too me, is a small tunnel that I made out of cardboard boxes. At the end of the tunnel is a small lid from a laundry detergent bottle, this represents my strike zone. I use this portion of the course to practice pitching to low, congested targets. I designed this obstacle two years ago and it has paid amazing dividends, when it came to getting a jig under a boat dock or pitching underneath low hanging trees.

This also keeps me tuned in with my equipment. When I pull out my All Star rods and Pflueger reels in the spring, they will not feel awkward to me. That is because they will have been a vital part of my off-season workout routine. To the untrained eye, it might appear that this is just a stupid little game that I play all alone, but do you think major league pitchers just sit around all winter? Of course not, they are in a gym somewhere working on their sliders and fastballs. The time you invest refining your skills during the winter will offer huge benefits come tournament time in the spring.

Take this time too learn how your lures actually work. Several colleges, high schools, and local YMCA's have indoor swimming pools. For a minimal fee, anglers can rent these pools by the hour. The crystal clear water is a perfect testing ground for seeing exactly how different baits look in action. Take several different baits and study how different retrieves and rod movements affect their action in the water. For one reason or another, each of us has developed an idea of what we think our baits do when we retrieve them a certain way. By seeing these baits with an unobstructed, perfectly clear view, we can now witness whether or not our assumptions were correct.

Boat show season can also be a huge off-season advantage to anglers. Typically, these shows offer seminars that are taught by seasoned Pros. Visit as many seminars or instructional demonstrations as you possibly can. Most of the time, these seminars require little or no fee in order to attend. B.A.S.S. holds several Bassmaster University educational programs throughout the country every January and February. These hugely popular, two day training programs are taught by the top anglers in the business. To the best of my knowledge, nobody else offers instructional seminars that feature the likes of Davy Hite, Hank Parker, Jay Yelas, Woo Daves, Larry Nixon, Kevin VanDam, and numerous other top tournament winning Pros. Although a little higher priced, attending one of these programs may just help push you too the next level of competitive Bass fishing.

When you can't get out to these seminars or other educational programs, use your time at home to learn as much as you can. Reading several magazines and visiting fishing websites can be like getting a fast track bachelors degree in bass fishing. Websites such as Probass.com, BassResource.com, AmericanBassAnglers.com, LandBigFish.com and BigfishTackle.com offer anglers a huge assortment of informative articles, as well as fishing chat rooms and message boards. After you read an article, you can then go to the forum or the chat room and discuss the various topics with other anglers. Not only will you learn more about the sport you love, but there is the potential for meeting new friends and fishing partners that love the sport as much as you. The fact that these sites are available twenty-four hours a day is perfect for everyone, regardless of their work schedule.

Another valuable tool for increasing your winter season education, is fishing related videos. From the comfort of your own couch, you can learn tips and tactics from the country's best Professional Bass anglers. Plastic Tactics and Understanding Sonar by Mike Del Visco are two great learning aids for anglers of all skill levels. Kevin VanDam's Pitching to Heavy Hitters really does a wonderful job of explaining when and where to Flip and Pitch your baits, to become more successful. Woo Daves' Structure School gives a detailed look at various aspects of fishing for deep bass. There are numerous other videos on the market that can and will help you increase your knowledge level. Take advantage of these resources and then practice the techniques that you have learned once spring arrives. You will be amazed with the results.

Rather than moping around and letting your skills diminish, take advantage of your off-season. Not only will you emerge as a more educated and highly skilled angler, it will also make the time pass more quickly.
Author: Jeremiah T. Bagwell
Email: jt_bagwell@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://www.qcbassfishing.8k.com/
Details: Nickname - JT
Birth Date - March 13, 1976
Hometown - Rock Island, IL
Family - Elisabeth (wife)
Fishing Influences - Arnold and Juanita King (Grandparents)
Years Fishing - 25+
Biggest Strength (on the water) - Pitching jigs
Biggest Weakness (on the water) - Finesse fishing

Fishing Accomplishments Winner of 2002 Exelon's Fishing for a Cure (Charity Event) 2003 ABA D46 Angler of the Year2004 ABA D46 Angler of the YearSeveral tournament winsSeveral big bass awardsBFL regional qualifierABA national championship qualifierOff the Water Accomplishments Pro Staff member for several great companiesArticles are regularly printed in American Bass Anglers and Inside Line Magazines.Bagwell's Bass Tactics (weekly column) runs on multiple very high-traffic websites.Articles are used on websites in the United States, Russia, Australia and the United KingdomFeatured in numerous newspaper articlesIn-studio guest for a regional talk radio showIn-store promotions for retail locationsOwner of BagwellsBassTactics.comActive in the Pro Bass Networks "Ask a Pro" program for kidsProudest Fishing Moment - After winning the Exelon Fishing for a Cure charity tournament, donated 20% of earnings back to the charity.
Favorite Food - Mexican and Italian
Favorite Book - Get what you deserve (How to guerilla market yourself)
Favorite Movie - Too many to list
Favorite Song - I'm gonna miss her (the fishing song)
Sponsors - Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Pflueger Reels, All Star Rods, Daiichi Hooks, Minn Kota, Mizmo Bait Co, Lake George Boat Rental, Slayden's Auto Repair, MegaStrike, Humminbird, PowerPro, Shakespeare Supreme Line, Do-It Mold Co.

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Floatline Fishing Season Begins July 15

PRATT - Now in the last of a three-year pilot program, the Kansas floatline fishing season begins July 15 and runs through Sept. 15. The season is open at eight Kansas reservoirs: Hillsdale, Council Grove, Tuttle Creek, Kanopolis, John Redmond, Toronto, Wilson, and Pomona. During this time, anglers will be allowed to use floatlines from sunrise to sunset only.

Floatline fishing, sometimes called "jug fishing," allows Kansas anglers to use no more than eight free floating floatlines with no more than two hooks attached to each line. A floatline permit (available for $2.50) is required, enabling Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) staff to survey floatline anglers to monitor participation. A valid Kansas fishing license is also required, unless exempt by law. During this season, anglers are allowed to use eight floatlines or eight setlines, but not both. In addition to floatlines, an angler may fish with two poles, or three poles if a $6.50 three-pole permit is purchased.

All floatlines must be under immediate supervision of the angler and must be removed from the water when fishing ceases. As with setlines, floatlines must be tagged with the owner's name and address. Materials used for floats are restricted to "closed cell" devices made of solid plastic, wood, or foam; metal, glass or any other hollow material is not allowed. Closed-cell floats are required because they do not hold water and are less likely to spread zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species.

At the end of this year's season, participation and results of the floatline fishing season will be evaluated, and KDWPT staff will make recommendations to the Commission on whether to continue the program as is, expand it, or revoke it.

For more information, consult the 2011 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available where licenses are sold or online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

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