02.14.20 New New Jersey striped bass regs almost 100% set.....

     Here we go. So here's the story as I got it. Last nights meeting was held in a shoebox and they turned people away because the venue was so small. Also, with most people there for the striped bass comment and decision they decided to make it the third topic of the evening, leaving most folks outside the room or building.

     What I've heard is this. 

Striped Bass 2020 Regulations-  (after submission and approval to the ASMFC)

                       March 1st to December 31st. One fish 28-38 inches. 

                       March 15 to December 31st BONUS TAGS in effect 24-28" fish with 27,000 tags available for purchase. It eliminates trophy tags for big fish, and bonus tag  fish cant be harvested if they are over 28". These are the 2014-2016 year class fish. As we have seen we have decimated the years class 2010-2012, that evidenced by the lack of 28-35" fish we saw on the boats and beaches this fall.

We've killed most of the big fish, almost all of the medium fish, and are now gonna get the little ones. There is a thought that the smaller 28-38" fish are mostly males, open up the Bonus Tag slot to take the 24" fish and you are just aiming and firing at both female and male babies just getting out of the nursery. 

So what that means is when you peer into the dumpsters at the marina this year you'll be staring at the tacks of small bass, the future of the fishery. 

I'll have to check on exactly New York has finally decided, because isn't it a hoot that New York and New Jersey boaters and head boasts and recreational boat anglers fish the sea waters, but may have different seasons and bag limits, while fishing in the same pond. Kind of like different regulations for the Delaware River between NJ, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. 

02.13.20 Big meeting tonight....

So tonight the New Jersey Fisheries council is having a public meeting as they attempt to iron out regulations for the striped bass fishery. As well known, by angler in NJ, and up and down the east coast, our state, and Maryland also, are a laughing stock.

NJ will decide on the slot size, closed seasons, and the Bonus Tag system-all trying to justify and meet a 18% CE, or reduction.

I won't be able to make it, and its killing me, but I thankfully have a full patient load today and tonight.....thanks for all who are going!

Here's the agenda-

·       "“The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council will consider two options for the striped bass recreational harvest, (1) one fish of 28 inches to 35 inches per person per day, or (2) one fish of 28 inches to 38 inches per day, said Lawrence Hajna with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) press office. Hajna said the second option is pending a Conservation Equivalency approval by ASMFC.

·       In an effort to keep the lower end size of the slot at 28 inches, that decision by ASMFC could allow New Jersey the ability to implement a maximum size limit of 38 inches on a one fish bag limit. Final word on striped bass regulations, including the future of New Jersey's Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP), should occur when the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council takes up the final striped bass options at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Stafford Twp. Municipal Building on 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ. The meeting is open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend in order to provide final input for a vote.

·       According to the the latest tallies from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the SBBP in 2019 accounted for less than 15% of the overall allotted commercial quota of 215,912 pounds, by way of just 5,382 tagged 24- to 28-inch striped bass for a total of 31,239 pounds. The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council is expected to take up bluefish regulatory changes as well this Thursday in Manahawkin.

·       Hajna said the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council will be considering two options for the recreational striped bass bonus tag program, which is derived from the state’s allocation of the commercial quota: “One fish as 24 inches to 28 inches per tag per day opening May 15, 2020 and closing December 31, 2020, or one fish of 24 inches to 28 inches per tag per day opening September 1, 2020 and closing December 31, 2020,” Hajna said by email on Tuesday afternoon, adding that staff will present several options that were reviewed with the Advisory Committee for public information and potential comment.

·       “Once an option is selected an approved by the Marine Fisheries Council, it will be sent to the DEP Commissioner for final approval,” Hajna added."

      My friend and guide Capt Paul Eidman plans to speak and has outlined his talking points-

·       My talking points for tomorrows meeting in New Jersey. Please show up and speak up. 

·       Support the coastal standard of 28"-35"

·       Follow Connecticut example and suspend the bonus tag program until stock recovers

·       Delay the opening of the season in Raritan Bay until May 1. Protect the pre-spawn fish that will head up the Hudson.

·       Cooperate and reciprocate with New York on regulations due to our shared fishery

·       The Hudson spawning stock needs more protection now than ever

·       Increase funding for conservation law enforcement

·       Create and fund angler education program on catch & release (virtual or in person)

02.04.20 Say good-bye to the Recon rod line.....

I guess thats it for another mid-priced Orvis rod line.....

     

     This morning while checking my email I saw one that came from Orvis. This one was titled Orvis Pro Newsletter. It comes every month directed to guides that are part of their program. I was once an Orvis Endorsed Guide, having gone through the vetting process, which included an application and day on the water with one of the representatives from the Mother Ship. 

     I was part of that program fro 3 or 4 years, when I split my time between the Upper Delaware and the salt waters of New Jersey. There was a yearly "fee" that came with being in the program, one that came with some controversy among other non-Orvis guides. It was kind of, and you know this term because its been in the news for a year, quid pro quo. 

     One of the benefits of the program was that, as an Orvis endorsed guide, was a deep discount on gear, gear that you would use exclusively and put in the hands of your clients. But, as I found, guides didn't do that. They may have used some of the Orvis product line, but it wouldn't be uncommon to see an Orvis Endorsed Guide wearing Simms Waders, a Fishpond pack, an Orvis Helios rod, coupled with a Hatch reel, throwing AirFlo line. And the kicker to me was, any guide could get the same discount, in %, as the endorsed guides.

     I have never been a gear head. Give me a decent rod and I'm going fishing. Some anglers like the newest and greatest, me, well just call me, well Average. I always went for the middle of the line rod. There was the Hydros, then came the Recon. Well, today, according to the website, the Recon has come and gone. It leaves angers the choice of the H3, or the Clearwater product line.

     One of my complaints of the lower price-point rods is the grip. The cork grips are often filled, and after exposure to the salt, they (the fill pieces) loosen and fall out. You can see that above on my Clearwater 10 wt. Orvis claims the tapers are the same, its just a lower priced rod with some lesser expensive options in the real seat and guides. Also, it depends on where its made. You can there is no Made in USA, Manchester Vt. sticker, so this product line is made overseas, they just don't tell you which Communist country they come from. 

     Since I started fly-fishing in the early 1990's, around when A River Runs Through It came out, I have always been an Orvis guy. I have stayed consistent for nearly 30 years. I've been through the terrible bootfoot waders, the change in company direction- likes catalogues with guides tossing PBR's between drift boats, and I won't even get into the 50/50 On the Water recent push, and I've stayed put.

     Most guys and ladies cant swing the $8-900 fly rods that are out there today, and that's just not Orvis, and prefer that mid priced rod, better than entry into sport that companies are offering. Yes, you can go to a TFO, made in South Korea, where the rods are good and cheap (made overseas), but if you wanted to stay with an established, sometimes American made company, it seems Orvis is missing the mark. Just stay true, don't cower to the competition, or the political correct world we live in, and stay true to what Charles Orvis started in 1856.
   

02.01.20 Been missing this guy this past week....

     Readers here know how fond I was of Jim Matson, and his wife Laura, from BrineFly Innovations, the inventor of the Pulse Disc. Jim passed away in 2018 after a quick battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was an ironworker, a tinkerer, an inventor and innovator. He was a retired Ironworker and the skill of his hands matched the creative thought processes in his mind.

     So this year was the first time I was able to make The Fly Fishing show since Jim's death. In my rush through to catch up with old friends and find the latest "thing" out there it wasn't until afterwards that I realized what was missing. I quickly came up with some things that missed from the old venue, but what tugged at my heart was not seeing Jim. 

    When you lose someone close, life goes on, you, hopefully are able to go with life. I see that since I lost Ryan two years ago, some days harder than others. On the days where the ones that passed are close to our hearts we are usually left missing them because of the good memories we had. While Jim and I weren't "besties", I always remember talking with him on the phone, seeing him at the shows, opening up his "mystery boxes" of things he would end me, and visiting his home and being allowed into his basement laboratory, where his greatest innovations were created. 

     I never got to fish with Jim, but used his flies, some that would come with a plastic sleeve where "juice", either herring or bunker, could be injected into it that would be released over time while fishing. But is was Pulse Disc that he was mostly known for. My favorite was that coupled with a Brad Buzzi sand eel fly in the fall. I used them from the beach and boat and always had good luck. 

     Enjoy the company of good people, learn from they know and are willing to share, don't miss an opportunity to stay in touch or get together, and if you do you'll have great memories when you do think of them.

01.31.20 In the area so I took a shot.....

     Was down in the area so decided to take a peek. Outgoing tide with about two hours till low. Air temps below 40 and water temps just above. First noticed the crabs on the beach and was brought back to 2012 when we had spring-like conditions all winter with lots of fish around, mostly on the rock or Jonah crabs. 

    I had tied up a crab fly which I thought looked good until I placed it down next to a pair of actuals...maybe thats why I didn't get a sniff. Looking at it now I see where I have to make some improvements, for one, after seeing it during the retrieve, is to add some tungsten powder on the underside so it rides flat in the water.

Good to be able to get in late January...spring cant come soon enough!

01.24.20 Thoughts of The Fly Fishing Show...

    I, like many other FFS visitors, spend part of the hours walking around the hall trying to figure out whats the hot thing this year. In the past it had been the Orvis Helios line of rods, Chocklett's Game Changer, Bob Popovic's new book Fleye Design, Jim Matson's Pulse Discs, and this year........it was Dave Nelson's Squimpish Flies line of hair and blends. I'll get to more on that but had to explain why Nelson's picture leads this post. 

     I missed last year due to school, and actually may have missed 2018, so this is the first time I've been at the new venue at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison. For years it was held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset. I have fond memories of that place for many reasons. I remember the FFS being THE PLACE to get the latest info on destinations, gear, fly tying and anything fly fishing. Why? Because those were the days before the internet and cell phones. Info had to be in print, brochures, magazines, books....or imagine this, face to face and mouth to ears. I also worked at The Fly Hatch breaking down the shop in Shrewsbury and setting up and working the show.....and then breaking it 

The Fly Hatch booth, Fly Fishing Show, 2003 I think

down and setting up the shop again. Theresa and I had a booth of our own in 2015. I remember having a great time. It took a lot of work and cost me a boat load of money. I did a few presentations, partied too hard, and in the end got a few trips out of it, but it didn't cover the thousands it costs for a booth. And, I'm not sure now, but Chuck didn't pay presenters back  then, nor cut the rent for the booth if you spoke. 

     Theresa and I got there about 1030 Friday morning and were met with guys with flags trying to get us to park in a dirt lot and take a shuttle to the venue. We bypassed that and found a spot right in front of the center in the street. The parking lots were packed with trucks from vendors, vendors employees, and friends of vendors. They might have to rethink the parking. I was going to buy my tickets on-line, remembering the days before the internet where you would wait in a line so long you didn't think anything for sale would still be available by the time you got in, but the prices were the same, $18 for one day...ouch, if you purchased them online or in person. Dick Dennis took my cash so I started the day seeing an old friend and familiar face. The second person we ran into was sweetheart Joe Calceveccia, who ties up his mean "Striper Dragon" and offers chocolate on the sneak from his years working for a chocolate candy company in New England. 

     So not to make this post way too long. The location of the entrance is annoying, you walk and walk and walk until you can finally enter. It's big! And tall! There is so much carpeting, thats not taped down, I sure someone busted their ass at some point over the weekend. There were more destinations that I can remember. Lots of rod and reel booths, some busting out with guides and reps and friends of guides and reps that you couldn't easily get down the row. It was confusing to navigate through....just my opinion. Beers were $5, at least the Coors Lights were, and that seemed fair. Food from the venue and from other outside vendors looked good, and people were eating and walking and hopefully not tripping. 

Fly Fishing Show, Edison, 2020

     It seemed dark to me. Dark green carpet. Black ceilings. Green booth dividers and green partitions. The only thing that broke up the green was whatever the vendors hung off the metal partitions. Edison had white walls, and green and white drapes. It doesn't sound like much......

Fly Fishing Show, Somerset, 2014

Now let me say this......I very well may be in the minority, guys and gals may love this place.....but.  

 But, what I remember the most of the show was the anticipation of and the clocks ticking down to show-closing time for the bar hang located just through the covered walkway leading to the hotel. To me, that is where the true connections were made. There were meet and greets, and some sides drawn, it was political- not like Republican and Democrat, but camp vs camp, and at times kind of just almost tension-tight enough where fists were gonna fly. And way after midnight you either stumbled upstairs or took the long walk of shame to your hotel across Davidson Ave. It was an easy flow. For some it didn't matter as their "camp" took to reservations at a local restaurant or just a hotel room or floor hang. This year I wasn't part of it so I don't know how this venues post-hang goes. For two years, or for at least the Friday night party, I was either in the parking lot casting in the dark or studying for my FFF CI test, which I took at Somerset twice in the cold and snow......and failed both times.

       So to the show. I know some people and I don't have to name drop, as many others do, for whatever that gets them. The people that I was happily to run into I consider friends, from what I consider good, to some just social, to others just because of the business. What's funny is the guys I consider friends I don't spend much talking about fly-fishing, its a moment to really engage on how they've been, hows the family, and how is your physical, (man their getting old), and mental health. 

     I popped into Jonny Kings fly tying session. What I really wanted to talk to him about was jazz piano and when his next gig is because I want to take my daughter to see him. When I got to talking with him with a few other friends he pointed me to Dave Nelson's booth, more on that later. We were also drawn to the Angling Ireland booth. When we went there in 2018 I did not fish. If the practice takes off I would like to return there in September and make part of my trip a fishing trip, maybe 2-3 days for salmon in the River Moy. 

     So we got there at 1030 and we were going to pick up the kids at 130 since they had a half day. That went to 230 and finally 4 by the time we got out of there. It was just nice to catch up with friends. I thought the Regal Booth was great, and the vices they are offering are really nice. Allen Landeer and Jason Taylor put on some good tying shows. I have to upgrade my vice soon, its spent to long in my damp basement and is all rusted up and what not. Funny, while writing this and taking a look at the new Regal website I guess they purged their pro-staff and I'm no longer on board....oh well, I still like their vices.  

     As with many others, nowadays, the FFS is not the place to purchase things. Years ago it was. Guys would be juggling rods and waders and bags of stuff. Now, you see most people looking and touching and walking around with a small bag of materials or destination brochures. Every year we would get the post-show report, "this was the biggest $$$ show yet, the vendors are all happy an made money". Hopefully that was the case this year. Guys I talked too, guys like me, have what they have and are happy, and what they bought was materials, usually the bottom-of-the-bin stuff that you have to dig for, or some eyes, or some tails. I almost went for a bunch of money at Brad Buzzi's booth, looking to gather what I need to tie up blueback herring flies for this year's Delaware River run, but I figured I'd put a list together and give him a call. Dumb move, he had great colors and I sure they are gone. Next door Scott Stryker had his line of flies, which are really must haves, especially if you throw squiddy flies in New England.

     And then the show favorite, at least for me, was Dave Nelson. I heard it from some friends who are legit tyers that I should go check it out. In fact we all walked over together and gave it a look. Andrew Hamilton from Orvis was there browsing and he said he couldn't wait to check out this years stuff out as he bought it last year and its great. Its always good to see Andrew, he's the best fly fishing model I know, especially when it comes to holding fish. We put each other on magazine covers and in fly fishing books. And, as always, it was hard to pry my wife away from him!
   
     The material is synthetic, a cross between bucktail and polar bear. It comes in just hair or a blend. Dave, who I don't know all too well, has been one of the top tyers for years. The times I've seen him

are behind the vice at the shows or in the bow of Rob Lewis's drift boat on the West Branch of the Delaware. I first heard about his line, Squimpish Flies, in the back of Bob Popovic's most recent book, Fleye Design. There was a buzz at his booth and later that night when talking with friends most mentioned the Squimpsih booth and materials. I bet Dave had a very, very good show. I spoke with him for a bit as he explained the blends.....it sounds like its very time communing and labor intensive as its all done by hand. When I think of the evolution of blends I have to go back to Ian's Devlin Blends, Senyo's Laser Dub and Steve's SF Blends, all which greatly changed fly tying, especially for the bigger and saltwater flies.

     And then while walking around looking for the bathroom we found an interesting booth, and an interesting man. Vito DeVito, yep, thats his name. An accomplished artist and sculpturer? who Theresa and I just hit it off with. Now, as a photographer, well a guy once with a few cameras that tried to made a living doing it, I can appreciate works, but the prices, even of my own stuff, always made me cringe. Speaking of photos, Jim Levinson's pictures looked fantastic when hung, and hopefully he sold them and they will grace the walls somewhere soon. But as we talked with Vito I was drawn to this sculpture that was on a rotating base in his booth.  It was titled 'The Ambushers". It was three striped bass that were on a bunch of peanuts. It is beautiful. If I had the money, $6,000, I would have bought it right there. 

     Why would I spend that much money on a piece of art. I'm not a fine art collector. But what I am is in love with everything striped bass. This would be a tribute to my love and passion for this species. From what he told us there are seven castings made, five are sold, this is the sixth, and the seventh is staying in the family. So, if my wife really loved me she gave Vito a note that she is gonna send him a deposit, again if she truly loved me. 

      So then there was a sad moment. When I first walked into the show I quickly saw the guy from Mass. or Maine that sells the fly rod holders for the boat. I said to Theresa, well I caught myself, "I need to get those for my....." Ouch. That hurt. No more boat. But I did see a cool boat outside when I toured the 1.4 mile along the exterior of the building looking for the entrance. It was a Stealthcraft. A composite 16 footer that looked like a drift boat with power. I thought now this may be a great boat for the Delaware River, not the Upper, but near me in Trenton. It's called a 16' Power Drifter Sled, and at a show price of......$23,795.  Now my wife, if she truly loved me, should have put a deposit on that too!

01.15.20 Quick break before the winter comes....

     I had some time between morning and evening patients so I took some mental health time and headed to the river. With my new NJ Fishing License on board I hit the PA side, where, I think its legal to still fish. According to the PA Fish and Game website the regulations allow fishing from the State line up river until and past the Calhoun Street bridge. Thats the line of different regulations as far as keeping striped bass are concerned.

     Two hours left on the falling tide and 42 degree water temps had me thinking maybe a holdover bass, or walleye, or muskie might be lurking around. The wind was honking but I made the best of my hour and didn't get blow over into the water. Didn't get a tap but it was fun to explore a bit. This spring I'll be mostly on the Delaware with a few beach trips mixed in.

     I'm still hoping to make it to Marthas Vineyard sometime in June. While my old fishing partners have moved away from that trip, and I did last year also, the thought of sight fishing gets my juices flowing.

Now, thats my last trip til spring, or at least February when the walleyes really start to bite, or so I am told.

01.15.20 Look to New Jersey to screw things up....

     This post surmises a recent post made by Tony Frederich the VP of the American Saltwater Guides Association.

     Basically it appear that most states, well some, are trying to do the right thing in protecting the striped bass before the moratorium sets in in 2024, my prediction. Thirty years after the Atlantic Striped Bass Conversation Act was passed October 31, 1984. Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island are working to reduce the killing of bass while attempting to balance a fishery for anglers and meeting the 18% conservation equivalency (CE) as set both by the ASMFC. Basically the spineless folks at the ASMFC acknowledge that overfishing is occurring and that "science" is showing poor numbers in both YOY and older bass. 

     Leave it to New Jersey to be assholes. Connecticut abolished their Bonus Tag system in order to help out. Here in Jersey, a State without a commercial fishery, we've "allotted" ourselves, 215,000 pounds per year to anglers who want that "Bonus Tag Fish". You know the one that you are supposed to apply for, pay, and then return...... According to Frederich NJ "sold" 5000 bonus tags in 2018. And 1100 were returned!! That means between the boasts and the beach only 1100 fish were harvested. Now thats a joke. 

     As we wait for New Jersey to complete their submission for an 18% CE, here's what they are proposing. 24-28" minimum, which would decimate the 2015 year class of fish, a Bonus Tag for a big fish either 35 or 43", and then another tag for the Sept-Dec 31 season for another 24-28" fish, a program that was in place in 2019, if you didn't know and take that schoolie home to eat. That was on top of the 2019 regs stating you could harvest from boat or beach one fish 28-43" and then the other, not in order, had to be over 43".

    Also remember, the Bonus Tag system.....like Bonus was in something extra, doesn't mean you have to catch legal sized fish and then get the "Bonus" fish, order doesn't matter. 

This my friends, weather dead-on accurate, or slightly off, shows New Jersey doesn't care about sustaining a striped bass fishery at all.  

01.08.20 Have to catch the right day.....

     I'm have pretty much found all of the resources I need out here in Mercer County except a place to get my hair cut. I cant beat the Red Bank House of Fades so after getting whats left of my hair tightened up I went home via the beach. 

     Last two hours of the outgoing from the Hook down a town or two. At the end of the ebb tide the birds were very active on the bar picking, which I believe was at sand eels. Started with a Deciever but went to a Bard Buzzi sand eel fly that both didn't get me a touch. Wind was starting to honk with a threat of a squall during the day. 

     Besides the birds the only other thing I saw was a seal cruising the trough but going up empty. Nice looking water. Gin clear. Would have been able to sight cast to them if they were there. 

     Leif and I fished last Saturday with one fish each. The next day, in the same neighborhood, Jack, Charlie and Hugh put on a clinic with each having a multiple double-digit day of really nice bass to 25". This time of year they are here one day, not the next, and then gone till the spring. 

Jack Denny photo from Facebook

     

Ok, thats it for me till the spring. I think.

01.04.20 On the board for 2020....

     Went to bed last night with no intention of going fishing today. Did get some texts last evening for Joe stating he had a handful of fish in the afternoon. Well woke up at 5am and startled Theresa who said, 'What's up?". I said I had a dream I went fishing and she said, "So go."

     I picked Leif up at 630 and we headed north. Settled into a spot and on the fourth cast I got 'On the board" for 2020. I had a feeling it would be. double-digit day of micro bass but it was one-and -done for both of us. Great looking water both north and south. The water temps were somewhere above 40,  probably 45 at the Hook and 42-43 in Deal. You could feel the difference.

     That will probably do it for me until March when I start looking out here in the Delaware River for those early spring stripers. I might give the walleye fishing a shot as I have seen boast in the river in February, and not to far of the shore. The Fly Fishing Show is January 24, 25, 26th and after missing a few years I might take a ride up.

     Go through your gear. Send the roads in for repair. Tie some flies. Get ready for another year.

12.01.20 Happy New Year!

Just to time stamp we end the decade with 568,951 different user views. 

12.27.19 Thanks Ryan....

     It was a fine fish. A good fish. A beautiful fish. Okay.....it was a small fish with an out of proportion belly. But it was a one-and-done fish that I caught on Ryan's rock which made my day and was the perfect ending to 2019's striper fishing.

     Got there about 1030 which was mid-ebb tide. Great looking water, almost 60 degree air temps, 44  degree water temps. Was thinking someone, or a bunch of someones, like a dozen or so micro to schoolie sized fish, would be around. Fished up and down the beach and on two groins without a tap. Started on Ryan's rock and then before leaving hit it again. Don't know why I've been drawn their lately, maybe its just missing Ryan more around the holidays. Would have loved to see him with his siblings and interacting as an adult at out yearly party.

     So as I casted and talked to him he gave that top pic fish up after a long cast and a hard sweep along the groin. While it is a small fish, it wasn't easy to land on the rocks. That outgoing moving water about 3/4 tide rips and you have to bring the fish in along the rocks and through the current.

      On my way out Pauly called me and Sid he was heading down. We hooked up on the beach and made a few casts on a dying tide without a bump. Birds not working, no herring around, just fishy looking water and no one home.

That is it for me for sure.....until 2020.