Saturday, January 18, 2025

01.18.25 Looks like I might follow beach nourishment when we head south...

 


     When I look to reasons why striped bass fishing along the Jersey Shore has changed over the last decade I can't help but put part of the blame on the beach replenishment, or nourishment, projects that have destroyed the the local landscapes. The process of pumping sand from donated offshore areas covers the structure and underwater environments which are home to shellfishes, crustaceans, and other marine life. Years ago there were clams, mussels, worms, eels, and all types of forage and predator fish in and along the beaches. 


     Over the years the beaches have become more of a north to south straight line from Sandy Hook down to Cape May. Yes, there's some structure along the way, and some untouched areas like Island Beach State Park, but the good old days of tons of beach structure to hunt in have become some pinch points here and there that do hold fish, along with plenty of anglers. Couple that with the covering and notching of the groins which used to be "Jetty Country" and what we are left with are seasons of quickly moving blitzes.

    Theresa and I have our hearts set on retiring, if that's even possible, in and or around Hilton Head, South Carolina We've vacationed there over the last two summers and really like what we found. That of course includes the variety and opportunities to discover and learn new fisheries. It's all pretty funny since neither of us like the beach nor the heat. Sadly, we have seen the costs of housing down there increase by around $100,000 dollars for the homes that piques our interest. Hey, you snooze you lose. 


     I've been following the news down there and Hilton Head is bracing for their own assault of beach nourishment projects which are currently in the planning process with an anticipated June 2025 start. The projected cost will be around 40 million dollars. Boy does that sound familiar. The last project on the island occurred in 2016. This project will 2.2 million cubic yards of sand 46,500 feet along the Atlantic Ocean and Port Royal Sound. 


     One of the areas to be "nourished" will be the area around Fish Haul Creek (above) which is a place I have waded around and fished each of my two years while vacationing. There are a few spits of land that create a nursery for various bait fish and crustaceans which are prime hunting spots for redfish, black drum, sheepshead, triple tail, tarpon, flounder, cobia (further off of course), and sharks. The primary reason beach nourishment occurs is to positively affect the tourist industry by creating wide and even beaches, and for the pleasure of those that own beachfront homes. We've heard those same reasons from Frankie Pallone and his need to keep his constituents happy. 


     Above you can see before and after images as posted on the Town of Hilton Head website. It is also there where they say that "....sand moves from the center of the Island towards its end".


     That means the sand moves from mid-Island and winds up in the Calibogue and Port Royal Sounds. It's almost like when the sand movement in Monmouth County moves north to the False Hook and impedes the Sandy Hook Channel. In New Jersey our littoral current moves waters, and sand, from south to north. I guess it's a little different down there. 

     What appeals to me about the South Carolina marshes are the tidal ranges and the grasses and flats that are found on the "inside". Below you can see the water level difference between tides. They are areas rich with life from oyster beds and grasses but also deep channels that hold crabs and baitfishes and patrolling predators. 



      As I have progressed to more of a hunter of fish then just a fishermen stalking fish on foot or from small skiffs has become my favorite. Luckily I have had the opportunity to experience that when Neil and I hired a guide to explore the Low Country in 2023. 


     On a day when the air temperature was around 110 and the water temps around 90 we were still able to hunt for and find tailing fish in shallow water. While our catches weren't of big bull reds, the ones I caught were enough to get me excited about fishing in or around Hilton Head. 


     My heart and passion belongs to the striped bass. A fish that I have learned well but still continues to challenge and puzzle me at times. I like hunting for moving fish in moving waters. Trout, and really Upper Delaware trout, were my first love before I really discovered striped bass. But those fisheries have changed and not for the better, for me at least. Between the over-angling and discovery by many of the Upper Delaware, and the pressure and fisheries management challenges and numbers of the striped bass, I could see my needs satiated by a new fishery.


Maybe redfish, which is a recovered and abundant fishery, is one that could fill my needs as an angler, and hunter. I have spent hours walking amongst the grasses looking for that movement or the tails sticking in the air always without another angler in sight. The shit shows that I encounter when fishing the rivers or beaches in New Jersey these days does take away the fun of it for me. I enjoy fishing alone, or with a buddy or two within eyesight. I find company to be a big distraction.


      The last thing I would want to see when learning a new fishery would be beach replenishment and the memories of seeing heavy machinery covering up the landscape and memories of all those places I used to like to fish. But in the meantime I'll continue to fish when and where I can. It's January 17th, and, by history, I'm about 60 days away from bringing my first striped bass of 2025 to hand. I'm ready for a good year and hope to continue to make strides towards a new beginning.