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Post #533 by Rajesh Kumar on May 3rd 2016, 6:10 PM (in topic “How to get started in fishing? Family Fishing Festivals hold the key, beginning Saturday in Central Pennsylvania”)

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How to get started in fishing? Family Fishing Festivals hold the key, beginning Saturday in Central Pennsylvania





The first of six Family Fishing Festivals offered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission across the state this year is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, at the Conewago Day Use Area in Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County.
 
The event, which will run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., is "designed for families with little or no fishing experience," according to Carl Richard, Education Section manager with the commission. "Participants will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing during the program."
 
The commission will waive fishing license requirements during the program for registered Family Fishing Festival participants, and will provide fishing equipment, bait and tackle.
 
"Family Fishing Festivals are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing at no cost," said Richardson. "We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more."
 
For more information or to register for the event, which is opens to ages 5 and older, visit the events section of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website. Advance registration is required.
 
Additional Family Fishing Festivals are scheduled for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Deep Creek Lake, Green Lane County Park, Montgomery County; 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at North Park County Park, Allegheny County; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at Francis Slocum State Park,  Day Use Boat Launch Area, Luzerne County; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, June 18, at Moraine State Park, Pleasant Valley Day Use Area, Butler County and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Bald Eagle State Park, Pavilion No. 7, Centre County.
 
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Post #533

Post #532 by Rajesh Kumar on May 2nd 2016, 4:16 PM (in topic “Australia: Are drones taking the fun and skill out of fishing?”)

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Australia: Are drones taking the fun and skill out of fishing?




Thanks to technology there are gadgets that help us in just about every aspect of our lives — and fishing is no exception.
 
One invention that anglers are starting to embrace is the Remote Piloted Aerial System (RPAS), better known as 'drones'.
 
John Bowie from Western Australia's South West has been using drones for the last year or two to look for schools of fish or to discover the perfect lump of reef where fish might be hiding away.
 
"We use them for two purposes — not including fun of course — we will send them along the beach 50 metres out and if you have got a bright sunny day you can look directly down and see some really incredible reef structure.
 
"The obvious one, if you are chasing schools of tuna or salmon it is very easy to spot them from the air and it puts you straight on to the target," he said.
 
Mr Bowie said using the technology had greatly improved his chances of catching a fish.
 
"If you have got a patch of fish 200 metres south and you are fishing 200 metres north of that you are not going to get any fish, but if you know exactly where they are you are straight there."
 
However, some fishing purists have lamented that the technology ruins the skill and enjoyment of fishing.
 
"You still have to be good enough to catch the fish," Mr Bowie said.
 
"The old saying is that 10 per cent of the people catch 90 per cent of the fish and I do not think that has changed."
 
Scott Coghlan editor of Western Angler said while drones could help see if there are fish in the area, you still had to convince them to bite.
 
"Spotting a fish on a drone is not going to catch you a fish. You have to know what to do then, but it can certainly help at times," Mr Coghlan said.
 
"In a lot of ways it is no different to being able to find a better viewing point, like often when you are salmon fishing you will try and get up on a sand dune, a rise or a rock and have a look just so you can get a bit higher up to see the schools."
 
But despite the advantages that a drone can offer a fisherman, Mr Coghlan said he was not planning on using one any time soon.
 
"I am a bit old fashioned, I like to go sans technology and leave a bit to chance."
 
"I like to keep it fairly simple, but I also understand there are a lot of people who spend a lot on their boat, upwards of $100,000, so they want to get some decent electronics that are going to help them catch more fish."
  Safety rules in place   CASA spokesperson Peter Gibson said recreational fishers were able to fly drones without an unmanned aircraft operators certificate, provided they are not paid for the work.
 
"The safety rules are pretty simple," Mr Gibson said.
 
He said users must keep their drone more than 30 metres away from other people and from boats.
 
In controlled air space a drone must not be flown over 400 feet.
 
"If you are not in controlled air space it is good practice to keep your drone under 400 feet in case there is any aircraft in the area.
 
"It is a requirement not to create a hazard to an aircraft, so if you are flying your drone to look for the fish and you see an aircraft flying nearby, flying low for some reason, bring your drone down.
 
"And keep the drone in your line of sight at all times, which means you should not navigate using the pictures you are getting from the camera."
 
 
 
 
 
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Post #532

Post #531 by Rajesh Kumar on May 2nd 2016, 4:13 PM (in topic “12 Spots Around Buzzards Bay for Awesome Spring Striper Fishing”)

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12 Spots Around Buzzards Bay for Awesome Spring Striper Fishing




As the waters of Buzzards Bay slowly begin to warm, we’re all starting to think about a fun-filled summer of swimming, boating, and paddling. But for local anglers, the fun is already starting! In April and May, striped bass begin to return to our shores – and so do the fishermen and women who love to catch them. If you want to try your hand at catching a striper, tog, or scup this spring, read on for some tips on where to go and what you’ll find!
 
Why is spring such a great time for fishing in Buzzards Bay?
 
After spending a long winter in the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and North Carolina, stripers begin to migrate up the East Coast once water temperatures warm in spring. They follow the food as they swim north, gobbling up smaller forage fish such as river herring, shad, and menhaden. The first big schools of striped bass usually begin migrating through Buzzards Bay around mid-May – where anglers await their first big catch of the year.
 
In late April, schools of juveniles (called “schoolies”) are usually the earliest stripers to reach Buzzards Bay’s shores. Schoolies are on the hunt for river herring that are heading upstream this time of year, so they’re often found where harbors, coves, and estuaries meet the Bay.
 
Stripers are Buzzards Bay’s most prized and popular sportfish. But they’re not the only fish you might catch around here in spring:
 
  • Tautog usually start running around April, moving into estuaries and rivers when water temperatures rise. Look for tautog in rocky areas such as jetties, bridges, reefs, and ledges.
  • Small, plentiful scup are a favorite catch for new anglers because they’re fun and easy to catch. You can fish for scup from most piers and boats around Buzzards Bay starting in May.
  • Black sea bass season opens May 21 this year. You’ll find these striking blue-black fish in similar areas as tautog and scup: around bottom structures like rocks, reefs, and wrecks.
  • Ravenous schools of bluefish are more common in summer and fall, but you can sometimes catch some big blues starting in late May.
  • Buzzards Bay is home to summer flounder, more commonly called “fluke.” Search for these flat bottom-dwellers in shallow bays and estuaries over sandy or muddy bottoms.
 

The most important thing you’ll need to go fishing is a recreational saltwater permit, which you can easily order online or by phone. For just $10, you’ll be able to fish all year long!
 
You should also make sure you know the regulations for saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. For instance, any striped bass you keep must be at least 28 inches, and you’re only allowed to keep one fish per day.
 
And of course, you’ll need the right gear and bait. In addition to a rod and reel, you can use either artificial lures ornatural bait to catch stripers. Not sure which one’s best? Here’s a top 10 list of striper baits and lures to help you get started.
 
Early morning is generally the best time to go fishing, but tides are even more important to watch: a high tide is best when fishing from the beach or along the coast; from a bridge or a pier, try fishing when the tide is changing directions from low to high.
 
For some more basic advice on gear, lures, and other essentials of saltwater fishing, we recommend you read Marc Folco’s outdoors column in The Standard-Times. When you’re ready to take the next step, head over to a website like New England Boating for in-depth advice on gear, techniques, and places to go fishing.
 

Whether from the shore or on the water, Buzzards Bay has countless great fishing spots. If you want the latest intel on locations where local angers are catching stripers, tog, and more in spring, check out Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod fishing reports and forecasts from sources like On the Water, Salty Cape, and My Fishing Cape Cod.
 
There are some perennial favorite places where you can try your hand at reeling in a spring catch. Here are 10 spots to check out this spring:
  1. Westport River (Westport) The marshy corners of both branches of the Westport River provide great habitat for schoolies in early spring. Along rocks, pilings, and bridges, look for tautog running through the estuary this time of year. In May, larger stripers arrive as they chase herring up the river.
 
Surfcast from scenic Cherry and Webb Beach, or cast a line from the Route 88 bridge or the Hixbridge Road bridge. If you have a boat, launch from the state boat ramp to reach nearby destinations like Ship Rock and Gooseberry Island, or to head out into Buzzards Bay’s open waters.
  2. Apponagansett Bay/Padanaram (Dartmouth) Apponagansett Bay in South Dartmouth is another popular spot for fishing, especially from shore. Head to the Padanaram drawbridge to catch stripers, tautog, or scup, or try surfcasting from the beach along Smith Neck Road. Or embark by boat from the town landing at Apponagansett Park to fish in the harbor or just outside the mouth.
  3. Dumpling Rocks, Great Ledge, and the Sandspit (Dartmouth) If you have a boat, then you have even more options for great striper fishing. One place to try this spring is actually a trio of spots known as Dumpling Rocks, the Great Ledge, and the Sandspit. These rocks and ledges just off Round Hill in Dartmouth hold some stripers starting in spring. Nearby Mishaum Ledge is also worth a visit. You can launch from Westport, Dartmouth, or New Bedford to reach these waters.
  4. Fort Taber Park (New Bedford) The fishing pier and rocky shoreline at Fort Taber Park provides plenty of access for anglers to the mouth of New Bedford Harbor, where stripers and tautog start running in spring. You can also launch from the nearby East Rodney French Boulevard boat ramp to reach excellent fishing spots like Great Ledge just offshore.
 
Before you go fishing in New Bedford Harbor, take a glance at the EPA’s fish consumption rules for fish and shellfish caught in the harbor. Because scup, tautog, and fluke are bottom feeders, they’re susceptible to toxic PCB pollution that lingers in the bottom of New Bedford Harbor, so the EPA does not recommend eating them.
  5. West Island (Fairhaven) For spring tautog, West Island is the place to be! These fish favor rocky bottoms and shores like those found here in Fairhaven. From land, you can cast a line from the West Island causeway or try surfcasting from the town beach. Boats can launch from Hoppy’s Landing to anchor off the island and fish its rocky ledges.
  6. Ned’s Point (Mattapoisett) Enjoy the view of Ned’s Point Light while fishing the waters of Mattapoisett Harbor from this scenic spot. Stripers usually arrive here in early May, and there’s plenty of shoreline access to try and catch one. Nearby Angelica Pointis another place to look for stripers starting in May. To fish offshore, launch from the boat ramp at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf.
  7. Weweantic River (Wareham) The Weweantic River has been a popular fishing destination for years, and with good reason. Early in the season, you can expect to find schoolies that provide fun fishing, if not record sizes. Bluefish, which generally arrive in late May, and scup may also be caught here. Plus, access is easy: fish from the bridge and rocks on Route 6, or launch a boat from the state ramp at the I-195 East rest area.
  8. Wareham River Sportfishing Pier (Wareham) Near The Narrows in Wareham, this public fishing pier provides excellent access for anglers to the Wareham River. In spring, look for schoolies and bottom-feeding tautog here. If you prefer to explore the Wareham River by boat, you can launch just across the river at Tempest Knob.
  9. Cape Cod Canal (Bourne) The shores of the Cape Cod Canal are a mecca for local anglers trying to catch a striper in spring. There’s plenty of access and space here – just park at any of the recreation areas along the canal and find a spot on the rocks to cast a line. In addition to stripers, you’ll also find tautog, bluefish, fluke, and scup, plus many other unique species that pass through.
 
The Herring Run Recreation Area is an especially popular place to fish along the Cape Cod Canal. River herring gather here in spring to migrate up the fish ladder on their spawning runs, which attracts large numbers of stripers– and eager fishermen.
  10. Old Silver Beach (Falmouth) In the summer, Old Silver Beach is popular for swimming. But in spring, before the water warms enough for beachgoers to gather, it’s also the spot in Falmouth to go surfcasting for stripers. There’s a tidal creek just behind the beach where lots of herring migrate in spring, and stripers of all sizes (and maybe a few bluefish) follow them to catch their next meal. Don a pair of waders and walk out to the sandbars to cast in the surf.
  11. Quicks Hole (Gosnold) Quicks Hole is a narrow strait between Nashawena and Pasque islands in the Elizabeth Islands chain – and it’s also a major destination for anglers in Buzzards Bay. Swift currents sweep small fish through this passage between the Bay and Vineyard Sound as the tide moves in and out. This funnel effect attracts stripers, tog, and blues starting in spring.
  12. Sow & Pigs Reef (Gosnold) Like Quicks Hole, you’ll need a boat to reach Sow & Pigs Reef, but this famous striper spot in the Elizabeth Islandsis worth the trip. (It’s so good, we named a beer after it!) Whether you’re coming from nearby Cuttyhunk or all the way across the Bay in Westport, this reef provides excellent fishing for those willing to navigate its rocks and riptide. Although it’s known for striped bass, you can also catch tautog here.
 
By the Buzzards Bay Coalition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Post #531

Post #527 by Rajesh Kumar on April 29th 2016, 4:01 PM (in topic “Bluefish are biting big time in bay”)

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Bluefish are biting big time in bay

Carl Polus with a big bluefish he caught in Brigantine using finger mullet. (Photo: RipTide Bait and Tackle, Brigantine NJ)


Gator bluefish stormed the South Jersey shores for a second week in a row and are providing the bulk of the bay action this week, while the Delaware Bay beaches are the place to find large 20- to 40-pound class bass.

Blackfishing remains hot, but remember that tautog season closes on Sunday and won’t reopen until July 17, when it goes to a meager one-fish limit, so if you want blackfish fillets, have at ‘em this weekend.

“Big blues came in big time off Brigantine Beach,” said Andy Grossman, Riptide Bait and Tackle, Brigantine. “There was no rhyme or reason on tide or time of day to figure out just yet, but 10 to 16-pounders were eating up finger mullet and bunker.” A couple slammers on Riptide’s list were Jon Pefankjian and his 12-pounder, Rob Alia and Chris O’Donnell with blues between 10 and 15 pounds and Rob Went with a 16-pound gator.

“The south end Jetty has been the hot spot for blues, as well as some stripers too.” Bass taken on clams near the jetty pocket have been Joe Neild with an impressive 27-pound linesider and Ralph Amato’s 19-pound striper.

“It’s been really good fishing lately for bass and blues, particularly in the surf,” said Tammy Carbohn of the Avalon Hodge Podge, Avalon. “The action was steady and towards the end of the week the bigger stripers moved in with large schools of bunker attracting big bass to the area.” Bob H fished the 8th Street Jetty with a soft plastic and weighed in a bluefish that hit the 16.54-pound mark. Bob also reported snapping off a few more big blues there.

Stripers are getting larger than the “rats” caught earlier this month. Customer Edgar from North Wildwood proved the point when he beached a 24.05-pound bass on a fresh clam bait in the surf. Last chance blackfishermen should head to the Townsend’s Inlet bridge or the 8th Street Jetty to pull on keeper tog up to 4 pounds.

John Michael with a 29" striper he caught using clams. John landed the fish near the bridge coming into Brigantine, NJ. (Photo: RipTide Bait and Tackle, Brigantine NJ)


“Bluefish are popping up everywhere with no place in particular holding them,” said Mike Cunningham, Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, Sea Isle City. “Choppers pushing 10 pounds are showing up in the inlet one day, then in the back bay the next. You just have to move around and find where they are on any given day.” Poppers, metals and bunker chunks are claiming most blues, with bankcasters finding a good amount while casting the sands at Townsend’s Inlet.

Cunningham also reports that loads of “rat” bass up to 16 inches long continue to choke the backwaters. “I’ve never seen so many small bass before. I hope this is a sign of good things to come for the fish stocks,” said Cunningham. There have also been rumors of some weakfish being plucked out of the baychannels on soft plastics during the predawn hours as Cunningham had seen photos of weakies in the 5- to 6-pound class from the Sea Isle backwaters.

If you want a shot at a trophy striper, it sounds like the North Cape May shores are your best bet as Matt Slobodjian of Jim’s Bait and Tackle, Cape May, tells of 20- to 40-pound class bass coming up for surfcasters. “Hot beaches were by the Ferry Jetty, North Cape May and Reed’s Beach, where fresh clams and bunker got hit,” said Slobodjian. “As a bonus, some puppy 15- to 20-pound black drum have also been around those beaches.”

Tog anglers looking to put the last bucktooths in the fridge are best served to head to the Cape May Reef, the Coast Guard jetty rocks and any inshore wrecks of 1 to 4 miles out.

There are definitely plenty of tog for the taking out on the reefs as I hit the Great Egg Reef this week with Captain Sean Reilly and Ed Rowell. Rough seas made it hard to stay over a spot, but when we were up and down on the wreck, we were getting a steady pull of tog up to 4 pounds on both green crabs and fresh clams. But I did have one bit of heartbreak as my green crab got walloped by a bulldog whitechinner that managed to dog me down back into the wreck and break me off, so I know there is at least one trophy tog still out there!

Enjoy the weekend and hopefully the weather will allow for anglers to fish in comfort.

Reach Nick Honachefsky at beachnut33@hotmail.com.
 
 
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Post #527

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