Striper reports are starting to trickle in from South Jersey waters and they could increase to a torrent if only the weather would straighten out. This constant northwest wind has kept most fishermen home instead of having to look into its wintery blast as they face it in Delaware Bay.

One of the most encouraging reports reaching our ears is the one from the "Reverend" Ollie Stone of Bridgeton, who let us know that on Monday at least a pair of keepers, plus some throwbacks and several white perch were taken by those surfcasting along the bulkhead in Fortescue. From Jeff at Shags Bait and Tackle in Pennsville comes word that those utilizing the Church Landing Road in Pennsville Park and Elsinboro tied into some bass, mostly small ones, but at least one keeper. There's good news for those fishing the DOD Wildlife Management Area, according to Lee Widgeskog of the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife. Workers started putting in pipe in the damaged road on Tuesday and the project could possibly be done by this weekend, thus allowing anglers to drive all the way back to the Delaware River. In addition, Hugh Carberry, also of the Division, revealed that the stocking of the ponds in that area with striped bass, not hybrids, has not produced the results they had hoped for.

Freshwater anglers are reminded that, starting this Monday, March 21, and lasting until the opening day of Trout Season On Saturday, April 9, all waters that are scheduled to be stocked with trout will be off limits to all types for fishing. Often, anglers think that this ban on fishing during this time applies to trout only, but it means all fishing, period! In most instances the ponds and streams have been posted by the Division, but even if they are not, the ban on fishing applies. For a complete list of trout-stocked waters, consult the 2005 Freshwater Fishing Issue of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest, free wherever fishing licenses are sold. Remember -- ignorance of the law is no excuse!

One of the first larger boats to start trying for stripers is the Bodacious out of the Port Norris Marina. Capt. Tim Smith tells us that he will be running an "Open Boat" on Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9. He will be leaving the dock at 7 a.m. and plans to work either the upper bay waters or the "Rips" off Cape May, depending on the location of the bass at that time. For more information, call Smith at 447-5000.

The Division will be offering left-over wild turkey hunting permits at selected offices beginning Saturday, April 2. This special sale will enable hunters who did not get a permit so far an opportunity to do so. The closest two, the Nacote Creek and Southern Offices, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Hunters may also call the Division's Permit Hotline at 809-282-9192 for additional information.

Most of the ocean partyboat activity consists of blackfish, ling and a few cod on the inshore wrecks and larger tog and big seabass on the way-offshore trips. Check with your favorite skipper as to his schedule before heading down.

The IGFA (International Game Fish Association), in its International Angler Magazine, contained the following items: the estimated number of longline hooks set annually is 1.4 billion, resulting in the killing annually of leatherback and loggerhead turtles to the tune of 250,000.

http://www.nj.com/sports/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/111105090871340.xml

looks to me that the bass are ready to charge north to new england

The fish moved out of the Outer Banks last week so they are heading North!!!

Are they headed for us or are they headed up the bay for some :humpty: before thay head our way?? Sounds from the reports people are catching them on the West side of Jersey.