Jingles Bait and Tackle 1-10 Beacfh Haven
The year ahead
Growing up on Long Beach Island I have always known that tourism and fishing were the biggest industries. Casinos came along and became number one. With more states having casinos I don't know if they are still number one. With all the problems our country has had in the last year they may have lost that position.
This year (2010) seems like it will be a very hard year for the fishing industry. We now have a fish registry and new rules and regulations. Sea Bass closed suddenly last year for 180 days and this year they are talking about allowing us 2 months to fish for them. Fluke is changing every year as far as how many and how long of a period you can fish for them. Winter flounder you are allowed 2 which is down from the 10 of last year. Striped Bass maybe changed to allow you to keep 1 between 24-28 and one over 32 inches. Maybe 1 or 2 weakfish to take home if you get that lucky.
Tuna maybe restricted to where you can fish.
There are a lot of people and organizations out there fighting for our rights. You have the RFA,
Save the Summer Fluke, and the JCAA just to name a few. Let these groups know how you feel about the regulations and ask them if there is anything you can do.
This year there is a March on Washington on February 24th. I don't know how many will be heard because lots of times you do not get to speak. I know it can be frustrating not getting a chance to be heard. A lot of people have causes that they fight for. I know that I have a few but one I have been fight for since 1968 and people that know me know that I have fought for keeping Holgate open to 4 wheel drive vehicles for all this years.
As a person that depends on fishing for my bread and butter the regulations affect a lot more than people than own tackle shops. The people that catch the bait -the people that make the rigs - people that build boats, and the people that take you fishing. Fishing is a big industry that adds to the economy of this state.
As a business person you are important to me but it is also important to me as a person that grew up on this island. My parents came here in the 1920s and loved to fished. They lived on their garvey at Captain Clovers (Southwicks) before
buying their house. I think for a lot of us it is in our blood. A lot of families are in the fishing industry.
Why do people fish?
Enjoyment- to unwind- to catch dinner- to bond with their kids or friends- or to catch the big one.
Why do you go fishing?
For me I love to be there. I love the ocean and the beautiful things Mother Nature has given us. You may see the dolphin jumping out of the water or a massive pod of bait with fish breaking in them or a young child catch his first fish. Its all good for me. I don't keep all the fish I catch but I do like to be able to catch. When you fish and catch a striper almost everyday and I don't want one for dinner that night I tell him to swim and be free but I enjoyed catching him and I ill let someone else have that enjoyment.
Lots of people that come here on vacation do not keep their fish because they do not have a place to clean or cook them. But they just like to go fishing. When people go out on a charter or head boat they have paid good money for this trip and want to take something home to eat. Fishing from the beach is not as costly and you never know what you may see or catch that day.
Here is hoping for a good 2010 and all the regulations, rules and restrictions work out that we will be able to fish and catch.
Even if you didn't catch anything hopefully it was still a good day!
Sun Jan 10th
Another cold morning at the shore. Northwest winds and a temp of 25 at noon time. Weather men are taking about warmer temps this week. I know I am ready for them.
Thru this cold spell I keep looking at the temps in the Keys wishing I was there now but today it is 45 at noon with NW winds gusting to 21 so to me it would be a no fish day. I hope it gets warmer down there before I get there. I am thinking about packing a heater.
Jingles Bait and Tackle
1214 Long Beach Blvd.
Beach Haven, NJ
(609) 492-2795
Website www.jinglesbaitandtackle.com
Email fishjingles@yahoo.com