I attended a memorial service for a friend of mine the other day. Scott Bevan went to Gloucester High School, he graduated in 1984 between my brother and sister. His sister was a year ahead of me and his brother a few behind me. My father grew up with his father. He was married to Deneen his loving wife.
He past surrounded by a loving and caring family.
Scott battled melanoma for the past year and succumbed to it on July 15,2010. Scott was a husband, son, brother, nephew , grandson and uncle. He was also a great fisherman and his love for the outdoors shined through out his life. The family showed what a tremendous man he was with a stirring tribute to him.
To see the memorial service or to see a video put together about Scott please check out the links below.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1512657451666
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1vLI-UOx5E
I will never go fishing without thinking of you Scotty!
Timmy T
Fisherman’s Prayer
I pray that I may live to fish
that in His mercy I be judged
big enough to keep.
Our Scotty Boy,
We will remember you always for your child like wonder, your love of nature and your big, beautiful smile, but most of all, for your huge heart and for all of the love. You will always be with us.
Rusty Joe’s Flounder Tournament
The Tournament will be August 7, 2010.
www.rustyjoesmarina.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Newport-NJ/Rusty-Joes-Marina/140927650860?v=photos
For details call Joe….856-447-4974
| April30, May1 & 2, 2010
As appearing in the Press of Atlantic City on 2/14/10: Mark Allen thought it was pretty bad luck when it rained all three days of his first Strictly Jersey boat show in Cape May last year. |
| Then he saw a blizzard cut the recent Atlantic City International Power Boat Show’s traffic in half. Rain is looking a lot better now. |
| ”Boaters aren’t afraid of the water, and it meant they weren’t out at the beach,” he said. |
| Allen announced that South Jersey Marina, where he works, will hold its second Strictly Jersey boat show April 30 to May 2. |
| Strictly Jersey is small for a boat show and, as the name suggests, strictly regional. Last year’s debut featured 50 boats in the water – the number of slips at the marina – and another 20 or so on land. |
| But the show he manages has some advantages, Allen said. |
| For one, it’s mainly an in-water boat show. That makes it possible to show big boats without hoisting them from the water. Last year’s show featured a 72-foot Buddy Davis from Egg Harbor Yacht Co. – more than 20 feet bigger than anything at the Atlantic City show. |
| Better still, with boats already in the water, test drives are possible for serious potential buyers. |
| ”You can’t come and go for a boat ride, but if you’re a serious buyer and the dealer ascertains that you’re a qualified buyer, that can happen,” Allen said. |
| The show’s limited hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in fact, are arranged to encourage such sea trials for two hours before and after the show, he said. |
| Another advantage is that the show targets boat buyers instead of the general public by giving them free admission. Anyone with a N.J. Safe Boating certificate or membership with marine-assistance company Sea Tow, a show sponsor, gets in free. Participating dealers also have tickets to give away, he said. |
| Strictly Jersey is open to the public, but the cost at the gate is $15. |
| Last year’s show offered boats from 23 dealers and manufacturers, including big regional builders such as Luhrs Marine Group in Millville, Viking Yacht in the New Gretna section of Bass River Township, Burlington County, and Ocean Yacht in Egg Harbor City, he said. |
| The “strictly” New Jersey of the title is applied loosely, so any state-based retailer can exhibit marine products from anywhere. Albemarle Boats of North Carolina, for example, were exhibited by its dealer in the area. |
| New Jersey is a fairly robust boating market, a coastal state with many inlets, rivers and back bays for marina locations. |
| In 2008, 5,394 new power boats were sold in the state, according to data gathered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. |
| Total N.J. boat registrations peaked in 2000 at 243,000 and have declined slowly since to 183,000 in 2008. |
| Of 50 boats in the water at Strictly Jersey last year, 30 were new and 20 were what the boating industry calls brokerage boats and what the rest of us call used or previously owned boats. |
| Allen said the show makes money for South Jersey Marina through exhibitor fees – “a small fraction of what they’d pay for a big boat show” – and through selling boats it exhibits at the show. How much, though, he wouldn’t say. |
| Competing boat dealers also make money at the show, which makes it like many small trade shows organized by one participant in a specialized market for the convenience and efficiency of all in that market locally. |
| ”We’d love to see Strictly Jersey become a fixture, but we’ll stay focused on the yacht sales business,” Allen said. |
With the annual spawning runs of popular recreational species such as striped bass, shad and river herring just weeks away, the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding anglers that under a new federal law, most New Jersey saltwater recreational fishermen are now required to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry before they go fishing. The Saltwater Angler Registry is part of an improved data program to help protect the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
As of January 1, 2010, New Jersey fishermen must be registered if they:
* Fish for or catch anadromous species in tidal and salt waters; these are fish like river herring, shad or striped bass that live in the oceans but spawn in fresh water, OR
* Fish in the Federal waters more than three miles from the ocean shore or from the mouths of rivers or bays, OR
* Don’t meet any of the exceptions in the law.
Those exceptions include anglers who*
* …are under the age of 16.
* …have a currently valid saltwater license from another state whose license meets the criteria of the Angler Registry.
* …already registered with NOAA in 2010 to fish saltwater in another state.
* …only fish on vessels that are holders of for-hire (or charter boat and party boat) permits issued by NOAA Fisheries.
* …hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit.
* …are fishing commercially under a valid license.
Registration is quick and easy and is free in 2010. Anglers simply need to log on to http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov/ and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at 1-888-MRIP411 (1-888-674-7411). Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately.
After approximately 30 days, registrants will receive a registration card in the mail. Registration is valid for one year from the date of registration and anglers who do not meet any of the exceptions in the law must register annually.
The registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and policy makers work together to better account for the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies. It is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data.
The goal of the initiative – known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP – is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing.
For more information, visit http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov/ .
The 2010 Atlantic City Boat Show happened this past week and it was once again held at the convention center. This venue is a great place, the location, the environment and the accessibility make it a perfect selection. This year’s show had a nice mix of trades people, marinas and manufacturers.
The venue is situated as soon as you arrive in Atlantic City so whether you drive or ride the train you are either parking or getting off the train and right into the show. When getting into the show it was laid out nicely so you can browse the boats then hit the trades/vendors while you decide what boats you want to look at. I visited several of the vendors and spoke with a great deal of interesting people. My personal goals were to find the best school to attend for getting a captain’s license, talk to and buy some artificial lures for wahoo/dolphin/sails in the Keys and learn about and buy a personal locator beacon. I also wanted to check out the latest and greatest boats that we could expect to see on the water, along with what the engine manufacturers are doing for the fuel war.
When I started I met up first with Dan from Scylla Lures (www.scyllalures.com). He suggested a few lures for me to try, I bought two without hesitation and can not wait to use them. If you check out his site you will see that you can have your name applied to the lure. A cool idea for a gift. The lure skirts are all vinyl and tied not glued on. The lures heads are pours with the eyes set in, no losing eyes, and the poly is water clear. I also bought a great pair of pliers, the pliers are all aluminum with a braid cutter on the side. They came with a nylon sheath and a tether cord. For a 29.99 dollar price tag it was the deal of the show. Dan was paired up with Robert Browning of Boomerang fishing (www.boomerangfishing.com) . Robert has a great selection of fishing poles from baitcasters to stand up rods. They are all great poles and incredibly reasonable in pricing.
My next stop was for a great tuna tournament. The tuna stake invitational (www.tunastakes.com) is a charity event run out of Atlantic City. The event is held in memory of Dr. Leonard Strobel. The tournament is not only a great event but it also will raise awareness for heart disease, donate money to it’s research and all while fishing. You can run out of anywhere between Shark River and Cape May. Fishing can be done on any one day/night out of five. The weigh ins are at various locations and the awards banquet is held in Atlantic City. As an added bonus the Grand Champion gets an invite to the IGFA Offshore 2011 World Championships in Cabo San Lucas.
So after that I wandered down the rows and rows of booths and walked into the Saltwater Soldiers (www.saltwatersoldiers.org) booth. I spoke with Mike Branson who was just estactic to talk about the foundation he had started. His foundation is putting soldiers on the water. He runs this charity to give back to the men and women who keep us free. What can I say, go to the site and donate! Mike is always upgrading his boat and keeping things comfortable for the soldiers. Mike was sharing the booth with Bahama Lures (www.bahamalure.com ), The lures are a good looking lure and there were several on display and up for raffle.
Leaving there I next walking into Alan Robinson’s booth (www.themapguy.com ). The map guy, as he is called is a unique and interesting booth. Alan takes a picture of your boat or whatever else you have in mind and does an original water color. He takes that and places it on a chart of your choosing along with the fish that you choose for an original print that you can frame and hang on the wall for years to come.
From there I stopped off at Voodoo lures (www.fishvoodoodolls.com) . What an idea for a lure. I bought one head from the company and the trick here is that you can unscrew the skirt and change it out while the head is still rigged. The head is a steel threaded head and the skirt is plastic, threaded and slotted so when you unscrew it you can pop it off and put a new one on. Essentially you can save a lot of money buying several skirts.
Leaving there I found several schools for captain’s license. After talking with them I decided on Mariner’s School (www.marinersschool.com) . The newly designed Mariners Learing System is a state of the art web based learning system. In this system you have a virtual classroom and learn through reading and video lecture. After this you take a quiz. If you need to read it or watch the video again you have the opportunity to. There is also a message board where you can post questions and they have a help line that is available via an 800 number. You learn at your own pace then take a test (USCG approved) given by them at a site they designate. The rates are very competitive and they give you everything you need. If you want a captain’s license then go talk to Captain Bob Figular, he will not steer you wrong.
My next stop was at the ACR booth. I have been looking at personal locator beacons for some time. I wanted piece of mind next time I venture off shore. Fishing out of the Florida Keys at times you wander way out there and you can be incredibly vulnerable. With a PLB or an EPIRB such as the ones designed by ACR you can have a small sense of security. I spoke with the representative from ACR and it was extremely informative. I decided leaving that booth that I would seek out a sales booth and purchase a PLB. Both the PLB and EPIRB work exactly the same the only difference is size. I felt that the PLB along with a ditch bag and some essential items would suit me best. When I purchased mine I was given a coupon to mail in and get a free ditch bag sent to me. Buying the PLb was one of the easiest things to purchase, I spoke with Karen from Viking Life Saving Equipment (www.viking-life.com) and she was very pleasant and explained to product to me. Lastly to keep up with the time ACR has start an “I’m OK” feature. For a fee you can register at www.406link.com and send a loved one a message telling them you are OK if you are out of VHF and cell range.
One of the more interesting products at the show was from Bob at Bob’s bait board (www.bobsbaitboard.com) . Bob has designed a bait board that attaches to your igloo cooler, has a knife, sharpening ceramic sticks and a measuring tape all in one. The board is made of an floating acrylic had a floating 7” dexter knife and is available in 3 sizes and custom size upon request. I think in the years to come we will see these all over the place. What an idea!
Heading down the line I stopped to talk with Dr. Joseph Tordella (www.air-land-sea.com) . He has a practice that is dedicated to giving physicals for USCG captain’s licenses and FAA pilots license. His office is located in the Atlantic City Airport and he does not see “sick” patients, you will not sit next to a flu virus or any other type of sickness. He takes you on appointment so you will arrive and be seen. There is minimal waiting with this arrangement and he is affordably priced.
I moved along to the boats and saw that this year the emphasis was on the smaller boats. There were only a handful of boats over 35 feet. The one that did stand out was a Buddy Davis. What can I say, it was a Buddy Davis.
I did look at the Grady Whites. With today’s economic times they offer you a great boat for a reasonable price. The new Chesapeake model is a step up in size from the Gulf Stream. It has what you need for a comfortable overnight trip and a great all around family/fishing/fun boat. The smaller boats were also well represented with Boston Whaler and Carloina Skiff having a strong competition.
The engines have come a long way. Mercury had a large display and was showing off the new “greener” engines. Both Yamaha and Evinrude also had a display and the Yamaha 350 was a show stopper. It boasts the power and the best fuel mileage in the industry.
I spoke with a lot of people and everyone was happy that we were there. The weather was looking like the weekend was going to be a bust. Hopefully everyone did well and got home safe.
Catch em up,
Timmy T
December 29, 2009
Saltwater recreational fishermen have long expressed concerns about the data used to estimate the effects of recreational fishing on ocean resources and the nation’s economy. The National Saltwater Angler Registry, which launches on Friday, will help address that concern by providing a comprehensive list of the nation’s saltwater anglers that will be used to improve surveys of fishermen. These surveys are used by NOAA scientists to assess the health of fish stocks and to estimate the economic contributions of anglers.
Many saltwater recreational fishermen will be required to register before fishing in 2010. The registry is open for registrations starting Friday, January 1. But if you have a state saltwater fishing license, you may already be part of the registry.
“By registering, recreational anglers will make their catch count,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The National Saltwater Angler Registry is an important tool that will enable us to better estimate the health of marine fisheries so that we’re able to preserve the pastime of recreational saltwater fishing for generations to come.”
“Recreational fishers need the registry,” says Capt. Monty Hawkins, a party boat operator and recreational fishing advocate based in Ocean City, Md. “People’s lives depend on the quality of the government’s information. It’s the basis for management decisions on everything from creel limits to whether to shut down whole sections of the coast. I’ve been harshly critical of recreational fishing data in the past, but I welcome the registry as a way to improve upon the current system.”
Gordon Colvin, a biologist with NOAA’s Fisheries Service and interim senior policy advisor on recreational fishing to Balsiger, who has spearheaded the registry implementation, said that many anglers will not need to take any action to register, because their coastal states already have agreements in place with NOAA to share state saltwater fishing license information.
Who Needs to Register:
Recreational saltwater fishermen will need to register if they:
Some anglers don’t have to register if they:
National Saltwater Angler registration is free in 2010. To register beginning Friday, anglers can visit NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program and click on the Angler Registry link, or call the toll-free registration line at 1-888-MRIP411 (1-888-674-7411) from 4:00 am to 12 midnight EST daily.
Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately. They will receive a registration card in the mail in about 30 days.
Steve Medeiros, executive director of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and a leading advocate for a saltwater fishing license in his state, said the registry is an important step. “While it’s true that some fishermen don’t like the idea of having to register to participate in a sport they’ve taken for granted their whole lives, anyone fishing today knows that increasing pressures on the ocean are having a real effect,” he said. “If we’re going to pass the sport down to our children and grandchildren, we’re going to need sound management based on good data.”
The registry will be used as the basis for conducting surveys of saltwater recreational fishermen to find out how often they fish. It will eventually replace the use of random-digit dialing to coastal households, a system NOAA has had in place since the 1970s. The goal is to improve survey efficiency and reduce bias by making calls only to homes where people fish, and reaching saltwater anglers who live outside coastal counties.
While the registry is among the most visible aspects of NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program, it is only one component of this rigorous multi-year, multi-phased overhaul of the system NOAA uses to collect and report recreational fishing data. Each piece of its design and implementation has been guided by close working relationships among NOAA personnel, fisheries managers, state partners, independent scientists and the recreational fishing community.
Recreational fishermen should also remember that regardless of whether an individual is registered with NOAA, they must obey all state regulations and licensing requirements where they are fishing.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.
See what’s new, NOW, at the 30th Atlantic City International Power Boat Show! Find the boat of your dreams and everything to go with it—see and shop more than 700 new boats and an unbeatable assortment of marine gear at the Atlantic City Convention Center. From luxury motor and sailing yachts to sport fishers, performance boats, inflatables and personal watercraft, there are boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget. If it’s for boating, you’ll find it here—the Marine Marketplace, a 93,000 sq. ft. “show within the show,” features 440 booths showcasing all the latest in marine technology, engines, accessories, nautical gifts, and more. And there’s no better time to buy. The 5-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time, under one roof!
Beyond the boat and booths, special attractions, activities and giveaways offer fun and entertainment for everyone. Check out Miss GEICO—one of the world’s fastest racing boats. Learn about eco-friendly boating at the Green Boating Zone and get tips from top pros at daily fishing seminars. Stop by the Affordability Pavilion and see budget-friendly boats you can own for less than $250 per month. Young mariners will love the paddle boats at the Kids’ Cove, too.
Whether you’re new to boating or consider yourself quite the captain, be sure to stop by the Discover Boating Center. It’s your one-stop resource for the latest in boating information and expert, unbiased advice.
I got a picture from the second place winner of Rusty Joe’s Tournament recently. I wasn’t there when the fish was checked in and did not get a picture myself but Paul Laggy was kind enough to send a pic of the fish. The fish was a fat cow and weighed in at 34.7 pounds. It was a nice fish and a very close second. Good Job Paul!!!!
After talking to Paul and his father Mike they told me they have been fishing hard all year. With the fishing as good as it was i don’t blame them. Paul sent some pics that I will post in the forums, but Paul really wanted to give the credit to his dad Mike. He said that he learned it all from him and that he fishes hard and puts the time in!!! Thanks, Paul and Mike for the pictures.
If you have pictures please login and post them on the forums.
If you have a story send it to me and I will get it posted here.
catch em up,
Timmy T
Andrew Milburn with a first place 38.1 pound striper
The First Annual Rusty Joe’s Striper Tournament was held this past weekend and it was a big hit. With weather starting to get on the colder and windier side you could not have asked for better weather. As most know Rusty Joe’s Marina is in Money Island, NJ and is has been renovated to a first class marina. Almost everything is new, there is bait, ice, tackle and gas.
The tournament was started at 0600 on Saturday morning. I am told that there were quite a few boats in the inlet waiting for the start. I got down at 0700 got the boat ready with Captain Dirk and Donna and we headed out. It was a nice day with a little chop. The fish were out there but we only found the blues. After getting bit off and run around a bit by the pesky fish we called it a day. We got back to the dock with two blues but they were not in the running for the money.
The Calcutta was an extra 25 bucks and Paul Laggy took the first day with a 34.7 lb Striper, Kenny Mack took the second day with the 38.1 lb Striper caught on his boat. Paul was in the driver’s seat for the second day with a nice fish. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of that fish. I did however get some nice pictures of Scott Miller, Mike Da’Fonso, Bill Murphy, Josh Berry, Jim Maropoulos, Pat Magnusun, Al nickels, Mike, John and Dave Gilligan. There were a lot of fish and if this keeps up Joe will need to replace the filet tables! When you came in there was hot food for all the fishermen and women. Some of the food included was Chili, Meatballs and Rigatonis, Pulled pork and baked beans, several types of salads and plenty of deserts. I sampled the pork, chili and meatballs, it was all delicious and the pulled pork and meatballs were very good.
Day two was a little sloppy at first. It was a little chillier that the day before with a little wind. It did however lay down, the sun came out and it was actually a nice day for November. The Bluefish were back with a vengeance. With blue fish taking bait and hooks we decided to call it a day at 2.
With Donna taking pictures and me taking names it was a good team. Along with some of the guys from yesterday we got a few others. We got Joe Volpe with his 28.5 lb striper. Bill Welsh, Tom Quinn, RT Souder (Mother Shucker), The guys from Snapper Head, again, and of course we got the winner. Andrew Milburn on Kenny Mack’s boat brought in the winner at 38.1 lbs. Kenny Mack brought in the biggest Blue at 13.7 lbs.
The food again was hot and there was no shortage. Everyone was a winner at the tournament. We all got out on the water and everyone came back in safe. The winners are listed below according to registered for the tournament.
I tried to get pics of everyone I saw with fish, if I missed you send me the pciture and I will post it. The bulk of the pictures are posted in the forums. Go to the forums, Delaware Bay, Tounament results.
Striper:
1. Kenny Mack 38.1 lbs
2. Paul Laggy 34.7 lbs
3. Mel Coombs 31 lbs
4. Joe Volpe 28.6 lbs
5.Gerard Rily 26.4
Blues: Kenny Mack 13.7
Catch em up,
Timmy T
Thanks to our many members for their continued updates to the current striper fishing conditions, especially you folks who have been logging in with such success in the Delaware Bay! I finally broke away from work on the 18th and got down to Fortesque. We booked a charter with Cap’s Lady (Captain Pat Tierno and Captain Larry).
I have said it before but this is one of the most comfortable charter fishing boats I have fished on. The crew does an unending job of working to keep you on the fish. We had great weather and a great day. Started off I caught 2 shorts (24″ and 26″), however some of my buddies were able to do much better. Mike came up next with a 38″ Striper – we didn’t have it weighed but I am guessing it was 30 plus pounds. I must compliment Mike on landing such a nice fish considering he was fishing with what I politely refer to as a ”bluegill rod”…..Mike is a freshwater fisherman typically and was using extremely light tackle…but all the more fun for him and us to watch as he fought to bring the fish into the boat. Bill came up next with a 33″ fish and then Mark with a 35″. We headed out at 8:00 and had caught these 5 fish by 10:30 before the bite slowed down.
We had plenty of fresh bunker, some crabs and eel, however we were doing well with the bunker so most of us stayed with that. Excellent day…good fishing and a great crew. If your looking to get out and have a party of six or more I strongly recommend Cap’s Lady, contact Captain Pat Tierno at (856) 447-0062.
Mike, Mark & Bill
