As I sit here contemplating this week’s fishing forecast, it has occurred to me that even with the cold temperatures and snow, there are future benefits to this cold winter. For certain, those nasty bugs that tend to annoy us when the summer weather heats up again will be greatly reduced in numbers. And that my friends, is a very good thing! At least for me, that is. But for now, we have to accept that conditions are anywhere from prime for fishing. But I have started to notice some stirring along the coast in the shops and charter boats that serve us so well. They may not be fishing or stocking bait but they are clearing room on the shelves and cleaning off the decks. Only a month plus and we will be clicking on all cylinders.

I ran into Lenny Hahn, of Capt’n Hippo’s Bait and Tackle the other day and while he isn’t open yet, he is hard at work. Lenny Told me that his (T)Ides of March perch tournament is in the planning stages but will go off on or around the 15th. You can start signing up come March First. Follow him on Facebook or check out his web site. You can also give him a shout out at the shop. The contact number is 732-505-3500.

Sadly, I have to report that the Belmar Princess has informed me that they are pulling in the gangplank for the season. The much awaited mackerel run never materialized and as such, they are heading into dry dock for some much needed maintenance. On the plus side, this means they should be ready and waiting for some great spring fishing.

My travels took me to Manahawkin the other day so I stopped in Tony’s Bait and Tackle on Bay Ave and had a nice chat with owner Andy Tonneson who was hard at work in the repair shop. He tells me that while some of his regulars have been out chasing blackfish when the weather allows an entry point, it has been pretty slow. Another option has been perch out by the power plant. Grass shrimp are your best baits this time of year and are readily available. One word of advice. If you are fishing in that area, make sure you are using the appropriate sized hook for your quarry. Remember, the rules for striped bass include the words Targeting and as that species in currently closed in the back waters, you could find yourself with a potential issue should you be checked by the powers that be.

Captain Bobby Quinn of the Ocean Explorer is out targeting blackfish from their berth in Belmar whenever weather is agreeable to the cause. Recently, they have had good days with fish as large as 14 pounds on the tog side and some nice ling and even cod off of the deep water holes. Soft baits like clam and shrimp are working on the ling but have also been effective when tipped over crab for blackfish. The OE plans to sail every morning the weather lets them. All day fishing fare are 65 dollars for regular adult and 60 for seniors. Well worth the money.

With the Mullica River close to frozen state, Captain Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center has been stocking up the grass shrimp so his diehard perch anglers have an outlet for bait in these dark winter days. The Mullica has a layer of ice on it but not thick enough, according to local expert Tom King, to pursue ice fishing. While we are on the topic of ice, Dave tells me that the Absecon Creek boat ramp is iced up and a thaw generally causes a log jam effect at the mouth of the creek when it starts to thaw. More than one boater has been turned back because of this. Dave is usually at the shop and has a full inventory of frozen baits should you need any.

The MIMI IV in Point Pleasant is scheduled to sail this weekend for blackfish. Captian Kenny accepts reservations and never overcrowds the boat so give him a call at 732-370-8019 and jump on board. The weather looks best for Saturday and they still have some open spots. Trip fares are $65 dollars, a reasonable fee for putting some tasty tog on the table.

I stopped in to see Dan Tholen at Lacey Marine the other day. I think the amount of ice in the local tributaries must be pretty thick as he hasn’t had the kayak out in a while. He has been using that time to come up with some nice sales for you boaters out there so you can get a jump on the spring run. If you are by the store, stop in and check out his deals.

Fin-Atics in Ocean City still has winter hours going on until the end of February. The shop will be open on Fridays and Saturday. Stop in gear up for the season. Tell Ed I sent you.

Best Bets for the Weekend

If there is a more difficult week to write a fishing forecast, someone would need to tell me when that is. The weather has been too cold for much fishing but in most places in the state, not cold enough to get a decent shot at ice fishing. We have had polar freezes punctuated by periods of warmth, which weakens the ice. You can always jump on a head boat and hit the blackfish, cod or ling, all of which has been great. Ordinarily, I would recommend hitting a boat or outdoors show to relieve the stress but sadly, none of those are scheduled for this weekend. Next week is the Atlantic City Boat Show and after that a whole host of other events to fill your calendar will start to pop up. So my advice for this weekend would be to tend to your gear and settle back for the Super Bowl parties. We are only a month away from the opening of bass in the back and before you know it, fluke and weakfish will be making their appearance. Or take a weekend off and regroup. Put your feet up and relax. You have earned it. Whatever you choose to do, stay safe out there. See you on the incoming.