Rack N Fin Radio

April 1, the blackfish opener for the short shot 30-day early spring season, is going to be a washout.

The “poor man’s salmon” as it’s been referred to for endless generations, the annual springtime spawning run of the American shad is full thrust in the Delaware River.

The Dangerfield of the Garden State’s freshwater fishing scene, for sure, oftentimes raising the ire of those targeting largemouths when intercepting their spinnerbaits, plastics, topwaters, and jerkbaits.

One of the largest saltwater fishing tackle shows along the east coast is going full throttle at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison this weekend.

The touchy weather hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm for the early season back bay and tidal river striper pursuit.

It’s all systems go for the 2023 season when it comes to summer flounder (fluke), sea bass, and porgies (scup) as per the dates, lengths, and bag limits decided on by the NJ Marine Fisheries Council last Thursday after reviewing four options and listening to public input.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the last call to attend the Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show in Partnership with Progressive, running at the big ‘n beautiful Atlantic City Convention Center at 1 Convention Boulevard.

A half-hour after sunset Saturday (6:15 pm), the curtain drops on the 2022-23 small game season.

The tog (blackfish) season draws to a close at 11:59 pm Tuesday, February 28.

The white perch, actually a member of the true bass family that includes the striper, is found in just about every brackish tidal creek along the Jersey coast.