Rack n Fin

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.

The Light Goose Conservation Order hunt commenced Thursday, and it’s a no-hold-barred tactic to reduce light goose numbers to a point where they are not too damaging to the respective habitats.

Show hours are 9am-5pm Saturday and 9am-2pm Sunday. Adult admission is $7 and $3 for youngsters 6-13. Five years and younger get in no charge.

The season will run through a half-hour after sunset Tuesday, January 31.