Fishing

Some drum, as in black drum, beating has been going on in sections of Great Bay for the past couple of weeks and it’s great to see this annual mid-April through mid-May run get rolling.

The new regs include a whopping 149-day season that extends through September 27, pretty much three weeks longer than during previous years.

Make no mistake though: the month of May is notorious for producing not only minimum length keepers but also fish in the 4-8 lb. class, with more than a few attaining doormat (10 lbs.-plus) weights.

Sixteen days remaining in the 30-day April tog season and wouldn’t you know it: a shortage of green crabs is happening as the chew is getting fierce.

For the first time in New Jersey fluke fishing history, there will be a slot limit.

The statewide trout season kicks off at 8 AM Saturday and all indications point to a bountiful opening day and beyond.

Running through Saturday, April 30, the early spring blackfish season is underway.

It’s virtual and it will start at 5 PM next Thursday, April 7.

The back bay and tidal river striped bass bite is getting stronger by the day. However, there is another bass bite percolating in South Jersey, this being the largemouth kind.

The long-anticipated Atlantic City Boat Show runs through 5 PM Sunday at the Atlantic City Convention Center.