More and more boats are back in the water and despite tough economic times, everyone seems really positive about a great season of fishing in Cape May County.

The new Gone Fishin’ had a successful first trip out this year bringing back six fish. Frank caught this beauty.

More and more boats are back in the water and despite tough economic times, everyone seems really positive about a great season of fishing in Cape May County.

Bucktail Willie is back and fishing out of Whale Creek Marina in Strathmere where he found some summer flounder. He caught 16 last week, all tagged and released, including one 26 inch fluke. He says the striped bass bite has been a little slow so far.

Captain Fred at Harbor View reports stripers in the Bay with some keepers up to 25 pounds. Clam is the bait of choice. Black fishing remains decent on local wrecks with fish up to 10 pounds.

Miss Chris, Cape May, is going out for stripers at 8 a.m. daily. Dan Wallace, Philadelphia, had a keeper at 24 pounds; Steve Millard, Trenton, had one at 19 pounds; and Mike De Alantro, Philadelphia also caught a 19-pounder.

Charlie Langan at South Jersey Marina reports stripers, too, and Captain Mark Adams on the Nor’easter has found them. He’s sure that once word gets out that the season has begun and warmer weather arrives, more and more customers will be getting the fishing fever. If you agree, reserve a charter boat from South Jersey Marina, 884-3800.

Captain John Sowerby, Hooked Up II, also out of South Jersey Marina, will be back home and ready to go by May 1. He is planning a black drum trip on Mothers Day and will be out for six to eight hours. He will also be offering a few mid-week late afternoon trips for small parties and singles May 11 through May 15.

On May 16, he’ll be running two trips: a six hour drum trip at 2 p.m. returning at 8 p.m. plus an 8-10 hour all night drum trip departing at 9 p.m., returning early a.m. on the 17. These are great dates with full moon tides and should offer some excellent drum fishing plus the possibility of some large jumbo stripers mixed in with the drum especially on the all night trip when the boat traffic will be considerably less.

For those interested in some early season tuna, call Captain John at 425-1970.

IN THE NEWS: The battle over reef fishing, recreational fishers vs. commercial traps, is heating up. NJ Senate Bill 336 would address this issue and is supported by the Recreational Fishing Alliance and the NJ Anglers Association. For more information go to www.njleg.state.nj.us

Tri State Anglers of Sea Isle City will open up membership until June 1. The club runs four to five tourneys a year and has a yearly tourney for fluke, stripers, bluefish and weakfish. If interested in membership call Walt Heinneman, 624 0587 or go to meeting on Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m., Seashore Line Campground. Membership is open to anyone fishing Cape May County.

Municipalities and counties are recycling hundreds of tons of shrink-wrap. Most often, the material is removed and thrown into a dumpster where it enters the waste stream and winds up in a landfill. Shrink-wrap can be recycled to create more shrink-wrap or it can be used to make plastic bags, plastic lumber and other products.

Anyone with questions about recycling should visit cmcmua.com or call the CMCMUA at 609-465-9026.

Plan now for the DVSA Surf Fishing Tournament, Municipal Marina Bldg., 346-42nd Place, Sea Isle City, register 5:30 a.m., fishing 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 624-1427.

New! SeeMyBigFish.com is a Website set up by The Herald just for fishing information and pictures.

Be sure to send your fish stories, reports and pictures and Be My Guest reporter. Send info to cmiller@cmcherald.com.