A dedicated group of blackfish anglers recently landed a notable double-digit catch. With frigid temperatures setting in, ice fishing is gaining momentum on the state’s larger northern lakes, and a traditional ice fishing contest is set to resume.
However, an important regulatory update has emerged. NOAA has tabled its proposal to expand the existing speed limit rule aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale following two years of public discussion. This proposal would have included smaller vessels and significantly increased the size of seasonal management speed zones.
For boaters in the area, the proposed zone would have extended from the shoreline to the canyons, requiring captains of boats 35 feet and longer to adhere to a 10-knot speed limit from November 1 to April 30. Nonetheless, NOAA stated it withdrew the proposal, initiated on August 1, 2022, “in light of numerous and ongoing requests from the public for further opportunity to review and engage with the agency.” The agency received around 90,000 public comments on the matter.
The current speed rule still applies to boats 65 feet and larger in ten seasonal management zones, primarily near busy East Coast ports, including New York Harbor and Delaware Bay.
Blackfishing Update
On Sunday and Monday, the few for-hire boats still operating ventured out. Sunday offered a calm day on the water, with Capt. Chris Dos Santos on the Sea Owl reporting an angler who landed a blackfish weighing over 10 pounds. However, he noted that the tog bite has been challenging due to fluctuating water temperatures, ranging from 38 to 48 degrees inshore.
Chell Baybay also reported a successful trip on the Jamaica II, bringing in five keeper blackfish. The Big Mohawk fished depths between 75 and 135 feet on Sunday, encountering fish at various locations, though the bite was sporadic and required effort from anglers. A few keeper blackfish were caught, along with some ling.
This weekend, fishermen can expect predominantly west winds and relatively calm seas, but it’s advisable to bring foul weather gear as rain and snow showers may occur.
Ice Fishing News
For the first time in several years, the Knee Deep Club will host its annual ice fishing contest on Lake Hopatcong. While circumstances may change, the contest is currently scheduled for January 26.
Laurie Murphy at Dows Boat Rentals in Nolans Point reported at least six inches of ice cover in the state park’s southwest corner of Lake Hopatcong. The Great Cove area has four to five inches of ice, and the deeper parts of the lake are beginning to freeze as well, potentially allowing auger-carrying anglers to drill by the weekend.
Murphy mentioned that fishermen have been targeting shallow coves, successfully catching perch and pickerel.
