Cape May Inlet

[taimenz]

If your spearing The Cape May Inlet show some respect.
1. Use a Flag
2. Don't Shoot Small Fish
3. Respect The Other People Out There

If you don't follow the laws there's a chance we will lose the right to dive the inlet and your also pissing me off

[JettyHunter]

If you don't follow these rules I'll start enforcing it myself!!!! Piss off me and my friends and you will learn how to sink real fast.....

[zag]

was there an incident that spurred this? just curious...care to share any details?

[33fish33]

Is there a number to call if you see poaching?

[Jersey Jim]

This must be targeted at someone who frequents this board? In case there was any mistaken identity, I haven't been down in a couple of weeks. Hoping sometime in these next 3 days will offer an opportunity, but the forecast looks a little rough though. Inland today the winds were very strong. At times I couldn't keep the bike going in a straight line. I was thinking about how windy the shore must have been.

Are you heading down this weekend Gene? If so, save the rest of us some! :-)

[TriggerNJ]

Is there a number to call if you see poaching?

Here's the number 1-(800)-222-0456 and the link http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ogt.htm

[33fish33]

Thanks for the number.

Jim, I was at the inlet on Thursday, but the south wind made things on the end pretty rough. Nice on the side though, but didn't see any shooter stripers. I was planning on heading out Saturday, but not sure about weather. Let me know whats up.

[captgfb]

Details?

[waterman482]

If your spearing The Cape May Inlet show some respect.
1. Use a Flag
2. Don't Shoot Small Fish
3. Respect The Other People Out There

If you don't follow the laws there's a chance we will lose the right to dive the inlet and your also pissing me off

Uh oh Tai is pissed somebody must have f-ed up

[33fish33]

I suspect anyone involved enough to be on this board follows those basic rules. Maybe it would be worthwhile to organize the members of the mid-atlantic into a loose club so we could better regulate our jetties. For example, when we pull up on a spearo in the water, we know them from the club...The mid-atlantic is kinda unique in there being not much to spear on besides jetties (unlike NE for example were you can just jump in and find natural structure), so we should do all we can to keep things copasetic between spearos, authorities, and nature.

[JettyHunter]

Well I know is from what I have been seeing and hearing from other fishermen that there is like 8 to 10 spearos I have no idea who they are. I already tell everyone I see to post up a flag if you're on a boat or off the jetty. Its 20 f_cking dollars I'm sure anyone can srounge that up. I'm not losing the opportunity to spear because some googans can't follow a simple rule.

So I'm just letting everyone know who is out there to tell others how we feel. Because it's starting to get personal. I saw some Foreigner F_cks a few weeks ago shooting everything that moves and one of the 5 pricks had a camo suit just like mine. So now I'm accociated by mixed idenity, F_ck That!!!

[kill em all]

Details?

Captgfb - You really shouldnt be killing Tog like the one in your picture unless you love to eat their roe.

[bruce_s]

I am not into naming certain groups of people but there are some who will take any fish any time regardless of size or season.
In the past they were mostly fisherman.The problem is not only illegal but they also kill off fish that have not even begun to breed and that is the real shame.Has to be stopped or it will cause a backlash on all of us.

[Jersey Jim]

I was planning on heading out Saturday, but not sure about weather. Let me know whats up.


Gene:
I was planning on Saturday. I haven't checked the tides or forecast yet though. Last week the tides were inconvenient, so this week must be the good one. Get in touch later tonight.

Jim

[waterman482]

Ha just keep that bullsh#t down there! i'm glad we don't have too much of that kind of crap going on up here! whats going to happen is people are going to complain and the marine police and coasties are going to come down hard and they could very well shut the inlet down to diving.

[pirate_diver]

That sucks that it's no longer just fisherman taking illegal fish, and not following the rules/regs. I like the idea of self-policing the jetties/getting a club together.

[TriggerNJ]

I suspect anyone involved enough to be on this board follows those basic rules. Maybe it would be worthwhile to organize the members of the mid-atlantic into a loose club so we could better regulate our jetties. For example, when we pull up on a spearo in the water, we know them from the club...The mid-atlantic is kinda unique in there being not much to spear on besides jetties (unlike NE for example were you can just jump in and find natural structure), so we should do all we can to keep things copasetic between spearos, authorities, and nature.

This is a really good idea. All this is a state wide problem and could boil down to enforcement that hurts us all. In the eye's of those watching a positive group of spearo's involved in good stewardship and education could go a long way. Like jettyhunter was saying we are all going to end up grouped together by association and unfortunately it's going to be the irresponsible idiot's that stick out and get us a bad reputation. A group could be what separates the majority of knowledgeable, responsible spearo's from the few irresponsible one's. We even have someone who posts here (njdiver) who is involved with the NJCDC and has expressed that we would be welcomed members on numerous occasions. http://www.scubanj.org/ Check out what they are about and all they have done. Something to think about.

[captgfb]

Captgfb - You really shouldnt be killing Tog like the one in your picture unless you love to eat their roe.

Understand something……. Most of the hunting I do is in less then 6 ft of snowy vis. When I shot that fish I would have bet all my gear it was a nice eatin’ size black drum. I was disappointed to see it was an egg fat tog. I’ve been eating fish I catch for over 30 years, and I don’t make a habit of killing fish with roe….. But thanks for your all-knowing advice. I like the picture, with that fish’s big buck teeth, so don’t expect it to disappear because you don’t like it. I’ll go back to cave of ignorance now, thanks again for your wisdom.

It would be nice to see more positive camaraderie on this board. There’s nothing wrong with advice to keep people safe and on the right side of the law, but some folks just look for a chance to bash someone, or sound smart. The creators / administrators of this site put in a lot of work to give us this forum, we should use it to meet like minded people, share positive advice, and have some fun.

Just remember, arguing on the internet is like watching to retarded dogs fight….. No matter who wins, their both retarded!
:D

[njdiver]

This is a really good idea. All this is a state wide problem and could boil down to enforcement that hurts us all. In the eye's of those watching a positive group of spearo's involved in good stewardship and education could go a long way. Like jettyhunter was saying we are all going to end up grouped together by association and unfortunately it's going to be the irresponsible idiot's that stick out and get us a bad reputation. A group could be what separates the majority of knowledgeable, responsible spearo's from the few irresponsible one's. We even have someone who posts here (njdiver) who is involved with the NJCDC and has expressed that we would be welcomed members on numerous occasions. http://www.scubanj.org/ Check out what they are about and all they have done. Something to think about.
Thank you for the plug. We would be delighted if you could organize and be represented at our meetings. The NJCDC has been defending divers’ rights to access and the ocean’s resources since the 1950s. Having reviewed our archives from those times there were more breath holding spearfishing clubs than scuba. It appears from the activity on this forum that there is a resurgence of interest and activity in your segment of our sport. Getting organized, recognized and represented is the best way to maintain your rights of access to the ocean and its resources. At this time we have no representation on the council from "deep" South Jersey, mostly due to the fact that our meetings are held in Union, New Jersey. There are several scuba diving clubs from that area, and one was an associate member at one time. The NJCDC is presently involved in a project to replace traffic like signs that have deteriorated over the years since we placed them at both Shark River and Manasquan inlets. The signs list, the general and specific diving rules for each inlet. We are considering adding general diving rules signs at two additional locations, the L. Street site in Belmar and Gull Island Park in Point Pleasant. If there is a need for one or more of our signs in the Cape May area, I would ask that you take some digital photos of the specific areas of need and e-mail them to me for consideration. We are in the process of taking bids on new signs and if the need can be justified, we would be glad to provide the signs and fasteners. All we would ask of you is to provide pictures of the location, points of contact for the local authorities in charge of the specific area and perhaps some elbow grease in their placement.

If you are interested in organizing and need assistance, e-mail me. I would be more than happy to help you with the details of starting up a club and becoming full members of the NJCDC.

[OysterToadFish]

Shooting female tog takes no skill!





Understand something……. Most of the hunting I do is in less then 6 ft of snowy vis. When I shot that fish I would have bet all my gear it was a nice eatin’ size black drum. I was disappointed to see it was an egg fat tog. I’ve been eating fish I catch for over 30 years, and I don’t make a habit of killing fish with roe….. But thanks for your all-knowing advice. I like the picture, with that fish’s big buck teeth, so don’t expect it to disappear because you don’t like it. I’ll go back to cave of ignorance now, thanks again for your wisdom.

It would be nice to see more positive camaraderie on this board. There’s nothing wrong with advice to keep people safe and on the right side of the law, but some folks just look for a chance to bash someone, or sound smart. The creators / administrators of this site put in a lot of work to give us this forum, we should use it to meet like minded people, share positive advice, and have some fun.

Just remember, arguing on the internet is like watching to retarded dogs fight….. No matter who wins, their both retarded!
:D

[kill em all]

Understand something……. Most of the hunting I do is in less then 6 ft of snowy vis. When I shot that fish I would have bet all my gear it was a nice eatin’ size black drum. I was disappointed to see it was an egg fat tog. I’ve been eating fish I catch for over 30 years, and I don’t make a habit of killing fish with roe….. But thanks for your all-knowing advice. I like the picture, with that fish’s big buck teeth, so don’t expect it to disappear because you don’t like it. I’ll go back to cave of ignorance now, thanks again for your wisdom.

It would be nice to see more positive camaraderie on this board. There’s nothing wrong with advice to keep people safe and on the right side of the law, but some folks just look for a chance to bash someone, or sound smart. The creators / administrators of this site put in a lot of work to give us this forum, we should use it to meet like minded people, share positive advice, and have some fun.

Just remember, arguing on the internet is like watching to retarded dogs fight….. No matter who wins, their both retarded!
:D

Sorry to sound like that. I just assumed that you were another new diver that wants to kill anything on their 3 seconds of bottom time. I see that going on everyday and just wish the new guys would become more educated before killing a roe fish. I have tried hard to get our regulations on tog to be based on sex more so than size and it just isnt happening. However, as a spearfisherman we have the ability to pick the species, size, and sex of alot of fish we hunt. Lets take advantage of that and make the right decisions for the future of our sport.

[LeMonstier]

It was a good weekend for me there finally! I got myself a tasty triggerfish and a good eating striper! Didn't see any knuckleheads myself but I was fast, well not too fast, Gene and I were in the water for over 3 hours! Today was dark but I had a feeling it would get better but came back to Philly instead to eat the striper. Overall the water was clean but cold and I'm happy I didn't see a bunch of fools out there since it really bums me out, I've been diving that inlet since I was a squirt and I would hate to see the place closed to spearfishing. I know some kids who have been less than kosher on the regs and I will give them an earfull next time I see them. I tried last time but they lied to me. I would love nothing less than a good visit from the Fish and Wildlife to set things straight with some people but you know it will never happen. Check out the new NJ Fish and Wildlife guide with the huge advertisement on the back for legal representation for fish and wildlife violations, it is insane!!! OH THE IRONY!!!!

[HighHook22]

Well, when we broadcast our reports with exact locations "Cape May Inlet", the fools out there see it and will flock too it. Dont get me wrong, I love seeing successful reports from fellow spearo's but I think we should strive to be more brief about where we spear. After all, prime spots are not too plentiful on the south jersey coast. The excitement of bragging ones catch is just not worth the aggrevation caused by inconsiderate spearfisherman who are always looking for the best spots to spear.
-Cheers:beer:

[LeMonstier]

The Cape May inlet sucks! There are too many shark attacks and the mysterious sudden currents drown at least 50 divers each year. The worst part though, is that all the fish there taste like rotten cabbage!!! The Delaware Bay side is soooooo much better! The fish there will practically impale themselves on to your spear with out even firing the gun! And they taste wonderful!!

BTW The concrete ship is full of fish and sunken treasure!!

[waterman482]

Well, when we broadcast our reports with exact locations "Cape May Inlet", the fools out there see it and will flock too it. Dont get me wrong, I love seeing successful reports from fellow spearo's but I think we should strive to be more brief about where we spear. After all, prime spots are not too plentiful on the south jersey coast. The excitement of bragging ones catch is just not worth the aggrevation caused by inconsiderate spearfisherman who are always looking for the best spots to spear.
-Cheers:beer:

There's nothing wrong with putting a picture up now and then but to give a detailed report is a bit rubbish! I know the guys around these parts are pretty secretive and thats good because we don't have alot of crap going on here like there is in cape may! i love being the only one diving out there day after day!

[JettyHunter]

I agree with lemonster the conrete ship is the best spot on the jersey shore as far as I know. I'm scared of the Inlet the last 4 out of 5 times I've gone there I've ran into toothy critters. 3 sandtigers and maybe a bull couldn't really make it out since it was like 9ft and I was running on water the opposite direction.

[33fish33]

Also, theres so much fishing line in the inlet that you spend most of your time cutting yourself out of life threatening entanglements. Definitely agree with concrete ship, much cleaner and safer. Not to mention the amount of fish there.

[Michael R Braun]

Hello all

I thought I introduce my self. I have been a member of the spear board for quite a while. I mainly watch this board to see how the water conditions have been and enjoy seeing others success. I been spearfishing for a few years. And do some custom art work for Daryl Wong on his spear guns for a variety of show and what not. I have never speared Cape May or Barnaget do to the fact there seems to be a lot of guys hitting these grounds hard and I am not one to step on any toes. You guy hitting the C-ship hard makes me think twice about it. I would think that the vis would be bad and the rebarb and fishing line would cause a problem! What is it like to dive there I am just curious?

Also if you guys are interested in protecting are right to spear contact the NJ Outdoor Alliance. They should give you all the info you need to help protect are sport. (http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/)

My best to you all and dive safe!
Michael R Braun

[LeMonstier]

There are a bunch of jokes going on here, I must admit, and I would hate if someone would impale themselves on the concrete ship because of our reports, but it's pretty obvious what is going on there if you were to ever visit (I suggest bringing a rod there, and be prepared to be patriotic of you are there at sunset). There is also the jetty at Higbee's beach (the birth place of the Jersey Devil) but I never dove there. (there are lots of naked people there as well)

South Jersey or "Extreme" South Jersey is a very interesting spot since it is always changing and you never know what kinds of fish might show up, but the water clarity is so unpredictable and the best parts are hard to get to without a boat. I started diving as a little kid up in North Wildwood. For some reason the water there was unbelievably clear one summer. My older brother had a saltwater fish tank and we started collecting tropical fish, that come up via the gulf stream in late summer, there at night with little flash lights and nets. It was amazing there until about 6 years ago when the entire currents and sand bars shifted around. Now it is just kinda boring. The southern end of Stone Harbor used to be amazing as well with a really nice jetty and perfect conditions for spearfishing but last time I checked, the jetty was covered with sand.

If you know what you are doing, don't be discouraged from exploring. I personally hate "locals only" type mentalities since I spent many years exploring the coast of New Jersey and I would have been really bummed to have ever felt discouraged since it one of the most exciting places in the country for freediving and spearfishing.

I really doubt sites like this contribute to the problems of irresponsible speros causing trouble, since the greatest advertisement for spearfishing is coming out of the water with a big beautiful fish in front of a bunch of fishermen (or kids) who have been sitting there for hours without a bite. I never saw anyone catch a striper in the dog days of Summer, they just don't bite. I do remember the first time I ever saw a spero at my local jetty, I was about 6 years old and this Portuguese man came out of the water with a James Bond style gun and a huge striped bass that he dragged down the beach since it was so big. That was the coolest thing I ever saw.

[tm999xxx]

I really doubt sites like this contribute to the problems of irresponsible speros causing trouble, since the greatest advertisement for spearfishing is coming out of the water with a big beautiful fish in front of a bunch of fishermen (or kids) who have been sitting there for hours without a bite. I never saw anyone catch a striper in the dog days of Summer, they just don't bite. I do remember the first time I ever saw a spero at my local jetty, I was about 6 years old and this Portuguese man came out of the water with a James Bond style gun and a huge striped bass that he dragged down the beach since it was so big. That was the coolest thing I ever saw.

Although, I agree that the greatest advertisment is coming out of the water with fish ( first thing i saw several years back) but... The first thing that fisherman (or kid) does (in this day and age) is come to the internet and search for "easy" info.

Adam- how has the viz been around your parts??

[Michael R Braun]

[QUOTE=LeMonstier;741822]There are a bunch of jokes going on here, I must admit, and I would hate if someone would impale themselves on the concrete ship because of our reports,]

wow! thats never good!:eek: I would never dive that wreck any way. But for some guys looking to get into some fish just might get into truble or worse.

I did a few spots on OC past few weeks and the vis has been nice. fish are small, did get a nice sheeps head and plenty black fish around, not like they are hard to find:D come 19th I will be ready for an easy dive.

keep shooting them nice fish guys I enjoy looking at them.I will have to post my custom gun from Mr. Wong with my art on it soon. Till next time.

Mike

[LeMonstier]

Lately the vis has been good for spearfishing since it goes in and out of visibility and the fish normally like to stay on the edge of visibility, so if it is in the 10ft range, it is good. I've noticed that when it is really clear, the fish tend to hide. The best conditions are when it is really clear and choppy and you can hunt by sort of hiding in the bubbles of the chop. A couple years ago we had a day where the water went from 3ft vis to 60ft vis in a matter of 15mins. It was amazing! It was unbelievable how many creatures were lurking about since it seemed to catch everyone off guard. Ironically, I only shot a couple of triggerfish since I was too busy exploring the place "with the lights on" for the first time. I believe I saw that 24lb tog that was caught last year which is the new spearfishing world record. I thought it was a grouper at first since it was freakishly HUGE! I saw it from a good distance of at least 25 feet. It was really amazing! I also saw a stingray that had a wingspan of at least 6ft. The place was just teeming with life. We took the boat to the South end and it was even better. To see the formation of the jetty and the rocks drop into the sand at the tips while swimming at the surface is something that is rarely seen.

Back to blowing the spots out on these forums, yes, I do believe the internet has a lot to do with it as well as the ease in buying guns online. Hopefully people will read this stuff and realize the need for restraint in getting too blood thirsty. I got a good book on spearfishing that stressed the importance of respect for the fish and the environment and other divers and people that was really great. I think I wrote about it before, but I clearly remember my insane obsession with spearfishing when I first got into it. I couldn't stop talking about it and drove my friends crazy with stories. I made a lot of mistakes as well, such as firing my guns on the lawn. If only the instructions told me WHY I shouldn't do it instead of just saying "don't" and me learning the hard way by ruining them.

Kids, shooting your guns out of water since it will break them, especially pneumatic guns and NEVER shoot a gun with the line attached out of water because it can spring back and hit you. Yeah, it was stupid but I wasn't always as brilliant as I am now! hahaha!

[Igor]

LeMonstier
you gave me a chuckle with your lawn story as it is my experience as well.
I "tested" my first pneumatic on it .

[jmik90]

Although, I agree that the greatest advertisment is coming out of the water with fish ( first thing i saw several years back) but... The first thing that fisherman (or kid) does (in this day and age) is come to the internet and search for "easy" info.

Adam- how has the viz been around your parts??

vis was 25ft yesterday,plenty of nice bass around.

[njdiver]

Hello all

Also if you guys are interested in protecting are right to spear contact the NJ Outdoor Alliance. They should give you all the info you need to help protect are sport. (http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/)

My best to you all and dive safe!
Michael R Braun

If you have any questions pm/email me. I am a member of the NJOA Conservation Council.

[pirate_diver]

What part of Cape May Inlet are you guys seeing these "big toothy critters" at? I've never had an issue. Granted I've not been there since last summer, and even then it was only maybe once or twice a week that I would spear there.