THE LICENSE

April 2, 2010 - While we're standing around twiddling our fingers in anticipation of another striper year, I'd just like to clear up any confusion regarding the licensing of saltwater anglers. During the 2010 season you will be required to possess a Federal Saltwater Angler Registration Card. This can be accomplished by visiting www.countmyfish.noaa.gov and completing a simple questionnaire, or by dialing 1.888.774.7411. You can print out a temporary version of the card and a hard copy should arrive within a few weeks. In all reality I really don't anticipate any robust enforcement particularly during times of budget reductions and cutbacks.

HERRING
We have been fielding a few reports that herring have already begun their migration into many of Cape Cod's more notable runs. While this occurrence may be considered a bit early it should not be regarded as unusual, particularly during more temperate seasons. Given the current weather pattern it should not be uncommon to witness a few fish arriving in waters to our south as early as the middle of April, with south facing Cape Cod estuaries ensuing.

FISH KILL
The unusually cold climate in the state of Florida during this past winter took its toll on inter-coastal fish populations. We recently received an email from longtime customer, Tony Penny, who winters in the Stuart, Florida area. The correspondence was accompanied by photos revealing the devastation that actually occurred. Species that were most effect by the radical change in water temperature were snook, tarpon and bonefish. Penny actually recorded 50-degree water temperatures during the middle of the winter that is absolutely intolerable for most warm-blooded saltwater species.

THE LAST FIFTY FEET
I just finished reading the uncorrected manuscript of "The Last Fifty Feet", the initial work of local author, Bill Lambot. If you enjoy reading Nick Lyons, Ted Williams and John Gierach make sure to place it on your "must read" list when it becomes available.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB