In 2017, Tom Siciliano was awarded Sportsperson of the Year from the Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA). Actively involved in fisheries management for over 25 years, Siciliano is one-time president of the JCAA and active member of several organizations over the years including the Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County, Manasquan Fishing Club, Sunrise Bay Fishing Club, Point Pleasant Fishing Club, Recreational Fishing Alliance and the Southern Ocean County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation. In March, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tom in his Little Egg Harbor living room for little Q&A on fishing!
JH: Tom, congrats on Sportsperson of the Year honors, what was that like, being acknowledged like that by your peers?
TS: It’s such an honor and I’m so grateful to be recognized in this way. For decades, no matter what else life has thrown my way, the one constant has been my love for fishing.
JH: How did you get so involved in fisheries and fisheries management?
TS: As my passion grew for the sport, so did my feeling of responsibility to give back. I felt the need to help in any way I could to give back to the pastime that has so enriched my life. Being in the field of science, I’ve always relied on data. Data, show me the data. As I mentioned in my acceptance speech at the JCAA banquet, I implore my fellow fisherman to aid in the pursuit of collecting and reporting data.
JH: In terms of improving data, a lot of folks think participating is difficult; what’s your take?
TS: It is easy. If you don’t already keep a log book, then on your next trip keep track of the size and number of the undersized fish you catch and release and of course the keepers. When you return home just go to the NJDEP website and fill out the survey (state.nj.us/dep/fgw/marinesurvey.htm)
JH: Most folks just want to go fish for fun and forget; what would you say to get them more involved?
TS: There is nothing wrong with enjoying our sport for the sake of recreation. But, taking it a step further and making a conscious effort to help one another by pushing the various state agencies to take data seriously is a duty we owe our craft.
JH: As a former chemist, by trade, what’s your perspective on evolving science and technology as it relates to fishing?
TS: When I started fishing there was no GPS, you were lucky to have a radio on the boat. Some of the boats did have LORAN, but it was expensive. The small angler didn’t have the depthfinders and the GPS units to zero in on the spots, so a lot of guys would just follow the headboats. I mean, they still do (laughs) but back then you had to really know where you were going. I guess you can say it’s made mediocre anglers good anglers, and good anglers into great ones.
JH: Do you remember your first fish?
TS: I started fishing when I first came down to Lavallette in 1948. The railroad track was still there, and we would just go down to the dock in Lavallette with a bamboo pole and catch snappers, all day, all night.
JH: You run a great little tournament every year to benefit the Southern Ocean County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, which I know is set for July 7. Any changes in store for 2018?
TS: I’m going to try something a little different this year promoting the fact that we’re going to have specific prizes for kids, like biggest sea robin. We’re going to target the families more. I mean ever since Superstorm Sandy participation has been down, I think in a lot of tournaments. But it’s a nice local tournament, and it’s a great party afterwards.
JH: Finally Tom, what’s the single most piece of fishing tactical advice you could give?
TS: Be flexible. If something’s not working, be prepared to change what you’re doing.
Sounds more like one of life’s lessons to me. Which I guess, that’s really what fishing really is!
