Talking in Circles – ASMFC Update on Striper Rigs & Jigs
So what about tube and worm, pork rinds on bucktails, rigged eels, or eel skin plugs? There are still plenty of questions pertaining to the circle hook mandate from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and more answers may be forthcoming in the months ahead. ASMFC met for 5 hours on Wednesday, and The Fisherman’s editorial staff sat in on the entire session to bring you an exclusive update on the latest votes by the commission related to striped bass and circle hooks. As of February 4, we’re 25 days away from the official start to the striped bass season in New Jersey as back bay waters reopen following the two-month winter closure. Yes, you still have to use circle hooks when deployment bloodworms along the sedges on March 1; in this week’s video forecast, get more information on last week’s archived webinar all about Circle Hooks & Stripers. There are still tautog to be caught along the Jersey Shore this month, though white perch is keeping most saltwater anglers busy; that and some workbench activities. We’ve got a 6-minute rod building tutorial in this week’s video forecast on wrapping guides, plus an update on ice conditions throughout the tri-state region following Monday’s nor’easter/blizzard.
