As the month of November comes to an end and December begins, we all start thinking of things we need to do. There are family things for the holiday season that need to be done and then there are things you want to do. There needs to be balance between them. The fall striped bass season is in full swing which many anglers are getting their hearts racing with excitement for a fish or two to take home. I was on a trip recently on the Mimi VI that was a blackfish trip which was very slow. The captain asked the individual that was running the trip if we would be interested in catching striped bass. All at once I heard the individuals shout “yes.” So off we went and had a great day catching them. My words of advice are getting the family things done and get out there.
As I mentioned a few articles ago, we lost a great individual named Thomas Siciliano, Jr. He was 79 when he passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022. When I say “we”, I mean all of us in the recreational fishing community. Tom was very passionate about things he cares about. Tom is not the person to just talk about things a little; he went all the way. He would do his research on topics and investigate and verify the facts. I would say he developed this trait while serving in the United States Army and later as a chemist for Lehn and Fink. Tom was involved in many of the recreational fishing clubs here in New Jersey. He was involved with these clubs like everything else he did; all in. He served as president in so many of them and board members in all. To name a few of these they are Hudson River Fishermens Association, Bergen County Saltwater Anglers, Manasquan Fishing Club, Point Pleasant Fishing Club, Jersey Coast Anglers Association. Tom was involved in other environmental groups and children’s organizations too; Clean Ocean Action, Barnegat Bay Partnership and the Sunshine Foundation. I’m sure I missed a few. There are numerous stories about Tom and what he has done in each of these groups. If you knew him, it was a great honor and if you didn’t you missed out.
Our prayers go out to Tom Siciliano’s family for their loss. For the memory of Tom for all he has done for us, we should all get more like him to keep his spirit alive.
Paul Haertel was the Chairperson at our recent JCAA Sportsperson of the Year Dinner on November 12th at the Captain’s Inn in Forked River. Paul and his committee did an outstanding job. Read his article for more detail information. You missed a great time if you weren’t there. Keep an eye out for next year’s dinner. Congratulations to all the winners, it is well deserved.
JCAA High Roller Raffle will be starting in the new year. Raffle tickets will be sold at the shows or any other events we attend, so be on the lookout to help support a JCAA Fundraiser.
Before you know it show season will be here. JCAA will have a booth at both the Atlantic City Boat Show (March 1st to 5th) and Saltwater Fishing Expo (March 17th to 19th). I will be looking for volunteers to staff these dates at each of the shows. If you can volunteer 4 hours or more let me know. I can be reached at mtsport64@aol.com or 732-245-9445. This is one of the ways to reach anglers that don’t belong to a club or the latest information, we need to educate them.
Membership Chairman John Toth has been working hard reaching out to clubs. If you haven’t heard from him, reach out to him. I along with John will continue going to current clubs willing to learn more about JCAA. Please reach out to him at 732-656-0139 or tothjohn@verizon.net. If you belong to a club that does not belong to JCAA and wants to learn more about us, reach out to John also. Read John’s article in this newsletter for more information.
I will continue working to get all the recreational community motivated. We all need to get involved in the issues and what effects our fisheries. So, if you do not belong to a club for whatever the reason and want to get involved, reach out to me at mtsport64@aol.com or 732-245-9445.