Once again, I'm going to gaze into my somewhat clouded crystal ball to try and determine what the fishing prospects for the coming season will be! I say "clouded" because it's hard to determine exactly what the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has laid on our heads in the way of more stringent regulations. It seems as if these fishery "managers" have little concern for what their horrible size and bag limits affect recreational fishermen in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.

At the same time, commercial interests get little in the way of more regulations, even though they're the ones causing the decline in many species along the coast. As in past years, we have to base our predictions on last year's results -- bad as they may be in a couple of instances. In addition, we will be optimistic that any bad numbers of fish were just a bump in the road and that the fishery will bounce back this season!

Keep in mind that weather has a great influence on the fishing picture. Last year we experienced a rash of washed-out weekends, resulting in limited fishing activity. In addition, water temperatures can control somewhat the number of fish that come our way. However, most migrations of animals, birds and fish remain on a predictable schedule.

Scientists tell us that the amount of light is the most determining factor as to when migrations take place during the year. Water temperature, heat and cold do hasten or delay migrations somewhat, but the amount of light each day remains exactly the same and is predictable down to the minute. Regardless of these roadblocks in out way, we'll keep that our predictions will be close to on target!

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WEAKFISH
Let's start with what will probably be the most difficult species to predict: weakfish. Generally speaking, last year was a disaster for weakfish enthusiasts. What is amazing is that the ASMFC concluded that the rapid declines in weakfish stocks are a result of natural causes -- not of either recreational or commercial overfishing. Why, then, do they insist on lowering the bag limits on us recreational folks when we had nothing to do with it?

I've talked with many, many fishermen and had a difficult time finding any who believe that the decline in weakfish numbers is not manmade. Most anglers feel that after the small weakfish leave the bays in the fall, commercial interests somewhere along the line -- like off the coasts of North Carolina and Georgia -- gobble them up.

I hope that the 2006 season in Delaware Bay will be better, and think that by the time you read this, some larger weakfish will already be in the bay. They will be found around the lighthouses and in the shallows where sod banks and grass hold small baitfish and grass shrimp. Cast shedder crab and bloodworms, or bucktails tipped with crab or plastic worms around these areas. Of course, you can also tie into a striper now and then while using these tactics.