Article by Larry Budd
Welcome back to another but unique season of the Coastal Fisherman!
For those of you who have followed the paper for some time, you will notice a new name and face in this column. As many of you may know, Larry Jock, who was the long-time publisher of our paper, passed away unexpectedly in January. He graces the cover of this edition to honor his family, his legacy and in recognition of his passion for this paper, this community and the people in it. While I did not have the privilege of knowing Larry, I am honored to continue the legacy of his work and continued publication of the Coastal Fisherman.
To those who knew Larry Jock and those that may have not, I wanted to share some of his story:
Lawrence John Jock, Jr.,
(affectionately known as Big Larry), was born in Camden, NJ and was the son of Maureen (Kelly) Jock and the late Lawrence John Jock, Sr. Larry graduated from Kean University in Union, New Jersey where he met his wife Mary and received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting. He then started a 35-year career in the newspaper business where he worked primarily for Gannett before acquiring the Coastal Fisherman in 2005.
Larry had a big personality, while standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, he proved he didn’t need to be the tallest one in the room to command its attention! Sandy Pulsifer, longtime friend and former neighbor of the Jock’s in Pennsylvania said, “When he laughed, the whole neighborhood would hear him.” Larry will be missed tremendously by his family, friends and the entire Delmarva community. His robust and infectious personality lit up every room he entered. He was a truly devoted family man and was his family’s rock. His genuine kindness, intense loyalty and compassion touched many lives. He excelled at everything he pursued in life and did it all with a passion second to none. His love of fishing and hunting sparked a lasting impact on the Delmarva fishing community.
To his wife Mary, his son Little Larry and his brothers Tom and John I pass my heartfelt sorrow.
Moving forward
To say it was a difficult time to acquire a business would be an understatement. Having been a long-time reader and fan of the paper, I was excited at the opportunity to continue its legacy. While my 30+ years in the world of corporate software sales were fulfilling, the opportunity to pursue my passions for boating and fishing was a dream come true. I am sure my wife Christine was wondering what I was thinking, but her support has meant everything in this journey.
We have had only 10 days to put together this first issue, but I felt compelled to get this popular publication back on the stands for this traditional start of summer. The first of many thanks goes to Mary Jock and Tom Jock for their kindness, their support and their friendship. A special thank you to Tom Jock who has graciously agreed to stay on with the paper for the season to assist in the transition. He has been the glue that has allowed this first issue to go to publication in 10 days vs. the 6 weeks it took in the past. I want to also thank Hugh Cropper, our contributors, our readers & subscribers and the many people who have called, emailed or stopped by the office to share their stories of Larry and support of the paper.
Mostly I would like to thank my advertisers. Without them there would be no Coastal Fisherman. Especially in these challenging times many remain committed to the paper and I would ask we support them, especially the restaurants, headboats and charter fleet. Don’t hesitate to let them know you saw their ad.
Some will notice a few differences in this edition. This was mainly due to the time constraints to publish in time for Memorial Day weekend! The next edition will include more detailed fishing reports for Maryland and Delaware as well as more articles and contributors about our area and fishing in general. Updates to the website will also resume when I have a little time to get my feet underneath me. The core of the paper we have all grown to love will not be changing, however I do expect the Coastal Fisherman will continue to evolve as our readers and advertisers evolve. I welcome your input and ideas.
Now to the news at hand. Details regarding what’s open and what is permitted is changing daily if not hourly and differ between Maryland and Delaware. Phase 2 of Maryland’s reopening is slated to start on June 1 and we are waiting on details of what that might change. Delaware’s stay at home order is schedule to end on June first, but here is what we know as of press time on 5/21:
MARYLAND
- Stay at home order lifted on
May 15th.
- Charter boats are limited to a
maximum of 10 people
including crew.
- Headboats are also limited to
10 total and some are operating,
others are not. Check our
Charter Section or the boats web
sites for details.
- Marinas, boat dealers and fuel
docks for the most part seem to
be open. We have confirmed the
pumps are open at Ocean Pines
Marina, the Ocean City Fishing Center and Sunset Marina. Check their social media for hours.
- Tournaments - The schedule is
on page 47. We will keep up-
dating and posting when and if
a tournament is canceled, but I
am pleased to report all the
operators are anxious and eager
to keep these events going and
are working with the local and
state authorities.
- Surf Fishing - Beaches are open
with normal summertime
restriction on where and when to
fish.
- Recreational fishing on private
boats is allowed. Same house hold on boat, less than 10
people.
For those getting out on or by the water, they are being rewarded with keeper flounder, rockfish and speckled trout. Rt. 50 bridge before high tide and the Thorofare flats are reported hot spots. Off shore black drum and sea bass are plentiful around the near shore wrecks. Pictures of a swordfish brought into the Ocean City Fishing Center this week and the first mako of the season are in this edition.
DELAWARE
- Stay at Home order still in effect
through June 1, then stay at
home remains for those with
underlying conditions or risk.
- Anyone coming into Delaware
from out of state are required to
self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Charter boats are not operating,
at least out of Indian River
Marina.
- Headboats are not operating.
- Marinas, boat dealers and fuel
docs vary. Most boat ramps are
open, and the fuel doc is open at
Indian River Marina.
- Tournaments - The schedule
is on page 47. We will keep
updating and posting when
and if a tournament is canceled,
but I am pleased to report all the
operators are anxious and eager
to keep these events going and
are working with the local and
state authorities.
- Surf Fishing - Drive on beaches
are open and walk on beaches
will open at 5PM Friday.
Fisherman must be 20 feet apart
and members in a single group
cannot exceed 10 and should
social distance. DNREC may
limit how many people may
go on the beach depending on
crowding.
- Recreational fishing on private
boats is allowed. Same
household on boat, less than 10
people.
For those getting out in Delaware before the weather turned, keeper flounder were being found in and around Lewes and Rehoboth canals. Good rockfish action on the beaches and several citation size black drum were caught at the Coral Beds and Broadkill Beach. Sand fleas, clams and female hard crabs have been the top baits. Several pictures of the drums are in this issue from Lewes Harbour Marina.
The weather has been not been cooperating recently. It has been blowing for days and the weekend does not look good as a tropical system passes off shore. We should see improvements into the early part of next week.
So for now we move forward, together but 6 feet apart. Our next edition will be June 9th and then resuming weekly publication starting June 23rd. Please keep those pictures coming to [email protected].
I can be reached at the office at 410-213-2200
