It's been many years since there's been a spring run of mackerel along the Shore, but there have at least been a few promising signs to the south this month. Capt. Monty Hawkins picked up some reports that encouraged him to schedule a few  trips with his Morning Star out of Ocean City, Md. The first actually produced some mackerel, including a few multiples. It wasn't anything great, but very encouraging at that point. Unfortunately, Hawkins didn't find them on his second trip -- and the weather has been terrible since then. Our weather seems to be getting better. The northeast wind was no good for fishing this weekend, but with west winds, sunny skies and somewhat warmer temperatures in the forecast there should be conditions for party boat fishing along with a revival of the winter flounder bite in Shark and Manasquan rivers -- plus some hope for school stripers in Raritan Bay on clams.