Fluke Options Poll

[Gerry Zagorski]

This is for the 2012 Fluke Season

[NoWorries]

I voted for Option 2 May5-Oct 21 for the longest season :D

[MoparCharlie]

I voted for Option 2 May5-Oct 21 for the longest season :D

+1

[Oasis]

Not everytime I go fishing I get even close to limit out. I'm for shorter size.

[Garone Custom Rods]

#2 seems like a no brainer to me. I could see where some would want a smaller size limit, but for me it is not worth loosing days to fish and make the bag limit smaller.

[snowbank104]

oct 21 is a little cold in my book for fluke

[JeffSaxonFalls]

Option 3. Since we lost the last month of Fluke season last year lets get it going ASAP. :D

[redbraid]

After the first big storm in early or mid Sept fluking will be done anyway. Personally dont like to eat the bigger fish. Plus the 17 1/2" gives the guys on the surf a better chance to home some fish. Remember not everyone fishes from a boat.

[SaltyAngler]

I like 3 tbh. End of October, I've got other fish on my mind. :D

[Knot Guilty]

My vote goes to #2. The longer the better.

[jigman90]

Not everytime I go fishing I get even close to limit out. I'm for shorter size.
I agree!!

[Life's A Beach]

It's completely dependent on what the alternate specie's seasons are going to be.

We used to be gearing up for flounder NOW then jump right into stripers and slide into fluke. After fluke we could sea bass and tog and porgy along with Fall stripers until November 15th. December was tog and off-shore porgy and January finished up the tog and off-shore sea bass. With all the closures and changes to the seasons, I'm not sure WHEN would be the best fluke season anymore.

I do know certain things to be true:
1. If you don't take the largest creel limit, you'll never get it back.
2. The keeper size will be split, and rightfully so. Party boats NEED a smaller size so more fares can keep fish. They just can't fish the same as charter or private boats.
3. We USED to catch a shyte-load of keeper fluke well into October but in the past couple years, early season hurricanes/tropical storms seems to have killed the season right around Labor Day.
4. I can't wait to be fishing in shorts and a T shirt!:D

[arat]

I voted for Option 2 May5-Oct 21 for the longest season :D


but option two is not the longest season........ option 3 is.

the biggest fish arrive first and leave last. gotta go option with april 21 to oct 8.

[Jigsmith]

Seeing how the water never got too cold, and will probably warm up faster than usual option 3 may be better than you think. I'm okay with option 2 or 3.

[kurtisb]

It's completely dependent on what the alternate specie's seasons are going to be.

We used to be gearing up for flounder NOW then jump right into stripers and slide into fluke. After fluke we could sea bass and tog and porgy along with Fall stripers until November 15th. December was tog and off-shore porgy and January finished up the tog and off-shore sea bass. With all the closures and changes to the seasons, I'm not sure WHEN would be the best fluke season anymore.

I do know certain things to be true:
1. If you don't take the largest creel limit, you'll never get it back.
2. The keeper size will be split, and rightfully so. Party boats NEED a smaller size so more fares can keep fish. They just can't fish the same as charter or private boats.
3. We USED to catch a shyte-load of keeper fluke well into October but in the past couple years, early season hurricanes/tropical storms seems to have killed the season right around Labor Day.
4. I can't wait to be fishing in shorts and a T shirt!:D


Couldn't agree with you more, Mike.
Except we did get two more fish last year than 2010.

[Scoundrel]

As I don't get to get out as much as I would like, I would like the 5 fish 17.5 inch regulation. As has been said, Mid September on it always seems as if a storm kills the Fluke fishing. 17.5 would also make a lot more kids smile as their fish gets thrown in the keeper box.
Another factor is fuel prices. It is alot easier to justify my fishing expenses when I come home with a bag full(hopefully) of fillets. I don't need 8. 20 fillets on a limit trip would be great.
:)

[hammer4reel]

like option 2,From looking at my logs , we used to be winter flounder fishing until almost May, so I see no reason for us guys up north to want to have an early season start.
might be becuase I bass fish much more but I see the third week and later as the earliest I started to fluke fish , and def caught WAY more fish in the channels in October than I ever caught fishing even the last wek in May
be nice to fish the dep channels on October like we used to . Was a little less traffic then but LOTS of nice quality fish. only thing that hurts that time of the year is unstable weather can push the fish out quick.

but would give us something to still fish for till the fall bass run gets underway
__________________

[Sharkyispy]

I voted for #2, solely for the period it would be open and hoping that the other species target dates would back up to this and allow fluking later into the season when the bigger fish actually do show up (sometimes). Anyway, the longer I can experiment with my bucktails the better!:D

[Poppa Devil]

# 2 longer is better

[Blackfish Doug]

oct 21 is a little cold in my book for fluke
Some of the best Fluking was going on then. I know if the season was open then there would have been quite a few limits.

[hammer4reel]

Some of the best Fluking was going on then. I know if the season was open then there would have been quite a few limits.


I think the same Doug, I would be betting there would be ALOT more limits caught in October than would be the first two weeks in May.


just curios how many guys have done well when you could start to fish in May early.

I think even most of the fluke guys were still bassing then too

[kurtisb]

I think the same Doug, I would be betting there would be ALOT more limits caught in October than would be the first two weeks in May.


just curios how many guys have done well when you could start to fish in May early.

I think even most of the fluke guys were still bassing then too


May and October have both been bad for several years. Are you guys really going to fish for fluke then? :confused:

[stripedbass]

May and October have both been bad for several years. Are you guys really going to fish for fluke then? :confused:

I got my limit the first weekend when fluke open last year in may. I think fluking is good in may.

[hammer4reel]

May and October have both been bad for several years. Are you guys really going to fish for fluke then? :confused:


I know I def will not be fluking in May. if the season was open in October I def would be.
There is good fluking to be had then . you just have to spend some time and find the fish. when you do its usually pretty good fishing

[fishonmike]

#2 All the way :D

[emcjim]

Option 5. The smaller size means more keepers. Personally, a limit of 5 is more than enough. I could even vote for option 6, but the season is little too short, especially at the start. With the mild winter, the fluke will probably be here earlier than last year. Unless, of course, we get hammered with a late snowstorm.

[FishNDoc]

I truly believe that we all owe much to the people that finally got things going in the right direction, especially with the SSFFF. The party boat captains who are fighting for their livelihood deserve our support. I would vote for the option that they think is the best. They have earned it. My best guess would be # 5.

[Ryan W]

I truly believe that we all owe much to the people that finally got things going in the right direction, especially with the SSFFF. The party boat captains who are fighting for their livelihood deserve our support. I would vote for the option that they think is the best. They have earned it. My best guess would be # 5.

Agreed. Have not talked to any of the other deckhands or captains, but I STRONGLY feel that we will benefit most from option #5. I have yet to see anyone get more than 5 keepers on a half-day trip (think bunker dunker did it last year, but I wasn't working that trip). We will not be fluking past the end of september anyways, that is tuna season, and I can't see us fluking before may 5th. From my perspective option 5 is the only option.

Everyone wanted the longer season last year instead of more fish to take home and then fluking was dun-dun-dun-duuuun around labor day.

Those that say "if we give up fish, we will never get them back" are a lot of the same people who said that if we gave up size we'd never get that back too. We've got the opportunity to get size back right here without having a 2 day long season and we got fish back last year.

[Islander II]

Option 2 seems to be the best, to me.

[cool hand fluke]

I like option 4 - my experience is ocean water isn't warm enough for fluke until around Memorial Day. However, real key for me is keeping bag at 8 fish .
I understand some fish bays and rivers early on but that's not my preference.

Also, I enjoy the October shot at doormats.

Seems most of us want one of the 8 fish options so far in the poll.

Al

[joeya78]

option 4 the larger fish are hard to find sometimes in early may, but usually by the end of may they are there. October deep ocean

[CTW]

Option 5, fits in with our typical weather patterns and will or at least should provide for some fish being taken home in light of the previous years limits. The party and charter boats need this as well.

[Knot Guilty]

Trying to have some forward thinking. If some think it's easier to catch a 17.5"
fluke than an 18" you are right. That goes with all other size limits on all other fish as well. If you think you can limit out on more trips, you may be right.
Will we meet our quota faster, you're right again. Will they close the season early, right again. Will the party and charter guys lose booked trips, right again.

[Ahab123]

Option # 2...so we can catch'em in the drop ,when they come inshore
to feed on the fall Snappers.....lots of fun.....:D

[Dollar Bill]

Option 2. Plenty of fluke around in October providing the hurricanes don't send them offshore.

[Reel Class]

I have one fear w/ the 17.5"/5 fish option = like LAB said, if we give up those 3 fish to the bag limit, my fear is that we NEVER get those three fish back.

With that said, it looks like the poll is pretty much split with the 17.5"/5 fish option and the #2 option where we get the LONG season. I bet when things are set the decision makers will have the same result with a very narrow split between those 2 options.

FWIW, I personally still like any season/option with 8 fish and a tad longer season to get us through October.

[cool hand fluke]

Good points Allen but I think some of the #18 inch 8 fish options are drawing votes away from others.

If there was only one 18 inch 8 bag option in poll my guess is its lead would be substanital over the 17.5 option

Whatever it is, can't wait til fluke season :)

Al

[Gerry Zagorski]

Cool hand makes a good point.

I also would like to see us be able to keep 17.5 inch fish because you know most of the decent size fish we get are going to be right on that mark.

However, I'd much rather have the longest season possible to keep the fishery open. I think it's better for business and it gives me an option to fish for them when the fishery would otherwise be closed.

One other point I'd like to make.... As much as we all don't like to see a fishery limited by closures and size regs, I think the Fluke and Striper fishery has improved over time in terms of size and numbers because of these limits. We just need to continue to make sure the science behind the fisheries is not flawed and that the special interests groups don't influence the regs.

[Reel Class]

Good points Allen but I think some of the #18 inch 8 fish options are drawing votes away from others.

If there was only one 18 inch 8 bag option in poll my guess is its lead would be substanital over the 17.5 option

Whatever it is, can't wait til fluke season :)

Al

Very true Al, good point.

[Sparky4711]

70% of my trips are in the bay so I'm for # 5 but to make everyone happy, 2@15.5 and 5@18 to easy!!!!!!

[Sparky4711]

2@17.5 and 5@18

[Pete]

Not sure. I can recall reading that most fish 18" and over are prime egglaying aged females. If that is the case then wouldn't we be killing off the "breeders" with 8@ 18"? Not trying to cause a shytestorm here, but if in fact this is what science tells us. Then why do we want to kill those fish off in greater numbers?

Naturally, we'd be killing off prospective breeders at 17.5" 16" or even 15" for that matter. But, if we continued to take those 18" survivors with a higher bag, wouldn't we then be eliminating the future juvenile stocks? Which in turn would lead to a kind of, ought oh, here we go again, greater size limits with smaller bag.

I have to assume that through all the hard work done by the SSFFF in getting the proper numbers looked at. And, the possible season bag and size limits proposed. That with any option, the fishery can bear the projected numbers and sustain in future years.

In bygone years October has been very productive with very good catches put together. Yeah you had to work for them but, there was a lot less pressure on them as others were after different species.

I mostly bay fish now so I'd like to see a 17.5" size and the diminished bag of five wouldn't overly anger me. But, I fully understand the call for the longest season with the highest bag.

No matter what is decided, one thing is for sure. There will be plenty of bitching to go around. There isn't a one size fits all option. I really wish there was.

[sternline]

I just voted for 5 at 17.5 inches. Who really needs 8 fish bigger than this? And at 17.5, many more people have a shot at bringing home a nice dinner. This would make for more customers on the party boats.

Also, by late September, people might be able to get into some good porgy fishing. And, who knows, maybe we could get the Deciders to let us do some sea bass angling.

[Chris G]

From someone who works on a headboat who fluke fishes throughout the summer I voted #5.

First, the season is just about right. The 1st week of May is kinda sorta just around the time you can bet on it getting warmer & warmer each day. Furthermore, Sepetember is a completely unpredictable month. You can get hit with NE'er after NE'er and have a few fishable days inbetween. By the 1st week in October just about all interest for fluke is gone just about regardless of the weather. The interest may not be gone to a few people on this website, but as a general whole the interest is gone (imo).

5 keeper fluke @ 17.5" is a pretty realistic & acceptable number in my eyes. How many times have we heard guys bitch & moan about throwing back that fish that was 17.9999999? How many fish to we go through to find that 18"? In my eyes, even a 1/2 inch difference in the size limit compensates the smaller bag limit. 5 fish is 10 fillets. That's a good amount, or a reasonable amount of meat anyways.

I always thought the best regs would be 6 @ 16.5" but.... thats just my opinion.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Some solid logic there Chris.

[frugalfisherman]

Let's hear from some of the party boat captains and see what they think?

[Capt. Debbie]

Longer season keeps guys like Capt. Ron in business longer with arguably the most popular fish for targeting.

More money for PB's and more fishing.

[Capt. Debbie]

True May is "usually" good. But we are talking about this year- 2012.

The winter is mild and the water temps are not staying down like many years. Barring a long chill I can see fluke bite on in mid April.

This winter is not average- it's warmer. How many 50 degree days in February "usually" happens.






From someone who works on a headboat who fluke fishes throughout the summer I voted #5.

First, the season is just about right. The 1st week of May is kinda sorta just around the time you can bet on it getting warmer & warmer each day. Furthermore, Sepetember is a completely unpredictable month. You can get hit with NE'er after NE'er and have a few fishable days inbetween. By the 1st week in October just about all interest for fluke is gone just about regardless of the weather. The interest may not be gone to a few people on this website, but as a general whole the interest is gone (imo).

5 keeper fluke @ 17.5" is a pretty realistic & acceptable number in my eyes. How many times have we heard guys bitch & moan about throwing back that fish that was 17.9999999? How many fish to we go through to find that 18"? In my eyes, even a 1/2 inch difference in the size limit compensates the smaller bag limit. 5 fish is 10 fillets. That's a good amount, or a reasonable amount of meat anyways.

I always thought the best regs would be 6 @ 16.5" but.... thats just my opinion.

[hammer4reel]

can anyone here ever remember catching a quanity of fluke in April ?? not saying maybe they were not here but tradionally we were all winter flounder fishing

IM talking someones fishing log showing that , not just thinking it might have happened

early May had always been just that EARLY except for some of the mud flats, channel fishing usually got good the 3-4th week in may .

Sure the water is warmer this year , but the fish have still moved out, not like they stopped at the mud hole.they still need to make their trek back .

[SaltyAngler]

My only concern with starting later in May and Ending later in October would be NJ's tumultuous weather patterns in early fall. With a winter this mild, I can only imagine what mother nature has in store for us come that sometimes busy hurricane season. I can honestly say I'm one of the people on this board that never limited (8) out on Fluke, though I would have had the size minimum had been 17.5. Can't say I ever picked up my doormat either, and I did give it a hell of a shot last season, with my largest at 22" and 3.5lbs. At this rate, I'd be happy with a mid April to mid October 6 fish limit @ 17.5, and I'm sure the PB captains would agree.

[Reel Class]

can anyone here ever remember catching a quanity of fluke in April ?? not saying maybe they were not here but tradionally we were all winter flounder fishing

IM talking someones fishing log showing that , not just thinking it might have happened

early May had always been just that EARLY except for some of the mud flats, channel fishing usually got good the 3-4th week in may .

Sure the water is warmer this year , but the fish have still moved out, not like they stopped at the mud hole.they still need to make their trek back .

We have caught fluke in late April on many occasions while flounder fishing, especially in the river when we had an "open" season on fluke (open all year with no closure). There are times when we caught more fluke than flounder, and have caught plenty of keeper sized fluke while doing this. Log books show this in certain years in the 90's and early 00's - nothing as recent as 07' though. In the 80's, for whatever reason, the earliest I have EVER catching a fluke was early May with many flounder entries INTO the month of June.

Usually the boats in the Highlands have that quick shot of fish out at the CG station and the bug light and that usually happens from the last week of April into the second week or so in May - its traditional and its pretty dependable as every year that seems to go on.

For our ocean fluke fishing, we really haven't seen a good bite prior to Memorial Day in my memory or in the log book.

In fact, up until the early or even mid 90's, alot of the "fluke boats" that sail out of our inlet bottom fished up until the 15th or so of June, then started fluking. This mind you, was when we had no or little restrictions on tog and seabass, and had ling and whiting inshore in the spring.

[SaltyJim]

i voted for number 2.. this is a nice long season and with the higher bag limit.. If we give up the 8 fish bag limit we will never get it back.. Ever!.. 8 fish at 18in is the way to go.. Id rather have to catch larger fish.. I know last year my father and I would at least put 6 to 7 fish in the cooler each.. The bite isnt all ways that hot but it i don't feel that going down in the bag limit will help us.. half an inch for 3 fish doesn't add up in my book.

[JOHN D]

i like option 3 the best for a longer season but the bag limit is a little much. do we really NEED to keep 8 18 inch fluke?

[SaltyJim]

i like option 3 the best for a longer season but the bag limit is a little much. do we really NEED to keep 8 18 inch fluke?


yes.. because they taste sooo good!

[CadiShackFishing]

Keep them at 18, all those 17.5s may be good eating but if everyone keeps even five you will deplete the stock and next year it will go to 19 able to keep 3.

[irishc]

I have it on good authority that we WILL have Sea Bass to fish for in Oct in federal waters ;) and Tog opens back up on 10/18.... As long as we have something else to fish for in Oct. I don't mind the shorter fluke season / smaller bag limit and definitly like the smaller size to increase keeper ratio.

[Chris G]

Longer season keeps guys like Capt. Ron in business longer with arguably the most popular fish for targeting.

More money for PB's and more fishing.

True May is "usually" good. But we are talking about this year- 2012.

The winter is mild and the water temps are not staying down like many years. Barring a long chill I can see fluke bite on in mid April.

This winter is not average- it's warmer. How many 50 degree days in February "usually" happens.

Capt Frank, I combined both you're replies.

A longer season (as dictated by this past season) does not necessarily mean that you will get to fish & catch. This past year we got what everyone wanted, a longer season (and a larger bag limit) but in the grand scheme of things meant nothing once Irene showed up. 2 days prior to Irene was the last time we caught any signifigant amount of fish. Furthermore, the interest for fluke fishing dwindled... not only from lack of fish, but also from people recovering from the hurricane. So, just because you have a longer season, doesn't mean you'll actually get to utilize the alotted time. Grant it, hurricanes are rare but NE'ers and residual hurricane effects are not.

Also, it may be "most popular fish for targeting" but really the majority of the fluke clientle/business is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I'm not saying that people like you and I (fisherman) wouldn't target them before or after, but from a business stand point that's when you're going to see most people (IMO).

I know you mentioned that this is a mild winter, and it's hard to imagine but, but alot can happen from now until late April.

Overall, I would just rather see more people go home with fish for dinner during the height of the season, than gamble on a longer season during two of the more unpredictable months of the year. When people go home with something to eat, it actually brings people back. It gives them hope. I don't about you Frank, but i'm pretty tired of hearing "Last time I was out I caught (insert some ridiculous number here) of fluke & not a SINGLE keeper". :)

[JerseyHooker.Com]

8 fish @ 18 inches May 5 – Oct 21

[jmurr711]

#2 seems like a no brainer to me. I could see where some would want a smaller size limit, but for me it is not worth loosing days to fish and make the bag limit smaller.
agreed 100% brother! also i like the longer season especially for the southern ports like fortescue who got cockolla to catch sometimes they get a decent early run of big fish. Also my fear with lowering size and bag limits is more fish will be kept thus we will go over our quota for the next year and have to do it SCI style wit no ky

[kurtisb]

Capt Frank, I combined both you're replies.

A longer season (as dictated by this past season) does not necessarily mean that you will get to fish & catch. This past year we got what everyone wanted, a longer season (and a larger bag limit) but in the grand scheme of things meant nothing once Irene showed up. 2 days prior to Irene was the last time we caught any signifigant amount of fish. Furthermore, the interest for fluke fishing dwindled... not only from lack of fish, but also from people recovering from the hurricane. So, just because you have a longer season, doesn't mean you'll actually get to utilize the alotted time. Grant it, hurricanes are rare but NE'ers and residual hurricane effects are not.

Also, it may be "most popular fish for targeting" but really the majority of the fluke clientle/business is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I'm not saying that people like you and I (fisherman) wouldn't target them before or after, but from a business stand point that's when you're going to see most people (IMO).

I know you mentioned that this is a mild winter, and it's hard to imagine but, but alot can happen from now until late April.

Overall, I would just rather see more people go home with fish for dinner during the height of the season, than gamble on a longer season during two of the more unpredictable months of the year. When people go home with something to eat, it actually brings people back. It gives them hope. :)

^ what he said.
5 @ 17.5" is best for us party boat fishermen.

[NoWorries]

Everyone seems to only see this from their own view. Fluke quotas are established with an average catch per fisherman per day. This year I believe it was 1.5 fluke per day. Reducing the size will certainly increase that number to the point where I believe we will over harvest and pay for it next year. We're very close to rebuilding this fishery.

[Reel Class]

Everyone seems to only see this from their own view. Fluke quotas are established with an average catch per fisherman per day. This year I believe it was 1.5 fluke per day. Reducing the size will certainly increase that number to the point where I believe we will over harvest and pay for it next year. We're very close to rebuilding this fishery.

Excellent point.

[Fish The Drop Off]

Everyone seems to only see this from their own view. Fluke quotas are established with an average catch per fisherman per day. This year I believe it was 1.5 fluke per day. Reducing the size will certainly increase that number to the point where I believe we will over harvest and pay for it next year. We're very close to rebuilding this fishery.



I believe if we go with a 17.5 fish the harvest will go up to 2.3 or 2.4 per person. It could be a very large increase in looking at the BIG Picture.

I personal would love to get a smaller fish since weather over the last five years has shut down the fluke fishing in Sept. One or two good storms in Sept will be the end of fluke fishing.

[Lard Almighty]

I voted for 8 fish @ 18 inches May 5 – Oct 21. Longer season, highest bag limit, good for the captains. I like the later start because the boats will still get plenty of business in April from stripers.

As for people believing the best way to fill the freezer is 17 and 17.5 inch fish, you are right that it would be easier. However, the 18 inch-plus fish are there; the sharpies in the bow almost always catch the majority of them on any party boat. Maybe no one wants to admit that catching a keeper fluke is more challenging than just robotically dropping squid/spearing to the bottom? :rolleyes: :p

[jwstand]

As the father of 3 young children 8, 6, 5 I would like to see a more attainable keeper. I took my boys out 3 times last year, and though they caught a few fish they were massively disappointed they could not bring home dinner for mommy. From the sheer number of just missed a keeper fish caught over the past 2 years it seems the bio-mass is in good order. I prefer a management that protects the breeding stock as the most valued commodity. It has worked well in FL and LA for multiple species!

I grant I am not the world's finest fluke fisherman, certainly closer to the bottom, but:

Dad to fish $50. 3 kids to fish $120. Tackle, drinks, sandwiches for trip $40. Coming home with no dinner for mommy $200 shopping trip for her! My kids - "mommy we caught you dinner!!" Priceless! AND a recommendation we go out AGAIN!!!

So yes, my interest in the smaller size is self-serving, but also in the hope my children will grow up appreciating the resource we have at our back door, as well as the importance of respecting credible attempts to maintain and protect it for ALL to enjoy, not just the most skilled amongst us (me not being one of them!).

[Bates]

I fully understand the desire to get the size limit down so those 17.9in fish you released last year will go in the box and any keeper is better than none. But, if history is correct, about a month into the season we will hear, why do I have to throw back 17 3/8ths inch fish, we need a lower limit. Do you really think there are that many 17.5-18in fish out there that they will carry the party boat fleet through the season? If the fleet, party and private, takes 15 to 150 fish each trip the resource is going to be depleated pretty quickly.

[reason162]

And that's why 1 slot fish @ 17 or 17.5" is the compromise, NOT juggling the bag vs. size limit.

[Capt. Debbie]

Chris,

Agree- but you never know.

But my point is that you CAN fish and keep. Actually getting keepers in the boat are a whole other matter. But that goes without saying. It's more for the PB's that I like it. On your own boat/charter you can go for whatever you want. Fluke is just another option.

PB's will obviously not target an out of season fish. And the angling skills for catching Taug and fuke are a universe apart. So having a longer season gets occassional flukers back. Hard core blackfisherman are a different breed.

Last year we had the huricane blow through and everyone yanked their boats and few put them back in. While on the tow boat and my own boat you could see private vessel fishing traffic was WAY down after the first week of Sept. 2011. Bait shops said the same.

The weather does kill opps. But the PB's are ready to go everyday. Let them add Fluke to casual fisherman customer. Hardcore fishermen will be looking stripers and later Taug in the Fall.

The longer season makes a great transition from Fluke to blacks. Don't you think- at least from a PB perspective?





Capt Frank, I combined both you're replies.

A longer season (as dictated by this past season) does not necessarily mean that you will get to fish & catch. This past year we got what everyone wanted, a longer season (and a larger bag limit) but in the grand scheme of things meant nothing once Irene showed up. 2 days prior to Irene was the last time we caught any signifigant amount of fish. Furthermore, the interest for fluke fishing dwindled... not only from lack of fish, but also from people recovering from the hurricane. So, just because you have a longer season, doesn't mean you'll actually get to utilize the alotted time. Grant it, hurricanes are rare but NE'ers and residual hurricane effects are not.

Also, it may be "most popular fish for targeting" but really the majority of the fluke clientle/business is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I'm not saying that people like you and I (fisherman) wouldn't target them before or after, but from a business stand point that's when you're going to see most people (IMO).

I know you mentioned that this is a mild winter, and it's hard to imagine but, but alot can happen from now until late April.

Overall, I would just rather see more people go home with fish for dinner during the height of the season, than gamble on a longer season during two of the more unpredictable months of the year. When people go home with something to eat, it actually brings people back. It gives them hope. I don't about you Frank, but i'm pretty tired of hearing "Last time I was out I caught (insert some ridiculous number here) of fluke & not a SINGLE keeper". :)

[Ram 204]

Oprion # 2 appeals the most to me the larger fish are there its a matter of being in right place at the right time

[River Rat]

Option #2 for me... shocked at how many folks are willing to reduce the bag limit. Once we give those 3 fish up may never get em back.

[mako28]

I believe the best for rec. fisherman is option #2. However it's disturbing to see how some people are voting for a lesser bag limit. Do they realize that you won't
get those fish back. Do they realize that a less bag limit is going to hurt the party boat industry that is already weak. Obviously the people that are voting for a lesser bag/size limit are fishing from a small boat, land or have no boat.
My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat.

[arat]

I believe the best for rec. fisherman is option #2. However it's disturbing to see how some people are voting for a lesser bag limit. Do they realize that you won't
get those fish back. Do they realize that a less bag limit is going to hurt the party boat industry that is already weak. Obviously the people that are voting for a lesser bag/size limit are fishing from a small boat, land or have no boat.
My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat.

I really don't think it matters to the party boat industry in terms of bag limit.
because really how many people go on a party and limit out with 8 fluke??? sharpies do but other then that the vast majority don't even get close.

I think that the boat themselves would welcome a little shorter size limit in hopes that every customer will then get atleast a few fish to take home. then you will more repeat customers and guys coming out more often because they have faith that they will get some fillets for the table.

And who are to tell someone that its tough if they have a little boat or fish off land "go on a party/charter boat." maybe those guys can't afford a bigger boat or a party boat but once a month. fishing is getting to be a very expensive sport and with gas on the rise who knows what we will get to in the summer. between toll hikes gas prices ramp prices bait prices and a plethora of other expenses and lack of income Its a wonder that so many people can still afford to fish

[Tony Cav]

I believe the best for rec. fisherman is option #2. However it's disturbing to see how some people are voting for a lesser bag limit. Do they realize that you won't
get those fish back. Do they realize that a less bag limit is going to hurt the party boat industry that is already weak. Obviously the people that are voting for a lesser bag/size limit are fishing from a small boat, land or have no boat.
My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat.

Uh......arent we getting more fish this year than last? Isent that the point of the change in the regs? Just asking.

[arat]

I voted for 8 fish @ 18 inches May 5 – Oct 21. Longer season,

why does everyone say that??????

it's not the longest season. its the second longest season compared to number 3 ........ April 21 to October 8

option 3 is the longer season. not 2

[Skolmann]

My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat.

Thank you for telling me what I should do.

[hammer4reel]

I voted for 8 fish @ 18 inches May 5 – Oct 21. Longer season,

why does everyone say that??????

it's not the longest season. its the second longest season compared to number 3 ........ April 21 to October 8

option 3 is the longer season. not 2


probably because there are not many here expecting to catch fluke in s great numbers with the season starting so early looking at REAL fishable days . will lose almost a month to days when fish are not here

[SaltyAngler]

I would personally take the earlier start and closure. I have no faith in late October weather in NJ.

[mako28]

And who are to tell someone that its tough if they have a little boat or fish off land "go on a party/charter boat." maybe those guys can't afford a bigger boat or a party boat but once a month. fishing is getting to be a very expensive sport and with gas on the rise who knows what we will get to in the summer. between toll hikes gas prices ramp prices bait prices and a plethora of other expenses and lack of income Its a wonder that so many people can still afford to fish[/QUOTE]

When you spend upwards of 10k to prepare to fish for a season like I do, and some others, I don't need a person who may fish off a dock with a 5 buck bag of spearing saying "I can't catch an 18" fluke, lower the size".

[mako28]

Thank you for telling me what I should do.

Skolmann, I'm not telling anyone what to do just making a suggestion.

[Irish Jigger]

With so many fish at 17.5 last year and in previous years science would say 18" will be plentiful! Lol

[arat]

mako 28 i tell ya what then you give me some money to go on party boat or charter boat more often and I gladly will. until then don't make suggestions that include spending money that they may not have. you do awesome many others are not nearly as lucky.

[arat]

probably because there are not many here expecting to catch fluke in s great numbers with the season starting so early looking at REAL fishable days . will lose almost a month to days when fish are not here


I disagree 100% I feel like the best shot you have at getting a big fish is early in the season I have a buddy who trolls the reach with stretch plugs for bass in april and every year he gets multiple fluke over 10lbs on those things. without even targeting them if he could I have no doubt that he would land atleast 1 10+ lb fish in april every year. the year before last he had an 11 and 13 within 2 weeks of one another. both had to be released

so i think that an early season would be a great thing for fluke fishermen.

[jmurr711]

think we can all agree all these options are better then what we thought we'd be facing 3 or 4 years ago and also better then what states to our north and south have to deal with, we are actually lucky

[reason162]

The 17.5" crowd are recalling all the 17.999999999" fish they had to throw back last year, while forgetting all the obviously short and obviously keeper fish. It's a logical flaw to think that as the season progresses and fishing pressure ramps up, 0.5" is going to make a dramatic difference in the number of kept fish.

A lower bag limit, however, do compromise a fluke angler who goes out 2-3 times a week for the entire season...getting skunked on occasion and limiting out on other occasions. Yes I catch and keep my fair share of fluke, and I put a lot of time/effort/$$$ into fishing for this species. Why should the regulations favor the 3-4 trip guys over 30-40 trip guys? Last season I spent over $3000 on party boat fares/tips/pools chasing after fluke alone.

[shrimpman steve]

I hate to think how much I spend on fluking! and if my wife ever found out "OMG"!

[JBird]

How the hell do they come up with these numbers? Are the options laid out supposed to somehow be equal as far as the potential landings? WTF?

[striper63]

Last season I spent over $3000 on party boat fares/tips/pools chasing after fluke alone.[/QUOTE]

Boy, I wish I had that much money to spend on fishing! I am lucky to get out a few times a year.:(

[Skolmann]

Skolmann, I'm not telling anyone what to do just making a suggestion.

And I suggest you stay out of my finances by saying how, where, with whom and how much I care to spend on fishing.

[Capt. Debbie]

Bluefish are your answer. ))



As the father of 3 young children 8, 6, 5 I would like to see a more attainable keeper. I took my boys out 3 times last year, and though they caught a few fish they were massively disappointed they could not bring home dinner for mommy. From the sheer number of just missed a keeper fish caught over the past 2 years it seems the bio-mass is in good order. I prefer a management that protects the breeding stock as the most valued commodity. It has worked well in FL and LA for multiple species!

I grant I am not the world's finest fluke fisherman, certainly closer to the bottom, but:

Dad to fish $50. 3 kids to fish $120. Tackle, drinks, sandwiches for trip $40. Coming home with no dinner for mommy $200 shopping trip for her! My kids - "mommy we caught you dinner!!" Priceless! AND a recommendation we go out AGAIN!!!

So yes, my interest in the smaller size is self-serving, but also in the hope my children will grow up appreciating the resource we have at our back door, as well as the importance of respecting credible attempts to maintain and protect it for ALL to enjoy, not just the most skilled amongst us (me not being one of them!).

[hartattack]

4000 views, 200 votes :confused:

Stop lurking, start voting :)

[hammer4reel]

4000 views, 200 votes :confused:

Stop lurking, start voting :)
,, guys that voted have loooked 20 times to see what everyone else said LOL

[Capt. Debbie]

More interesting are who are the SIX who voted:

3 fish @ 17 inches May 29 – Sept 1

[kurtisb]

I believe the best for rec. fisherman is option #2. However it's disturbing to see how some people are voting for a lesser bag limit. Do they realize that you won't
get those fish back. Do they realize that a less bag limit is going to hurt the party boat industry that is already weak. Obviously the people that are voting for a lesser bag/size limit are fishing from a small boat, land or have no boat.
My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat.

Guessing you don't fish the party boats. An 18" fish on a party boat is difficult. I had 25 keepers last year on 12 trips, including a limit first time out. There were lots of zeros. At 17.5" I would have had a great season. Pretty much don't even want to go fluke fishing any more. Do you really think an 18" limit helps the party boats?

[coltsfan61]

Yes #2

[tropics]

I just voted #5 Give the people fishing on PB a chance to take dinner home.
I only fish half day boats now with the regs, caught 35 fish no keepers. I have limited out on a few trips, and I give families that are out trying to take the catch of the day home, my fish.
I am surprised non of the PB Capt. have responded to this poll, I see some Charter Boats and a few Mates.

[SaltyJim]

Guessing you don't fish the party boats. An 18" fish on a party boat is difficult. I had 25 keepers last year on 12 trips, including a limit first time out. There were lots of zeros. At 17.5" I would have had a great season. Pretty much don't even want to go fluke fishing any more. Do you really think an 18" limit helps the party boats?


I disagree.. Last year i put more fish in the cooler then in past years... Did a lot of fishing.. On party boats and friends boats.. Throwing 18in fish back looking for better.. People hitting limits wasnt hard..

[mako28]

Being an avid fluke fisherman that runs a boat 3-4 times a week, running a 35' boat, spending thousands on fuel alone, like fishing the ocean for fluke. That's why I voted for option 2. It seems to me, that people that have alot to say, are people that fish from land, have a small boat or no boat. If that's the case we should have a 12" limit with 3 fish a man so everyone, everywhere can limit out. This is not about being rich or poor, it's about a regulation of a fishery.

[Chris G]

It seems to me, that people that have alot to say, are people that fish from land, have a small boat or no boat.


I completely disagree. In fact, I think its the complete opposite.

[Skolmann]

This is not about being rich or poor, it's about a regulation of a fishery.

Aren't you the same person who said this;

"My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat."

[SaltyAngler]

Y'know mako, for a guy talking about fishing not about being rich or poor, you sure are thumbing your nose at the little guys that can't afford your luxuries.

[reason162]

Guessing you don't fish the party boats. An 18" fish on a party boat is difficult. I had 25 keepers last year on 12 trips, including a limit first time out. There were lots of zeros. At 17.5" I would have had a great season. Pretty much don't even want to go fluke fishing any more. Do you really think an 18" limit helps the party boats?

All I did last season was fish party boats, and experienced by far the best NJ fluking in 10 years, in size and numbers. There are skunk days and limit days, you can't rely on memory, those of you who don't keep a fishing log. It's strong testament to the efficacy of correct conservation.

PLEASE try to see beyond your skewed recollection of "barely keepers" and recognize that when you're talking about 1/2" it's all relative. You're simply replacing the 17.9999" monkey with the 17.49999" monkey.

[reason162]

Aren't you the same person who said this;

"My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat."

Andy, I agree that Mako's sentiment is grating and abrasive, and certainly not among the many good arguments for keeping our 18" size limit into next season. Just curious: how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

[Skolmann]

how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

The way I see it, there are always going to be sharpies that will limit/near limit almost every trip out. Those same sharpies (as well as others) usually make several trips a week. So lets say they make 2 trips a week; limit on 1 trip and get a near limit the next. So thats at least 14 or 15 fluke kept. They do this for say 10 weeks. Thats one person keeping 140-150 fluke in just 10 weeks. I don't care how much you like eatting fluke, no one is going to eat that much fluke (lets not forget that these same fisherman are more than likely filling their freezers with other species during the year). So what are they doing with all that fluke fillet ? Certainly they are eatting & freezing some but they're probably also giving some to neighbors, bartering some or whatever.

I just feel that a 6 fluke bag limit will best satisfy all; the sharpies, the weekend party boater & the guy who goes 2-3 times a year. In addition to dimishing the dockside hero mentallity of having to achieve an 8 fluke limit every trip.

Thus out of the options given and for my reasons stated above I think option 5 is best because it is closest to the season/bag limit I would set if I was the one & only to decide.

[Jigsmith]

Something all the people getting the "just missed" fish should think about...there is a difference between fishing for fluke and fishing for keepers. Put some damn bait on. Too many times I see these little dinky baits being lowered in the water, for what? Yes you'll get a fish but remember the smaller fish are more eager and aggressive a lot of times. Scare them off with a bigger bait and you'll get a bigger fish, it may take a little longer that's all. I have been on the same private boat fishing next to somebody who catches 30-40 fish almost all shorts and I had 10 or so all keepers...why? Because my bait didn't encourage those little dinks. It helps using a hook they can barely swallow too, like a 9/0 octopus, and yes I still get shorts on it just not many. If you want to catch 50 fish without a keeper it's your choice to make but realize it doesn't mean there aren't any keepers where you're fishing. My 2 cents, just something to think about.

[Tuna Tales]

I don't fluke fish all that much since I run offshore as much as possible - but I feel Option 2 is best...

Again, thank you to the SSFFF and everyone who helped keep NJ fluke fishing afloat - two years ago we were almost shut down!!


Joe T.

[reason162]

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

That would be a nice option. I'd like a longer season but keeping the size at 18" is important. 6 keepers, 8 keepers...my average over last season was 4.2

[Angler Paul]

The poll above clearly shows support for the options with an 18" size limit, 8 fish bag limit and longer season. Is a representative from this site going to testify to the results of this survey at the NJMFC meeting on Thursday?

[jakesdad]

After thinking about the options, as a private boater #2 or 5 are the most viable. #2 longer season, larger limit, enjoy the lack of pressure in September and October works for me. But on the other side #5 is probably the best overall option for the party and charter boats. More people taking home dinner, means more repeat customers, equals more money.

The tackle shops and rental boats will probably do more with #5 as early season bay fisheries consist of more smaller fish early on, and bigger fish in September. Either option is a giant step from where we thought we would be before SSSFF got involved!

Wish I could attend but a 4PM meeting just doesn't work on a work day, give them hell and let us know the results.

[Leif]

The poll above clearly shows support for the options with an 18" size limit, 8 fish bag limit and longer season. Is a representative from this site going to testify to the results of this survey at the NJMFC meeting on Thursday?
If no one has been chosen, I will via conference call if Gerry approves.

Let me know and I can call in or you can call me.

732 299 7527

[Life's A Beach]

Poll Results

and

Entire Thread (logic behind votes)

ALL printed out and will hand in @ meeting today

[Falcon]

Something all the people getting the "just missed" fish should think about...there is a difference between fishing for fluke and fishing for keepers. Put some damn bait on. Too many times I see these little dinky baits being lowered in the water, for what? Yes you'll get a fish but remember the smaller fish are more eager and aggressive a lot of times. Scare them off with a bigger bait and you'll get a bigger fish, it may take a little longer that's all. I have been on the same private boat fishing next to somebody who catches 30-40 fish almost all shorts and I had 10 or so all keepers...why? Because my bait didn't encourage those little dinks. It helps using a hook they can barely swallow too, like a 9/0 octopus, and yes I still get shorts on it just not many. If you want to catch 50 fish without a keeper it's your choice to make but realize it doesn't mean there aren't any keepers where you're fishing. My 2 cents, just something to think about.


Really...would be nice if you have something under the boat....Just my opinion....bait is bait, you should learn how to catch them sir....small or your "large" baits......:p ........:D

[Bates]

Thanks for your help Mike. I attended last time but have office commitment today and cannot get there.

[cool hand fluke]

Yes, thanks Mike. I also have a conflict I can't switch or I'd attend.

Math isn't my strong suit, but a quick calculation as of 11 am today shows 65% of our responses favor one of the 8 fish at 18 inch options.
Al

[Jigsmith]

Really...would be nice if you have something under the boat....Just my opinion....bait is bait, you should learn how to catch them sir....small or your "large" baits......:p ........:D

I agree...you should learn how to catch them, and having them under the boat is step number 1. "Bait is bait"? I'll leave that one alone for now. ;)