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What I fail to understand is why any additional cuts are necessary. The stock non scientifically appears to be extremely healthy at least in northern New Jersey and surrounding waters. I would challenge the scientists if they believe the stocks aren't significantly more healthy than 5 years ago, both in terms of quantity and quality. If the powers to be would simply better manage, not regulate out of business, the commercial interests, we would NEVER have to lose another day to the season or lower the current creel limit. As long as the stock isn't decimated and you give the current biomass of fish a chance to spawn for a few years, there's no reason to be reducing seasons by 15% or greater. Again, recreational fishing pressure, no matter how great it is, will NEVER decimate a stock of fish.

Same with Striped Bass, remember 20 - 25 years ago they were on the verge of collapse. As long as the base stock is healthy and you take away the commercial pressure which caused the collapse in the first place, the fishery will sustain itself. No need for draconian cuts, it's ridiculous. Losing two or three weeks in an already shortened season is SIGNIFICANT! Especially in prime time September. Sad.....in a few years this is what we'll be looking at.

Fluke regulations were just approved for the 2017 season.The daily creel limit has been cut by just one fish but since last years limit was only two fish that amounted to a 50% reduction in your daily allotment. On a positive note, the open season was extended by 100% to help lessen the impact of the creel limit reduction to the average recreational angler. For 2017, the open season is June 3rd through June 17th or two weeks. Since last years open season was only a week, we hope all recreational fisherman can appreciate the 100% increase to the season. Unfortunately, due to the significant increase in the open season, fishing on Saturday or Sunday will be restricted from 6pm through 6am. No daytime fluke fishing will be allowed by recreational anglers during the extended 2017 two week season to insure the operations of commercial interests are not interfered with. I hope everyone can appreciate the significance of these changes and the efforts put forth to protect your, I mean commercial guys, resources. Additionally and probably the most significant change, the size limit has also been reduced from the current 29.5 inches to 29.25, a huge benefit to the recreational fishing community!

Don't laugh, it's the direction we're headed.

Dakota