Re: Fluke regulations
Ok Rum, I guess reality is setting in and a Boston tea party type rebellion won't get off the ground. 1,000 hits and maybe a scant 5 guys willing to actually participate. Of the estimated 1.5 million fishermen in NJ not very many give a crap. It is always the other guy who will do it.
Take the SSFFF for instance. This was probably the best cause thus far. But, the sponsor board shows a puny approx. 1,000 participants. However, it appears to be that the business end of the recreational sector is well represented, be it party and charter boats, bait and tackles, marinas and the like. They took the legal approach and it worked! Sure, it had it's detractors. Realistically, you will never be able to please everyone. But, this organization really opened some eyes. But, it came at a price. The legal arena can deplete a treasury at breakneck speed. And, professional scientists aren't cheap either. So, if you are looking for advice on how to start, whatever you decide to start. Contacting the SSFFF might be the place to begin,they might be able to steer you in the right direction.
In reality, has the fight been clearly defined? Not yet. The regulations aren't set in stone and will possibly changed. Are we looking for a longer season? Smaller minimum size? Increase to the bag? NJ state autonomy, break away from NY and Conn.? All of the above? No point in being rebels without a cause!
Politicians are the most fickle folks of all. We will get the world promised to us to get them in office. Then once in office it will go something like; Saltwater Fishermen? This state has saltwater fishermen? Tell them I'm not in. The dirtiest dogs in the world playing the dirtiest game.
Assemblyman Pallone, for my money, has always had the interests of fishermen at the forefront of his legislative agenda. But, he can't go it alone. Sometimes he gains allies, sometimes not. But, as NJ goes he's my man. Gov. Christie told us how he's on our side before he ever got elected. Maybe he meant if we ever got our Boston tea party type protest off the ground, he'd help get the harbor gridlocked with us.
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