[JBird]

Well, I figured sooner or later this would turn into a pissing contest and sadly it has.

I won't wade completely into the piss pool but I can tell you the numbers I got were from the ASMFC website, so the same numbers used to make these rule changes.
This is the same ASMFC that says, and I quote "OVERFISHING IS NOT OCCURING".
Their concern is that reproductive productivity is declining. I've yet to find any info on why they think this is happening but I sure would like to know.

It seems like some guys here are kind of missing the point I'm trying to make.
It's in my best interest and my industries best interest to have a healthy bass stock.
I get that. Everybody in my business gets that. No fish, no work, no money. Got it. Understood. Fully comprehended. Roger. 10-4 good buddy. Yo comprendo. Capice.
The scientists tell us overfishing is not occurring (their words not mine) but to be safe a reduction is needed. Even if they are right, all I'm saying is why does NJ have to take such a huge hit when we have no commercial fishery? For all intents and purposes the way the rules are now we went from 3 fish to 1. No bonus tag until the Fall and the 2nd fish has to be 28 to 30 pounds or bigger. So, except on rare occasions, most anglers are going to MAYBE take home 1 fish instead of MAYBE taking home 3. That is a 66% reduction in potential harvest to achieve a 25% overall reduction. (until Sept. 1st) That's some kick in the teeth to a state that has recognized the value of eliminating the commercial catch.