Quote:
Originally Posted by Ttmako
Was just cleaning out the basement and came across a copy of the 2007 NJ recreational minimum size placard.
I found it interesting to compare the regulations from a mere 10 years ago to what we have today.
Seriously, what have the regulations accomplished? In my opinion, they have done nothing. Today we have less fish and for some species (BSB) shifting open seasons.
Fluke regulations have gone from 8 fish at 17" to todays limit of 5@18". I would be super happy to have my 8@ 17". Now I catch 25 17" fish, throw them back and I bet 8 of those are going to die. So the regulations haven't really helped.
Blackfish were 8 fish at 14". Today its 6@ 15". Shifting seasons and possession limits make this fishery a PIA to abide by the regulations.
Black sea bass. in 2007 Recreational guys were allowed to keep 25 @12" with no closed season. Today with a great, healthy and robust fishery we have shifting dates with more stringent possession limits. Look at todays regulations, its too long for me to type them in.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we are being royally screwed by people who have no idea what they are talking about.
We are on a very slippery slope and I fear the regulations will get worse.
I urge you to pay attention, attend the fisheries meetings, donate to the RFA.
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I do agree with what Dakota said. Hit the nail on the head for sure but I wouldn't say the regulations have done nothing. He'll I remember down the delaware when the regulations were like 10 fluke at 15" we were happy when we caught one or two keepers and think our best day ever was 4 keepers. As the size limit increased so did the size of the fish and we eventually started catching more and more keepers. You said it your self this year you can go out and catch 17" fluke all day and Ive seen the same pattern. Yes it sucks releasing a 17" fish but that does mean there is more larger fish than ever before.
As far as blackfish, I don't understand what's so hard about looking up a few dates. Most guys only target them after the season opens up for the most fish anyways.
I will agree I don't understand the sea bass regulations as anytime we have targeted them we never had a problem finding plenty of keepers. Very healthy fishery that I feel is not affected by fishing pressure as much as other species
