Quote:
Originally Posted by ksong
Here is Capt Skip's remarks on Facebook. I totally agree with him.
My name is Captain Skip Jastremski. I own and Run Stalker Fishing Charters out of Cape May NJ. I’ve been working on the water since I was 12yrs old and have been a captain since I was 22 yrs old. I’m 46 now. I’d like to think that my opinion might count in a situation like this as I’m on the water a lot more than most people.
I have to urge you not to put the Striped Bass fishery into any type of closure as it would send many businesses, including mine into an epic collapse! Tackle shops, marinas, gas stations, mom and pop restaurants , charter boats and even the bigger stores such as Bass pro shops and Cabelas will feel the effects of this type of decision!!
I’ve spent countless hours learning about these fish and feel as though the state of this fishery is not in bad shape! Climate change , migratory patterns, erosion, pollution may be some of your biggest factors on why things aren’t what they once were. Maybe Stripers have found different areas to spawn. As far as numbers of Stripers. I haven’t seen a decline in my time on the water (which is a lot) Ever since super storm Sandy, things have shifted. Water temps are warmer later into the season for one.
Please consider the repercussions of what this could lead to. People have families, homes, kids getting ready to go into college��. This will certainly affect all of that! For me for sure!
I am 100% against the fishery being put into a closure and or just being catch and release. I feel as though one Striper 28” and above was the best option and leads to a lot less fish being handled for more time than they need to be handled.
May I recommend no fishing in the rivers during their spawn season in March/April and May. That would help a lot I believe.
I hope that we can come to a resolution with all of this and the folks at ASFMC can please see that this is just not the answer to the flawed science.
I am available to speak to anyone that would be willing to reach out.
Thank you for your time!
Captain Skip Jastremski
Stalker Fishing Charters
Cape May NJ
609-972-5218
We have to respond to ASMFC by Dec 10. Comments@asmfc.org
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I sympathize and understand where this capt is coming from... However while it would be great for HIM for the seasons to go on as is, he recommends a 3 month closure in the rivers where they spawn... Yeah, I get it but then what about the charter captains/tackle shops/ businesses of other types that depend on the springtime striper runs up the rivers?.. They go broke, while his charter business stays intact. He might have considered that..
LOTS of businesses/charters in the Hudson especially depend on the spring striper run.
Are they any less worthy of survival?. bob
