[bulletbob]

spot lock, underwater cameras, and the incredible electronics available today are putting a lot more pressure on all species everywhere, salt and fresh... The fish simply can't hide anywhere in any season these days. The "water is too warm" theory is hogwash.. Years ago "tog weather" was a bluebird day with a light west breeze in late Sept, into mid Oct... Back then great togging was had right alongside sea bass and porgy fishing, and ALL the head boats in every NJ and NY port advertised, Sea Bass/Porgies/Blackfish every fall.. Togging was winding down by late Nov as the Whiting and Ling started to show up inshore.
The "regulators" know damn well when tog start slowing down as the water cools. Thats why they open the season so late,,, The fish go to somewhat deeper areas, and start becoming less active.. Same reason Sea Bass opens in fall when a lot of the fish are well under way migrating offshore..they don't want too many caught I guess.. The way things are going however, I can almost understand.. Every species that fights hard, tastes good, or even just looks good gets pressure from recs, commercials, processors, or all three...