Fluke Fishermen Lose Again!

[Billfish715]

No one is talking about it yet, but fluke fishermen are losing again. Before the current season’s regulations were set, there were the obligatory “options” for which dates and bag limits we would prefer. Even though the options were offered, they were always a pregone conclusion. We were snookered!

We are currently 14 days into the season that was voted on. It is a season that was set as a scientific calculation about how to conserve the numbers of fluke that might be harvested this year. Coupled with a limited bag and size limit, the scientists have assured us that their calculations will save the future of our fluke fishing. We gave in and accepted what we were given with no options for any changes if the conditions were to change. Well, they have changed!

Judging from the fleet of party boats exclusively targeting the outstanding sea bass fishing, it’s obvious that fluke fishing has been abandoned by the vast majority of captains. When boats from the Atlantic Highlands are fishing as far south as they are instead of staying close to home looking for fluke, how many fluke are being taken?

My point is that if our season was predicated by the number of fluke that we might catch during a season, and there are minimal fluke to be caught, we lost at least 2 weeks of a season that will end too early. Our fluke quota is currently being calculated based on some mathematician’s algorithm. What do you think the computers are saying about how many fluke were caught during the last two weeks?

Can we ask for compensation by extending the season or increasing the bag limits or decreasing the size restrictions? Sure, we can! What can we expect if we do? Nada! It’s almost a sure thing that the beat will go on as if we were catching fluke on demand. The computers will assure us that once again, we will have exceeded our seasonal quota and be restricted again next year.

In the real world, lawyers would be seeking compensation for lost time and money. A caring and compassionate executive or owner would see to it that his workers would be taken care of. That is not in the cards for us but it will be the only way we can make up for the season’s awful start.

Remember these two weeks in September when you are waiting for the sea bass to return and you are not inspired to catch porgies while you can be trying for fluke.

[hammer4reel]

Until they split the state this is the issue you will have .
Our bite up here starts later than down south .
When our bite is good theirs is over .
But the FLEET. Overall has always wanted the season open by Memorial Day .
.
Funny thing is NY season opened earlier and they are pounding fish and not all in just their waters .
Comes down to work looking for them in skinny water right now .
.

Add in sea bass fishing is as good as it gets , easy limits it’s a no brainer to fill the boat putting fares on a pile of fish

[Billfish715]

Good points, Captain. N.J. is definitely split in many ways.....Pork Roll or Taylor Ham; hoagies or subs; Giants or Eagles. Why not differentiate the fishing seasons between the north and south sections of the state? Concessions are always made as evidenced by the regulations for Delaware Bay and Island Beach. Those changes were made by using common sense and not by a scientific algorithm.

The fantastic sea bass fishing has put fares at the rails because fishermen are catching fish and bringing home lots of tasty fillets. It has rejuvenated the party boat business at a time when it is most needed. Imagine how few customers would show up if fluke were the only option right now! If customers are not catching, they aren’t coming. Whether the season is open or not, if there are only a few fish to catch, there will be lots of elbow room at the rails and very poultry pool$$$$$. There are fish in the skinny water but party boats can’t get to them.

Split the state’s regulations! It will at least give fishermen a feeling that the government agencies really care about us.

[dales529]

Billfish
I don't disagree with most of your points however I don't think we were "snookered" or lost again. It really went down as most expected albeit with a bit of suprise at the NJ Council level on the start / end date.

Most don't realize what has and does go into keeping Summer Flounder status quo. its a lot of work, lobbying etc. Based on the latest science / MRIP without this work we had been looking at best a 2 fish / 19 to 20" limit and reduced season as small as 4 to 8 weeks for 2 to 3 years now.

Season start and end date are on the NJ State level once the fed regs are out and this year went to the southern region.

To Capt Dan's point there is discussion about splitting the state as well as slot fish options etc. I expect that to take another year or two or three to become a real option.

To your point Waves 1-3 of 2021 Fluke data should reflect the lack of "catch" and "effort" . Cant say I believe it will but it should.

IMHO not much will change until those currently in charge at the federal level including the scientists retire or get some "new thinkers" that have no legacy issues in past management. Only then can "other" analysis can be heard and evaluated.