Seabass

[Jay]

Just curious, isn't seabass supposably opening soon?

[frugalfisherman]

Inshore seabass is open now. Only trouble is there are no seabass inshore.

[captadamnj]

At the last NJ Marine Fisheries Council meeting, they set a season opening start date of 5/22 for state waters.

[frugalfisherman]

Originally Posted by captadamnj

At the last NJ Marine Fisheries Council meeting, they set a season opening start date of 5/22 for state waters.

Where did you see this? All the info I see has it open all year so far inside 3 miles. If it opens 5/22 does it go for the rest of the year? What size and how many?

[CaptTB]

Originally Posted by frugalfisherman

Where did you see this? All the info I see has it open all year so far inside 3 miles. If it opens 5/22 does it go for the rest of the year? What size and how many?

SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD
(February 2, 2010)

Move to recommend to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) the 2010 black sea bass recreational measures be set at 12.5” minimum size limit, 25 possession limit, and a season of May 22 – Sept 12 contingent on NMFS increasing the TAL for black sea bass. If the recommendation is adopted by NMFS the states would adopt those same measures approved by NMFS for the 2010 fishery.
Motion by made Mr. Munden and seconded by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.

The federal closure is technically over in early April, but the proposed rule is expected shortly for the 2010 season.

Adam is referring to the NJMFC meeting that was held in Toms River this past March 4th.

[Jay]

Thanks for the heads up CaptTB.

[frugalfisherman]

From what I checked out on the internet this is only a proposal. If you catch a 12 1/2 seabass within 3 miles today you can keep it. Right or wrong?

[Topeka Boy]

out of all the closures to me the sea bass hurt the most. It is my favorite kind of fishing and there was no reason for 6 month closure. Im sure the people down south feel the same about grouper and red snapper.

[Procastinator]

Originally Posted by Topeka Boy

out of all the closures to me the sea bass hurt the most. It is my favorite kind of fishing and there was no reason for 6 month closure. Im sure the people down south feel the same about grouper and red snapper.

We sure do. On the bright side however, I am headed out to fill the boat with seabass early this next week.

[AJFISH13]

Is the federal seabass open. Also, I had an idea. Someone who knows the offshore seabass wrecks and is not a charter or party boat guy might be able to help. I have heard rumors that down south, around Atlantic City, a couple of guys were heading to a couple of wrecks 50-70 miles offshore and pounding giant seabass on butterfly jigs. I think an exploratory trip would be a good idea. Only if a person had a great knowledge about these wrecks and had a boat capable of making the run would this be possible. Now that's just an idea. I will post details in a couple of months when the season is close to opening.