FISHERMEN/COMMENT TO ASMF/STRIPED BASS

[1captainron]

ASMFC,

I am the owner/operator of the Party Boat Fishermen in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. My family started business in 1958, I personally have been running the business for 48 years now.

In regard to the Striped Bass management issue, I hear a lot of different things. One being that there could be a November closure. If this is true, that would have a devastating effect on not only my business but every Charter & Party boat in the State.
Mid-October into the first 2 weeks of December accounts for 33% of my business, what am I supposed to fish for, blackfish that are already in trouble? I have been bass fishing since 2000, we have always played by the rules including the ridiculous 28-31 inch fish this season!!
Why have no scientist or anyone doing research come out with any of us to see what actually goes on? This season in particular, striped bass are still being caught from Long Island to Sandy Hook down past Cape May. This does not include the fish that migrate beyond the 3-mile limit out to the mud hole and beyond.

I find it astounding that you would actually entertain the idea of putting hard working Americans out of business to justify saving something that has already been saved many times over from what I have seen all these years.
We have NO commercial fishery in NJ for Striped bass, why should we get punished when the fish swim off to the southern states and get decimated?
I know from the past the response will be, we will take it under advisement, and I will be screwed once again. Thank you for your time, Capt. Ron Santee

[1captainron]

I also find it amazing that not ONE person has commented on this sight about this situation. Owners, Captains, Deck hands, recreational fishermen. Very sad.

Gerry put up a post at the top of the page talking about the meeting and what was going on, the only reply was his own. I guess it just falls on deaf ears.

All the crybabies will be posting after the fact when we are screwed again.

Capt. Ron

[Bluefish]

of course i agree with you, it is not right or scientific its just idiotic rules by people who dont know . while i am merely a recreational fisherman now I was there having dinner with Senior and my Dad (Grandma made a big roast) when the Fisherboy was sold to become the Lazy J, a charter boat up the sound and the Miss Moore changed hands so I know what used to be, what was and what is now. there were how many boats in Sheepshead, how many at Atlantic highlands Staten Island, Bayonne, The Bronx and the list goes on. This is just another example of the inexperienced and unknowing leading the way and ruining a way of life.

[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

[togzilla]

Here is the point everyone is missing. This is the bureaucratic govt. that wants us off the water so they can use the resource for their own special interest groups. They have been infected with progressive liberal interests for decades and their fruits of their labor are finally coming to pass. How else can you explain the complete mismanagement of our fisheries(winter flounder, whiting, fluke, blackfish, etc.) ?

[bulletbob]

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

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

[Lido-Gambler]

Capt Ron. We are with you and all the other for hire boats. Its potentially devastating. -Your comments are spot on.

Chris Lido

[champ]

I sent my note with basically the same message as above. I also included the impact on other businesses. In Keyport alone in my marina, there are trailed boats from Pa, NY, Vt, Ohio and more. Just to catch a bass. This is the epitome of tourism. Not to mention the ripple effect on gas, deli's, bait and tackle, etc. Even with current regulations.

Not sure why the recreation anglers aren't support by the big tackle makers - Penn, Shimano, Berkley, etc

[NoLimit]

Pressure has to be applied to town, county, and state govt officials. The Feds won’t help. Recall how the while killing was stopped. It was when the mayors of every shore town got on the news and stood up for the truth.

[mikdel]

Originally Posted by togzilla

Here is the point everyone is missing. This is the bureaucratic govt. that wants us off the water so they can use the resource for their own special interest groups. They have been infected with progressive liberal interests for decades and their fruits of their labor are finally coming to pass. How else can you explain the complete mismanagement of our fisheries(winter flounder, whiting, fluke, blackfish, etc.) ?

Would you call commercial fishermen and commercial fisheries with money to pay lobbyist to promote their interest progressive liberals? I believe if I read it right on here commercial fisherman will be able to keep flounder as bycatch when out of season for them. Maybe recs should be able to do the same with by catch flounder when fishing for other species like striped bass.