Fluke Options Poll

[reason162]

Originally Posted by kurtisb

Guessing you don't fish the party boats. An 18" fish on a party boat is difficult. I had 25 keepers last year on 12 trips, including a limit first time out. There were lots of zeros. At 17.5" I would have had a great season. Pretty much don't even want to go fluke fishing any more. Do you really think an 18" limit helps the party boats?

All I did last season was fish party boats, and experienced by far the best NJ fluking in 10 years, in size and numbers. There are skunk days and limit days, you can't rely on memory, those of you who don't keep a fishing log. It's strong testament to the efficacy of correct conservation.

PLEASE try to see beyond your skewed recollection of "barely keepers" and recognize that when you're talking about 1/2" it's all relative. You're simply replacing the 17.9999" monkey with the 17.49999" monkey.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

Aren't you the same person who said this;

"My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat."

Andy, I agree that Mako's sentiment is grating and abrasive, and certainly not among the many good arguments for keeping our 18" size limit into next season. Just curious: how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

[Skolmann]

Originally Posted by reason162

how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

The way I see it, there are always going to be sharpies that will limit/near limit almost every trip out. Those same sharpies (as well as others) usually make several trips a week. So lets say they make 2 trips a week; limit on 1 trip and get a near limit the next. So thats at least 14 or 15 fluke kept. They do this for say 10 weeks. Thats one person keeping 140-150 fluke in just 10 weeks. I don't care how much you like eatting fluke, no one is going to eat that much fluke (lets not forget that these same fisherman are more than likely filling their freezers with other species during the year). So what are they doing with all that fluke fillet ? Certainly they are eatting & freezing some but they're probably also giving some to neighbors, bartering some or whatever.

I just feel that a 6 fluke bag limit will best satisfy all; the sharpies, the weekend party boater & the guy who goes 2-3 times a year. In addition to dimishing the dockside hero mentallity of having to achieve an 8 fluke limit every trip.

Thus out of the options given and for my reasons stated above I think option 5 is best because it is closest to the season/bag limit I would set if I was the one & only to decide.

[Jigsmith]

Something all the people getting the "just missed" fish should think about...there is a difference between fishing for fluke and fishing for keepers. Put some damn bait on. Too many times I see these little dinky baits being lowered in the water, for what? Yes you'll get a fish but remember the smaller fish are more eager and aggressive a lot of times. Scare them off with a bigger bait and you'll get a bigger fish, it may take a little longer that's all. I have been on the same private boat fishing next to somebody who catches 30-40 fish almost all shorts and I had 10 or so all keepers...why? Because my bait didn't encourage those little dinks. It helps using a hook they can barely swallow too, like a 9/0 octopus, and yes I still get shorts on it just not many. If you want to catch 50 fish without a keeper it's your choice to make but realize it doesn't mean there aren't any keepers where you're fishing. My 2 cents, just something to think about.

[Tuna Tales]

I don't fluke fish all that much since I run offshore as much as possible - but I feel Option 2 is best...

Again, thank you to the SSFFF and everyone who helped keep NJ fluke fishing afloat - two years ago we were almost shut down!!


Joe T.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

That would be a nice option. I'd like a longer season but keeping the size at 18" is important. 6 keepers, 8 keepers...my average over last season was 4.2

[Angler Paul]

The poll above clearly shows support for the options with an 18" size limit, 8 fish bag limit and longer season. Is a representative from this site going to testify to the results of this survey at the NJMFC meeting on Thursday?

[jakesdad]

After thinking about the options, as a private boater #2 or 5 are the most viable. #2 longer season, larger limit, enjoy the lack of pressure in September and October works for me. But on the other side #5 is probably the best overall option for the party and charter boats. More people taking home dinner, means more repeat customers, equals more money.

The tackle shops and rental boats will probably do more with #5 as early season bay fisheries consist of more smaller fish early on, and bigger fish in September. Either option is a giant step from where we thought we would be before SSSFF got involved!

Wish I could attend but a 4PM meeting just doesn't work on a work day, give them hell and let us know the results.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by Angler Paul

The poll above clearly shows support for the options with an 18" size limit, 8 fish bag limit and longer season. Is a representative from this site going to testify to the results of this survey at the NJMFC meeting on Thursday?

If no one has been chosen, I will via conference call if Gerry approves.

Let me know and I can call in or you can call me.

732 299 7527

[Life's A Beach]

Poll Results

and

Entire Thread (logic behind votes)

ALL printed out and will hand in @ meeting today