2013 Fluke Regulations Set

[Angler Paul]

The NJMFC voted unanimously in favor of a recreational fluke season that will begin on May 18th and end on September 16th, with a 17 1/2" size limit and a five fish bag limit. The groups I represented at the meeting supported a longer season or at least one that extended the season further into the fall. However, the vast majority of those who spoke favored the option that was chosen. However, there is still a little ray of hope that the season might be extended further. After all states have set their regulations, the ASMFC will review them. If they determine that the regulations are likely to result in a coastwide underage of the quota they may allow New Jersey and New York to liberalize their regulations somewhat. New Jersey and New York were the only two states who were forced to take a reduction due to overfishing their quotas last year. If the ASMFC does allow us to liberalize somewhat the NJMFC may do so by adding a few days to the end of our season. However, there was some concern by council members that doing so could cause us to exceed our quota. I pointed out that we are more likely to underfish our quota this year because there will be far less participation. This is due to all the marinas, boats and coastal homes that were damaged or lost due to Hurricane Sandy. If we are given the option to liberalize further, the NJMFC will consider doing so at their next meeting on May 2nd.
The NJBMF is still working on the sea bass options for this year. They are expected to be ready sometime in the near future. The regulations will then be set at the NJMFC meeting on May 2nd.

Paul Haertel

[SaltLife1980]

But we did not over fish our quota.. So how come we are taking the heat for it.. They really have no idea how many were taken..

Glad we only lost 20 days instead of more.. I think it will be fine.

[Rob B]

thats not to bad,i guess it could have been worse.

[JBird]

I guess I'm not shocked these clowns didn't consider that participation will be much lower this year due to Sandy. Take one look at Atlantic Highlands Harbor and you will know that far fewer people will be fishing this year. I'd be surprised if all those piers get fixed this year at all. At least the size limit stayed the same.

[vinntastic]

just seen on channel 12 news today [friday] summer flounder season cut 25 days shorter...

[Mike K]

Thank you for your efforts Paul.

[Blackfish Doug]

Hey Paul why is there no talk ever about the winter Flounder? I feel like most the creel limit should be increased or a federal water season say like a fall season to fill in the gaps. There are plenty of deep water Flounder around in the early fall that could fill in those gaps even if it's 2 fish. Those Flounder are big & 2 of those fish could easily feed 3 people or more.

[broken bobber]

Originally Posted by vinntastic

just seen on channel 12 news today [friday] summer flounder season cut 25 days shorter...

yeaaaaa... that was a great choice.....

[Flygaff]

I'm sorry guys but my stand on the NMFS is this. I throw back 90% of all the fish I catch. I pay my taxes to the state and the federal government. I believe in not wasting our natural resources but... If I want to keep a fish that day for dinner or whatever, I will keep it. It is the commercials that need to be controlled.

[Reel Class]

Originally Posted by Blackfish Doug

Hey Paul why is there no talk ever about the winter Flounder? I feel like most the creel limit should be increased or a federal water season say like a fall season to fill in the gaps. There are plenty of deep water Flounder around in the early fall that could fill in those gaps even if it's 2 fish. Those Flounder are big & 2 of those fish could easily feed 3 people or more.

Agree 100% Doug. Anything on this Paul? It'd be nice to legally keep flounder when we pull them outta the bottom in 200' during the summer when we ling fish