Sea Bass Update 3/5/13

[Angler Paul]

I thought I would start this new thread because the sea bass situation is being discussed in other threads and is mixed in with the fluke so it becomes confusing. Here is the latest I have but we might get an update from the NJBMF at the council meeting on Thursday.

The sea bass regs are still up in the air. The options will probably not be ready for this Thursday's meeting as originally anticipated. This is due in part to the recent 1/2 million lb. increase that was approved by the ASMFC for the recreational sector less than two weeks ago. We were looking at a 42-53% reduction but now it will be a 32% reduction. That will cause us to have a greatly reduced season unless the size limit is raised to 13". My best gues is that there will be a mid season closure either way. It will be much shorter if we raise the size limit though. Most of the advisors and council members seem to support the mid-season closure so that it can re-open and we will be able to fish for sea bass after fluke season closes