NJDEP Fluke Press Conference Update

[hartattack]

Report & pics: http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/20...ff_propos.html

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yeah... We could have used a few more models there

[emcjim]

After attending, I sent an email to the 2 NJ Senators, and my US Rep., Leonard Lance. The final paragraph reads "President Trump has said that he opposes any new regulations that further burden businesses and/or reduce jobs.
Please join Rep. Pallone and the President in preventing the ASMFC from implementing this job-reducing regulation."

Send letters/emails, the more the better. Emphasize the job loss. Hopefully that gets the attention of the non-fishing lawmakers.

[Capt John]

NJ12 just aired and interview with Capt. Gutman. Kudos to all those who attended. Job well done. My thanks to all the organizers....lots of positive feelings upon leaving today. Let's hope this equates to something good for all of us.

[dales529]

Definitely exceeded expectations in both attendance (although a few thousand would have been better lol) and actually having a belief that those in power are going to act on their words.
Got to speak personally with commissioner Martin, Congressman Chris Smith representative Jo Smith Schloeder, and Assemblyman David Rible. I thanked them all for taking the stand with us and their candor when asked direct questions. As Jim Donofrio RFA said during his speech an Emergency stop gap on the current regulations proposed is only the first step. We have to carry it to Magnuson Stevens reform to end the BS. Lets see what happens next but I have belief this has traction in the right areas, its united, and a lot of the right people are all on the same page this time.
Hoping we should see a better deal for this season. Lots of work ahead to maintain the pressure for now and the future so keep at it.

Great seeing and saying hey with Capt Jerry Fish Monger, Capt Bobby Bogan with full crew, Capt Jeff Gutman Voyager , Paul from JCAA and Dave Arbietman Reel Seat. There were many other industry people there as well both commercial and rec. Once we WIN a big thanks will be made to SSFFF for all they are doing and having the foresight to start this years ago. And of Course RFA and RFA-NJ. (Sorry had to plug us)

Started the morning with Richie Tropics, ALS Mako Steve, Larry Hartattack, Dakota, Reel Ron and of course fearless leader Gerry.

All in all glad I went, definitely NOT a waste of time.

Thanks to all that showed up and those that couldn't but have always supported the cause when they can.

Couldn't have said it any better than dales529. As the saying goes it feels like "The worm is definitely turning". When Frank Pallone was at the podium, he said something I think is very telling. Paraphrasing he said "This is without doubt one of the best showings I've ever seen when it comes to a recreational fishing community event and I've been to quite a few". That's a comment everyone who attended this morning's meeting should be proud of because it means elected officials, industry and association leaders are starting to take notice and when that happens they realize there's something very much worth fighting for. There's been a tremendous amount accomplished in a relatively short period of time but what made this meeting this morning even more unique as one of the speakers eluded to is it wasn't just recreational anglers. There was a great mix of party boat and charter captains, recreational anglers, elected officials, industry representatives, commercial operators, tackle shop owners and probably a few marina and restaurant owners. Our collective unified voice is growing and while we shouldn't take that for granted we also need to realize this is the very beginning of a much longer journey. Hard not to get excited about the energy, passion and conviction today from all the speakers and people in attendance but we need to stay diligent and committed to have our voices heard.

Wanted to give Gerry a special THANKS for his attendance at Galloway and today's meeting and for using the site to promote participation. Our opinions and concerns matter only if they're heard and today was validation that our voice is finally being heard. GREAT job by all the speakers, in particular a big THANK YOU to NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin for his words and being the impetus behind today's press conference, as well as the Christie Administration for their support. I know Angler Paul posted a video of today's event, everyone should listen to Bob Martin's speech as well as others who spoke today. There words were more than political rhetoric, they spoke passionately about the concerns and plight we all face if the status quo prevails. They touched on all the right issues and in my opinion did an outstanding job articulating the key points needing to be addressed. Kudos to everyone who took the time to attend and a bigger thanks for the people who endured a brutally windy and cold day to help us carry this message to Washington!

Progress is being made but we need to keep the pressure on our elected officials who today in a big way showed their support.

[Sullivan]

People who make their living from this fishery should have been there . I don't know all these people , but would like to know ? I fluke mostly at AH , if you get off exit 117 you pass three tackle shops , were they represented ?

Originally Posted by Sullivan

People who make their living from this fishery should have been there . I don't know all these people , but would like to know ? I fluke mostly at AH , if you get off exit 117 you pass three tackle shops , were they represented ?

Here's my humble opinion. I attended the meeting but didn't take roll call. The fact you asked the question you did suggests you didn't attend today's conference yourself. I don't hold that against you any more than I would hold it against the three tackle shop owners you referenced in your post. Maybe they were busy and had conflicts, maybe they didn't know about the conference, maybe they didn't care. Disagree with your sentiments singling out only people who make a living from this fishery attending. There are so many others who have a lot at stake if the current options are adopted. I think that thought process is divisive and is what's prevented the "fishing community" in total from having the unified voice it needs to be heard and create change.

There were representatives today from Cape May, the Highlands, Belford, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Barnegat etc. representing different interests and groups but all with a common purpose, to voice their concerns regarding the continued mismanagement of a very important public resource to the extent we risk losing it all together. My advise to you, in all due respect, would be attend the meetings yourself and you'll know who gives lip service to the cause and who is actually willing to commit their time and effort to make a difference. If you don't, by default you include yourself in the same category of people you're calling out in your post. Get involved and you'll be able to answer your own question.

[ALS Mako]

Originally Posted by dakota560

Here's my humble opinion. I attended the meeting but didn't take roll call. The fact you asked the question you did suggests you didn't attend today's conference yourself. I don't hold that against you any more than I would hold it against the three tackle shop owners you referenced in your post. Maybe they were busy and had conflicts, maybe they didn't know about the conference, maybe they didn't care. Disagree with your sentiments singling out only people who make a living from this fishery attending. There are so many others who have a lot at stake if the current options are adopted. I think that thought process is divisive and is what's prevented the "fishing community" in total from having the unified voice it needs to be heard and create change.

There were representatives today from Cape May, the Highlands, Belford, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Barnegat etc. representing different interests and groups but all with a common purpose, to voice their concerns regarding the continued mismanagement of a very important public resource to the extent we risk losing it all together. My advise to you, in all due respect, would be attend the meetings yourself and you'll know who gives lip service to the cause and who is actually willing to commit their time and effort to make a difference. If you don't, by default you include yourself in the same category of people you're calling out in your post. Get involved and you'll be able to answer your own question.

Well put. I was able to make it today cause I had the time, I know alot others couldn't make it and that is understandable. It was great to see alot of familiar faces and to see alot of capts who give a damm. It's going to be a long fight as any political matter dictates but I've been giving my support when I can since ssfff first started. I may not make every meeting or rally but I do what I can and never call out others. We need to stay united and we have the state on our side in fighting the feds. This is the time to come together. Thanks to all for all their hard work on this cause, I for one appreciate it.

[Ttmako]

I have mixed emotions.
So happy many people showed up but pissed I missed the meeting.
First week in a new job.
I saw the video of Bob Maritns speech. He sounded very serious and truly frustrated.
Enough is enough!
Martin for president!!!