Party Boat consolidation?

[Abrasion]

In light of the fluke regs staring us in the face, do you think all of the local party boats make it or do you think we will see some consolidation?

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Abrasion

In light of the fluke regs staring us in the face, do you think all of the local party boats make it or do you think we will see some consolidation?

I think they will be ok.. Lots of guys on head boats these days are used to the fact they may not bring any fish home, but go out anyway.. I know this for a fact, because i have talked to many guys that said exactly that.

"Ah, I done care if I don't catch any keepers, i just enjoy being out here"..

its a common theme..

That being said, I think some boats that normally fish for fluke might bottom fish, or fish for blues, depending on whats out there in good numbers this year.

I spoke with one well known and respected captain last time I went out about how he was preparing, IF the shit hits the fan and the feds bring down the "ban hammer"..
I asked him if he thought multi species trips might be a good idea.. flukeing part of the day, maybe ling fishing along with it, or sea bass part of the day to round out catches, or fluke fishing but doing some jigging for blues when they were close by, etc.. He told me it was a possibility..

I think that the captains will see how it goes. If they get enough people on the boats with the stiff regs, they will just go with it.. If it really hurts business they will adapt, and fish for other available species along with fluke.

They won't fold their tents without a fight..
Who knows?,maybe this summer we'll see great Bluefish action close to shore, and that will help out, or the Croakers/Kingfish/Blowfish/Porgies will show up early in good numbers to help put more fish in coolers.. I am hoping for the best while expecting the worst... bob

[jakesdad]

If it's up to me, now is the time to make sure we support them more then ever. The only way we will be able to maintain a fishery is with a healthy party and
Charter boat fleet.

I have been to both Washington rallies, many fisheries meetings, and some local get together so, if we support them they will survive, if we don't they win.

Henry

[Jpell15]

The cape may and wildwood party boats seem to get good crowds on their 4 hour trips despite barely any keepers being caught so i think most will be okay.....if some of the fluke boats switch to bottom fishing the ling population might really get beat up

[tautog]

If they can keep open based on the summer 4 hr hot dog trip crowd they can make it. This makes for a good 2 to 3 months but not sure if it is enough to make a profitable year.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by tautog

If they can keep open based on the summer 4 hr hot dog trip crowd they can make it. This makes for a good 2 to 3 months but not sure if it is enough to make a profitable year.

agreed.. I bet some 3/4 fluke boats will go 2 half day trips, and cater to "vacationers" if the die hard flukers that want meat don't show, but personally, I don't think it will hurt business all that bad.. Thats my hope anyway.
still, we need good bottom fishing for sea bass, porgies, and ling, as well as stripers and blues to keep enough fares on the boats..
Let me just say this.. this past summer, while fishing mid week at the Hook in my own boat for fluke, There were a couple of boats from Belmar chasing Blues the size of fluke bait all over the ocean, because thats what was available, and at that point of the year it was like that for weeks.. Those boats were jammed on a Wednesday, and everyone fished hard for small fish, and probably enjoyed it.. Sometimes, people just want to go fishing, and will pay to do so, even if they have to go home and eat spaghetti with Ragu instead of fresh caught fish.. The fishing in our neck of the woods has changed, and IMHO the people fishing are changing as well... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Consolidation as in boats going out of business?

Many people go out for the sport, not necessary for the dinner table. I would guess most go out to catch something to bring home- not limit out. There is NO UP SIDE.

With less fish and bigger fish rules it is NOT a reason to go out that you never had before. But it's far from fishing for catch and release in the off season... aka why bother ( like winter flounder is close to).

Past has told us that the fish cull out to usually just short of any limit length in the area. 16 inchers. 18 inchers. As long as NY does not have some crazy lower limit, the area fishing should cull itself out as in the past. "Just short"

Originally Posted by Abrasion

In light of the fluke regs staring us in the face, do you think all of the local party boats make it or do you think we will see some consolidation?

[Mako1]

Don't think it will have much effect on PB's. For what a half day cost, what other alternative is there to fluke and enjoy time on the water?