Revised Sea Bass in Feb Poll

[pectoralfin]

Sea bass biomass is well over 200% of its sustainable level so we should not loose any of the states quota.
In Florida, boats can fish in federal waters, catch what ever the federal limits allows, and transit back through state waters back to their port (as long as fishing rods are stowed and the boat does not stop) without any penalties regardless of the state regulations. This is allowed and controlled by their state regulatory agency. Why can't we pressure the NJ DEP to allow us to do the same? The impact on the industry would be nothing but positive.

[PaBeerGuy]

I remember when it was open January and February and the fishing was great! Offshore winter sea bass is awesome.

[tuna john]

as much as its not fair to cut a few days, to have the offshore fishery again in winter to me is well worth it. Its a lot of fun catching seabass that big. The added bonus to me is that in theory it should take some of the pressure off the blackfish, since in February that is all we can fish for in Feb

[bunker dunker]

after allot of digging and fact finding i too think we should go after the february
sea bass.i made some phone calls and did some research and we should take what is being given.we all know this is a broken system and needs a complete overhaul.we know from past seasons things can be taken away without warning.
i feel if we have this in opportunity to fish for the sea bass in february then we should take it as no one knows what will happen in the spring anyway.i say yes to sea bass in february and see what goes on from there.

[bhackemup]

Originally Posted by pectoralfin

Sea bass biomass is well over 200% of its sustainable level so we should not loose any of the states quota.
In Florida, boats can fish in federal waters, catch what ever the federal limits allows, and transit back through state waters back to their port (as long as fishing rods are stowed and the boat does not stop) without any penalties regardless of the state regulations. This is allowed and controlled by their state regulatory agency. Why can't we pressure the NJ DEP to allow us to do the same? The impact on the industry would be nothing but positive.

This would NEVER work...there is too much logic involved!

[Rocky]

If you raise the keeper size limit you will have a increased death rate because of the deep water culling.

[courbeco]

Give up nothing!!

[abbashaya]

Raise size limit 1/2, open February and leave the rest of the seasonal days intact

[Gerry Zagorski]

Looks like NY elected not to open up Sea Bass in Feb. It also appears that the NY MRIP landing estimates for Fluke are lower which means there might be a chance for them to liberalize their regulations next year...

[Capt Joe]

Originally Posted by Rocky

If you raise the keeper size limit you will have a increased death rate because of the deep water culling.

and...don't forget...EVERY fish that goes back is DEAD in February!