Seabass

[Blackfish Doug]

I would like to know how many of those 17" plus fish you guys throw back next year wind up being caught up in LI,RI,Mass etc. It seems the fish you throw back are being caught out east once they become keepers. The average size fish for NJ is 16 1/2" to 17 1/2". Just go back a few years ago when that was size fish that we were able to keep at a 8 fish limit & you got your limit. Now it's bragging rights for a 5 fish limit that's why I don't fish for them anymore it just not worth the time &effort & cash for 5 fish.

[NoLimit]

Maybe we need Trump to talk common sense on this issue too.

[Detour66]

If everyone takes the stand to revolt against these unfair regulations it will work! Good luck trying to ticket every single angler !! NY gets to keep Sea bass ..why not us here in NJ ? Desperate times call for desperate measures !! All they have to do is give us is fair regulations and the industry will be fine but no they insist on killing the sport and industry. The choice is ours and the time is NOW!

[dfish28]

Originally Posted by NoLimit

Maybe we need Trump to talk common sense on this issue too.

Ummm Mr. President... (Gerry) where's a like button when you need it!! Lol

[tautog]

Not only get the ticket but fight it in court. Municipal Courts in shore towns won't be able to handle the volume and will become hopeless backlogged. Then set up a payment program and pay a dollar a week to drive up administrative costs.

[togzilla]

I have been fishing the Raritan Bay and down to Barnegat for more than 35 years and have always observed the regulations and I am a big believer in conservation. However, our current rules and proposed cuts on the fluke fishery for next year have nothing to do with conservation. If you recall about 15 to 20 years ago you would get those PETA idiots protesting tournaments and defending fish rights. Most of those protesters ended up with chum or left over bait thrown at them which was rather comical. They wised up quickly realizing that the public opinion was against them and the way to save the fish was to get involved politically. If they could help influence NMFS then they could slowly incorporate ridiculous regulations that could slowly put bait shops, marinas, party/charter boats, etc. out of business and thus save the poor fish that have no representation. If they do this slowly over a number of years then anglers will complain but not to any serious extent. And so here we are today with shortened seasons and bag limits that make you question the validity of all the money we spend on this industry. So if there are any PETA or NMFS members reading this thread I say this, " when I go out fluke fishing and spend an average of $80-$100 between gas, bait, boat fare, tackle, etc. I will bring home a fish dinner!" And as DiCaprio taunted Hanks in that famous movie " Catch me if you can" I'm done with the lies and deceit of our government agencies.
If this post offends please call NMFS at 1-800-EAT-SHIT!

[AndyS]

Read NOAA on Black seabass in the NorthEast, stocks rebuilt, not over fished. I want my offshore winter fishery back, 15 seabass for $170.00, you win !!! I'll guess I'll just go to fish market.