JCAA Position on Fluke Regulations

[Angler Paul]

Fluke Regulation Update

During the last two weeks, I represented the JCAA on various conference calls and meetings with high ranking State officials regarding the fluke regulations. Below is an email that I sent to various officials and representatives from other groups that were involved in these discussions. At the JCAA board meeting on 5/11, the board unanimously confirmed that I had accurately presented the JCAA position. Further, a majority of board members favored the original ASMFC proposal of 3 fluke at 19” with a 128 day season rather than the current “compromise” which calls for 3 fluke at 18” with a 104 day season. Though this “compromise” seems to be etched in stone, the public will have one last chance to comment on this at the upcoming NJMFC meeting. The meeting date, time and location have not yet been set but is expected to be held on Wednesday 5/17. The public will be allowed to comment on this issue prior to the Council voting on the regulation. JCAA encourages those interested to attend and give their opinions regardless of whether they prefer either option or want our State to continue with its appeal to the ASMFC. There is a lot of outrage over this but please be courteous and respect the opinions of others. Our state officials went to bat for us and are trying to help us but have been forced into this situation by the ASMFC and the MAFMC. Below is the email I sent on behalf of JCAA while the “compromise” was still being considered”

“On behalf of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, I would like to thank Governor Christie, Commissioner Martin, Deputy Commissioner Glass and their entire crew for their support of our recreational fluke fishermen. We know that a tremendous amount of time and research has been devoted to this issue. We will be forever grateful for this great effort regardless of how it ultimately turns out.
However, that having been said, we think the compromise proposed today is not a good idea. Cutting the season by 24 days and decreasing the bag limit from 5 fluke to 3 fluke is just too steep of a price to pay to stay at 18”. Shortening the season in September is most disturbing to us. That is the time of the year when we catch some of the largest fluke of the season and the overall fishing can be superb. It also comes at a time when there is little else to fish for particularly for inshore fishermen as sea bass season will be closed, we will only be allowed to keep one blackfish and stripers for the most part will not yet have arrived. Ending the season on 9/5 also hurts our shore based fishermen who often catch their bigger fish during the mullet run. While going to 19” would definitely have a severe negative impact on our State, lopping off 24 days of the season will also be very detrimental. What are people supposed to fish for from the shore or inshore after 9/5? By contrast in the spring, stripers and big blues are abundant and sea bass season is even open for part of May. If we have to compromise, we would rather have more open days in September than May. Going to 3 fish will also have a negative impact. While we know that many fishermen struggle to catch 3 at 18”, it is the perception that they might have a good day and be able to catch 5 keepers that keeps them coming to the shore and supporting our charter and party boats along with the tackle stores, marinas and various other businesses. Make no mistake, if this compromise goes through, it is still going to hurt us big time. People are going to be very angry and many will either not comply or simply not go fishing.
Back in March, JCAA agreed to back the State in its appeal to the ASMFC regardless of what the consequences might be. We would like to reaffirm that is still our position. We would rather have the appeal go to the Secretary of Commerce and accept the consequences rather than having some of the best fishing time of our season taken away from us.”

Sincerely,
Paul Haertel, JCAA Board Member/Past President