2017 Fluke Regulations Not Looking Good

[njmultispecies]

Thanks capitalism. When people start to care about where there food comes from then fisheries will stabilize, until then just pray for corporate greed to end.

[joetheplumber]

Agreed with comments above.... mostly due to Commercial boats taking everything. Whatever they don't keep, they throw back dead.... Makes it bad for the recreational fisherman!!!!! This is unbelievable! Trickles down to bait and tackle shops, luncheonettes, etc. etc.....

[frugalfisherman]

If I went by the regulations I'd be worried.

[Capt Sal]

A law suit is the only way!

I can appreciate everyone's hopes that the PEOTUS is going to have some bearing on our fisheries but with a divided country and the challenges facing him after his inauguration, I wouldn't count on NOAA and fisheries management making his top 10 list. This is going to be a disaster for the foreseeable future and wouldn't be surprised if we're at a 2 - 3 fish limit in a few years. Think about it, tournaments with combined 5 fish weigh in and possibly even 3 fish combined weight will be a thing of the past. Feel sorry for Party and Charter boats when we go to 2 fish at 21 inches, you know it's coming. As I said until there's representation of recreational interests taken into consideration it's self regulation from here on out. Especially when you see 12 inch fluke fillets at the market throughout the entire summer for $14.99 lb.. &%$% NOAA!

[Detour66]

IMO the ONLY way to battle this is through lobbying. And that means big money. I am sure the commercial interests have lobbyist and that's why they get there way. Money talks and BS walks! Until then we are all just pi**ing in the wind! Also don't be surprised if the government comes up with a pay to play system where party and charter boats buy permits to catch x amount of fish a season. that's coming down the pike also.

BTW I despise the lobbying system but it's the only way to get things like this done in the land of the free!

[1captainron]

Originally Posted by Detour66

IMO the ONLY way to battle this is through lobbying. And that means big money. I am sure the commercial interests have lobbyist and that's why they get there way. Money talks and BS walks! Until then we are all just pi**ing in the wind! Also don't be surprised if the government comes up with a pay to play system where party and charter boats buy permits to catch x amount of fish a season. that's coming down the pike also.

BTW I despise the lobbying system but it's the only way to get things like this done in the land of the free!

Dam, your starting to sound like me now!! LOL!

[Detour66]

Originally Posted by 1captainron

Dam, your starting to sound like me now!! LOL!

I will take that as a complement Capt Ron !!

[june181901]

If the commercial people can keep 14 inch fish why not the same for party boat anglers? These owners have bank payments to make, employ other guys as mates etc. but will be out of business in NJ if something doesn't change. Customers will be few and far between in the future if two or three fish limits are imposed.

[JBird]

If you want to know who's in charge then go to the fish market when sea bass is closed to us and look at the sea bass for sale.