Fluke Shout Out To Tom Dakota Smith

[frugalfisherman]

On your way to RI and MA be sure to come to a dead stop at all stop streets and not to go one mile over the speed limit because that would be against regulations and is as bad as keeping a 16.5 inch fluke.

[TomKaye]

Thank you Frugal---I just noticed MA. has changed fluke regs to 5 @ 16.5".
Last 3 Summers our charters on Nantucket Shoals have not kept anything less than 19 or 20" except once when were 2 shy of a boat limit in mid afternoon, and at the time minimum was 17.5.
We always release DD's and several times released 7-8 & 9 pounders after an early limit of average 5 pounders.
I'm sure other guys who fish up there regularly will tell you the same.
Not looking for debate. Not braggin' nor complaining.
Just relating' our group's policy and what we've experienced.
Stay safe and tight lines,

[TomKaye]

Sorry to disrupt what was supposed to be a positive Dakota thread.
I apologize.
Frugal you can PM me if you wish a civil conversation, via phone.

[frugalfisherman]

5 at 16.5 that makes my day. My # is in the classified message section. Maybe you'll buy some of my jigs.

[dales529]

Want to be clear here. I do not nor do I believe tom agrees with the 1" slot or the option chosen by the council. My shout out is more that the work and data in my opinion helped to change the culture and thought process in fluke management to at least consider other alternatives rather than raise the size and lower the bag we have been dealing with for more than a decade.

While I think this will be an experiment this year and mrip will most likely screw it all up at least it's change in a better direction.

Reason: I know of no fishing group that pushed for this option nor any conspiracy to do so. Earliest season is always on the table each year and pushed hard by the southern nj region always. They spoke the loudest at the meeting and got the early season.