NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations

[Reel Class]

This is extremely disheartening.

I wonder if the regulators realize that they're putting undue pressure on other species which are more accessible and less regulated such as ling and porgies?

[Matt_Conway71]

Thanks for the info

[dales529]

Having listened to most of the Fluke session (some 3.5 hrs) understand that any /all options at this point are subject to change once the 2016 Wave 5 Landing data comes in today or early next week.
Granted I don't expect much to change but the reduction mandate percentage will fluctuate up or down based on those numbers.

As Gerry stated however this is the government and the with that said the restrictions on what they can and cant do are still stacked against us as the system is admittedly broken so major change has to happen. Another reason NOT to give up the fight as if it doesn't get done for 2017 there is the future for us and future generations that need our support to facilitate that change.
Without our voices its easy for them to remain status quo.


Some positive things:
- Most of our concerns, (EX: Slot fish, Not taking only females, Bad data in, bad regs out, different methods in the future for Stock Assessment, Leaving 2017 Status quo as per 2016 regs until a new bench mark Stock assessment model can be implemented, The huge financial impact on NJ shore fishing related business, were introduced at the meeting and at least discussions have begun. Where all that goes remain to be seen.
- Congressman Frank Pallone attended the conference and gave an impassioned speech on the negative impact the proposed reductions would have on NJ ( for whatever that's worth but at least he showed up on our behalf)
There were some "interesting" ideas from the public comments read into the session. Not worth elaborating on yet unless they end up in the final document.
- Also those in attendance raised our concerns fluently and accurately regarding flaws in the Stock assessments that could not be denied.

The document addendum 28 will be finalized after the wave 5 data is introduced, then opened for public comment sometime in the near future and then go to the individual states to decide what options they will present to meet the mandated reductions. Probably wont be over or decided until sometime in March

Stay tuned and stay ANGRY

[Foul Hook]

Next years fluking outfit!

[TomKat]

Accu sharp/2333-9

[Billfish715]

There are more of us than there are of "THEM". There are too many coolers, bags, holds, boxes, boats, marinas, docks etc. for the officers to check. They may be able to issue a few citations but they can't be everywhere at the same time. We are being challenged to obey regulations that are at best, questionable for reasons that are equally unrealistic. The real victims are the charter and party boat businesses. While the private boats can afford to be pelagic pirates, the pay to fish businesses can't. A massive day of protest might be worth consideration in order to demonstrate our outrage and distrust of the scientific studies and the subsequent findings. Are they trying to save fish for the future? The future is now and as far as fluke fishing is concerned, it has always been now. I can't ever remember a summer when I never caught a fluke and it's been many, many summers ago since I caught my first 14" summer flounder. I still have a picture of me from over 50 years ago smiling from ear to ear with my trophy.

[Reel Class]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

There are more of us than there are of "THEM". There are too many coolers, bags, holds, boxes, boats, marinas, docks etc. for the officers to check. They may be able to issue a few citations but they can't be everywhere at the same time. We are being challenged to obey regulations that are at best, questionable for reasons that are equally unrealistic. The real victims are the charter and party boat businesses. While the private boats can afford to be pelagic pirates, the pay to fish businesses can't. A massive day of protest might be worth consideration in order to demonstrate our outrage and distrust of the scientific studies and the subsequent findings. Are they trying to save fish for the future? The future is now and as far as fluke fishing is concerned, it has always been now. I can't ever remember a summer when I never caught a fluke and it's been many, many summers ago since I caught my first 14" summer flounder. I still have a picture of me from over 50 years ago smiling from ear to ear with my trophy.

How do you suggest "we" protest? We're not walking out on a job, or doing a job action, so what is your idea?

I agree, there are a lot more of us then there are of them - but "we" get nowhere. Action usually results from peaceful and thoughtful opposition, but we as a community truly have to unite and buy into this kind of movement. "We" don't have a union backing us, nor do we have many powerful lobbyists who can make a difference. This unity has not been accomplished in my lifetime, and I truly hope we all find a way to fight this battle the right way!

[Reel Class]

And don't fool yourselves - if you're going to resort to piracy and be a blatant rule breaker, the law enforcement side will step up their game and employ more officers to enforce the law. I've seen state police and even local police get involved in conservation and F&G violations - and the coast guard is always available to get involved and have F&G tag along.

[hammer4reel]

sure seems there thinking is based on while knowing we are taking mostly females, thats they feel those said females got an extra three years to breed ( from 14-18) instead of being in someones cooler if the size limit were reduced.
and that raising it once again allows those same said females another year to breed.
also many bay fishermen early in the seasons are catching lots of fluke puking up their own fry. before bait shows up. wonder how much of that is also going on.

[frugalfisherman]

[QUOTE=Reel Class;469282]How do you suggest "we" protest? We're not walking out on a job, or doing a job action, so what is your idea?

I will repeat. If you send shorts back into the water dead so the draggers can't take them they will get the message. Desperate times call for desperate measures.