2018 Freshwater Fisheries Forums

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Paul N Skill

Let me say up front that I supported the barbless hook rules

Changing the day and time of Council Meetings would not make a difference. Most of us just like to bitch but don't want to be involved in making our voices heard. I attended this morning's 2018 Freshwaters Fisheries Forum. All the folks from F&W involved with drafting the new regs were on site. Attendance was pitiful. Only one individual spoke out against the new barbless lure regs. Where were all the other sportsman/women that are opposed to the new regs. Why wasn't the place packed with those who oppose this. What's their excuse for not being able to attend a meeting on a Saturday morning.

Well Justin did a great job explaining it. There was no need to add in any other remarks from myself at least.

Unfortunately the response we got from f&w was-
basically there was no going back on the three year cycle regulations this late. And I don't blame them since there really should have been some voice agasint it much earlier in the process.

After the meeting one on one with the biologist they highly appreciated the new faces and the different opinions.

I'm glad I attended because it made me appreciate the department a lot more; they're doing their best trying to get more voices. I think they're tired of hearing from the same crowd that doesn't obviously doesn't represent the majority of NJ anglers.

[NJSquatch]

Echoing Luke's comments Justin spoke passionately and intelligently. There wasn't really much to add. Lisa shutdown any further conversation because it was a mute point until they look at the regs again in 3 years. She encouraged us to keep attending meetings to get our voice heard. Especially the trout meetings in March.

I spoke with Agust Gudmundsson, the F&W council member that represents the north, and he told me that he read ever comment submitted (less than 200 in total!) He indicated the gear restriction opposition was passionate and well informed but was severely outnumbered by people for the regulation. (He excluded comments that simply stated they were for all or none of the regulations)

Also No chance of moving the council times or locations due to OT issues with F&W staff.

I am glad I attended and plan to in the future. Seeing the 2 tanks of Atlantic salmon was worth the price of admission.

I counted over 50 people in attendance including the F&G staff.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by NJSquatch

Echoing Luke's comments Justin spoke passionately and intelligently. There wasn't really much to add. Lisa shutdown any further conversation because it was a mute point until they look at the regs again in 3 years. She encouraged us to keep attending meetings to get our voice heard. Especially the trout meetings in March.

I spoke with Agust Gudmundsson, the F&W council member that represents the north, and he told me that he read ever comment submitted (less than 200 in total!) He indicated the gear restriction opposition was passionate and well informed but was severely outnumbered by people for the regulation. (He excluded comments that simply stated they were for all or none of the regulations)

Also No chance of moving the council times or locations due to OT issues with F&W staff.

I am glad I attended and plan to in the future. Seeing the 2 tanks of Atlantic salmon was worth the price of admission.

I counted over 50 people in attendance including the F&G staff.

Better explanation than me.

Also, I found the pike + musky tanks even more interesting... they just suspended their motionless... it was kind of freaky seeing all those sticks just sit there while the minnows just swam helplessly hoping the esox never got hungry again.

The salmon look great too. Feisty! Right when feed dropped they attacked it.

[akoop]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

i just want to quickly point out that the barbless and 3 point restrictions are NOT just for sections that are C&R. There are sections of river where you are allowed to keep restricted amounts of wild brown trout, etc.

so basically claiming it is all for the fishs' protection, when making the places where wild trout are thriving, all C&R only would make much more sense. On top of that, most of the best wild trout waters I know are totally unrestricted! 6 wild trout at 9" can be kept!!! those rules don't change, but now i have to modify my gear in the areas fly fishermen decide? yeah it's for the protection of the fish...

all lard's findings tell me is that there were 71 complete morons that commented!

Is smashing down the barb enough to qualify as barbless or do I really need to purchase barbless hooks?

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by akoop

Is smashing down the barb enough to qualify as barbless or do I really need to purchase barbless hooks?

At the meeting a simple crush down is good enough, said by Lisa herself.

[Chrisper4694]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

At the meeting a simple crush down is good enough, said by Lisa herself.

you ever try to crush down the little tiny barbs on those small lures...huge pita. going to have to buy special pliers to save the frustration.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

you ever try to crush down the little tiny barbs on those small lures...huge pita. going to have to buy special pliers to save the frustration.

Yea for small barbs it's hard. I got needle nose pliers from Cabelas. From my experience you want to just press down on the tip if the barb, not the whole thing.

[NJSquatch]

Snapped a pic of this display at the forum that really showcases the need to practice catch and release. Those 5 pounders are over 10 years old!

[Mikey topaz]

Originally Posted by NJSquatch

Snapped a pic of this display at the forum that really showcases the need to practice catch and release. Those 5 pounders are over 10 years old!

Always loved that all those big trout especially the ones in front of peaquest let's hold them and make pets outta them and show people what they can dream of catching lollll!!! How bout you stock them fish and make some happy angler's..... And looking at this new stuff what's the deal if I take front treble hooks off a plug??? Is it legal then????

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Mikey topaz

Always loved that all those big trout especially the ones in front of peaquest let's hold them and make pets outta them and show people what they can dream of catching lollll!!! How bout you stock them fish and make some happy angler's..... And looking at this new stuff what's the deal if I take front treble hooks off a plug??? Is it legal then????

Yes but the remaining treble hook in the back must be barbless too. Crushing the barbs with pliers is sufficient to be legal.

These are only necessary for wild trout streams and Catch and Release areas (which are now classified into three categories, Native brook trout, Wild trout, and Brown Trout Enhancement) Check the Digest for what waters these apply to.

Trout Conservation Areas dont seem to be affected by the new gear restriction though.