Boats are essential. - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

hooks40 · #1 03-22-2020, 11:38 PM

Did anybody trailer a boat today? If so, did you get any hassle from the police?

Seeing mixed messages regarding non-essential travel vs. the outdoors are open and early trout stocking???

Nye44 · #2 03-22-2020, 11:58 PM

I want to know this as well. I assume fishing is allowed, especially on a boat. As long as we space out at the boat launch, I don't think there is better way to practice separation.

hooks40 · #3 03-23-2020, 10:55 AM

So taking this a step further I asked the NJ DFGW on Facebook the following:

"Hello. Given the Governor's message yesterday, I would like to know if it's legal to trailer my boat to a lake and fish by myself? There are a large number of asking the same question. Thanks!"

Here is their response:

"Our interpretation is that as long as state lands remain open they can be used for recreation, and fishing/boating is recreation."

Be smart, don't put 4 guys in your boat and abuse it, maybe we can keep fishing...

icebadger · #4 03-23-2020, 11:02 AM

I was able to go out on the cong this weekend i passed police officers and even saw them in the coffee shop and they did not say any thing to me however we should not gather in large groups and try to limit how many people that we have in a boat. I fish in a single seat canoe so that should not be a problem with the restrictions that have been placed on us during this viral outbreak. just keep your distance from others and practice safe hygiene such as washing your hands covering your coughs and such also taking vitamins and eating well. As i was told that outdoor recreation was allowed and some state parks and waters were still open. as for trout fishing the normal seasonal closures were still in effect until opening day. I pray that all the njf family stays safe and healthy throughout this crisis..

Rich196 · #5 03-24-2020, 03:33 PM

Me and the wife have been fishing several times in the last 2 weeks, and NO problem whatsoever.

Gerry Zagorski · #6 03-24-2020, 04:03 PM

Just because you read it here doesn't mean it's true for your town since many towns are apparently interpreting and enforcing the laws differently...

And, this could all change in a minute if the Governor decides to take things a step further or you have a local closure at a park or lake.

Be safe, make sure you're not making decisions on dated information and see you all at end of this crazy ride we're all on.

RWole · #7 03-25-2020, 08:27 AM

Good points Gerry, but here is the issue. I fish and game and the state office
say fishing/oudoor activities are open why are local police trying to enforce a whole different set of rules.

Gerry Zagorski · #8 03-25-2020, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWole

Good points Gerry, but here is the issue. I fish and game and the state office
say fishing/oudoor activities are open why are local police trying to enforce a whole different set of rules.

I'm with you here....Lot's of grey area and one hand does not seem to be talking to other... Things are happening really fast, many are subject to local interpretation and enforcement and although it's not perfect, it is understandable.

In the mean time I'd ask you all to be extra sensitive about what you post here.. Things like "FISHING IS CLOSED" or "SCREW IT I'M GOING FISHING"
People are very anxious and emotional right now, things are subject to interpretation and we don't need to be feeding the beast and or fighting among each other or spreading misinformation.