2026 Regulations Recap

[Gerry Zagorski]

When is the last time our regulations actually got better, not worse?

Although the 2026 NJ regulations are not set yet, they will be in the next few months and the good news here is for the first time since I can remember, we're actually going to get some increases instead of reductions and closures.

Bluefin Tuna and Striped Bass are managed and the regulations are set at a federal level. For 2026 we got some wins here. A 17% increase for Bluefin Tuna and we fought off potential Striped Bass closures. This could have meant partial closures during the year which would have lead to catch and release only or no targeting or a combination of the 2 during certain times of the year. Instead the season remains open with no closures.

As far as Seabass, we got a 20% increase in our quota from the feds and in the next few months, the NJ State Council will decide how to utilize the additional resource and what changes can be made in our state regulations.

There is still much more work that needs to be done so the fight is not over but suffices to say, these victories are proof that things can change as long as we all stay vigilant, informed and get involved.

To the people who said, why bother, don't waste your time, we're going to get screwed again.... I hope you'll get reengaged because at least this time, people speaking up and getting involved in the process at the right time made a huge difference.

I think part of the issue we've had in the past is because we got involved too late in the process when key decisions had already been made. Point in case many, including me, would just get involved when the state met to decide our regulations and by that time quotas had already been set by the feds. All we could do at that point is debate how we were going to carve up that quota and with no increases, you'd argue over how we were going to use the same or lower quotas. This a marathon not a sprint and this time we got involved earlier at the federal level where most of the meaningful changes and decisions occur.

Thanks to all who wrote in comments and a special thanks to key people who worked behind the scenes within the various councils, committees and NOAA to get this done.

Another update from the ASMFC... I just got an email recapping the December meeting and they are keeping Summer Flounder (Fluke) status quo for 2026 and 2027. I would think that means our regs in NJ will stay the same but not 100% sure.

[Duffman]

To the people who said, why bother, don't waste your time, we're going to get screwed again.... I hope you'll get reengaged because at least this time, people speaking up and getting involved in the process at the right time made a huge difference.
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Well said. And I’ll admit guilty as charged. Felt that way for a long time.

Any idea what the 20% means for us? Longer season, larger bag limit or smaller size limit? Or are all 3 on the table?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Well said. And I’ll admit guilty as charged. Felt that way for a long time.

Any idea what the 20% means for us? Longer season, larger bag limit or smaller size limit? Or are all 3 on the table?

You're not alone Duff. I know people who's livelihood depends on these fisheries and based on what's happened in the past, they threw in the towel and gave up trying to fight. Many were also focused at the wrong pressure points writing letters to NJ politicians who are powerless in these affairs because its the feds and their various fishing committees driving the bus.

All the above options you mentioned could be on the table but just so you know, 20% is not going to be enough to scratch everyone's itches. Some want the winter expanded, others want a better bag limit in the summer months. 20% won't cover both so there will need to be some compromises and not everyone is going to get what they want.

The way it works now is our NJ Marine Council and our NJDEP Marine Biologists will be discussing and submitting a bunch of different options back to the Feds to be sure they meet and not exceed our 20% increase. Once that's done they will put the approved options out for public comment, we get to provide input to the council and they have the final vote.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted here when the time comes.

As far as I'm concerned, we should try and keep the season open as long as we can and pay special attention to try fill current gaps between other species open and closed dates so we always have something to fish for. That and make the bag limits when the season is open meaningful enough so people have a chance to bring more then one fish home.

[Detour66]

This is a move in the right direction. I hope they give us a few more fish during the summer months into the end of september. A big thanks to those who put the time in to make it happen! Tight lines!

[bulletbob]

This is a move in the right direction. I hope they give us a few more fish during the summer months into the end of september. A big thanks to those who put the time in to make it happen! Tight lines!

IMHO, a bigger bag limit in summer is the way to go.. Fluke fishing is iffy for a lot of guys these days,, A guy might catch 20 or more and not 1 keeper to be had on any given trip.. It would be a great help if a few nice sea bass could be taken home on those days when the Fluke are either scarce, or shorts are all that are around. Someone that just spent $150 for a days fishing would welcome a few fish to take home on days when fluke fishing is tough...

[Gerry Zagorski]

This is a move in the right direction. I hope they give us a few more fish during the summer months into the end of september. A big thanks to those who put the time in to make it happen! Tight lines!

I think it was the last round of Fluke options where the NJDEP posted the different options in a poll for people to cast their votes and also gave an email to send additional comments to. They tallied the votes, read the write in comments and we were also given an opportunity to give our opinions during the live webinar.

I really like that approach since it brings more transparency and accountability to the process and everything is out in the light of day.

I can remember not too long ago this was not the case and it seemed like the council wanted to suppress the information so they could do as they please. They can still choose whatever option they'd like no matter what the pubic opinion is but this way, it's done in the light of day...

More to follow in the coming month or 2 so stayed tuned here to see how you can participate in the process and make your preferences known.

[frugalfisherman]

20% should go to opening seabass mid September before they start moving out. A couple extra fish in July and August makes no sense.

[baseballman]

As far as I'm concerned, we should try and keep the season open as long as we can and pay special attention to try fill current gaps between other species open and closed dates so we always have something to fish for.

This is the right answer, IMO. All the head boats sit on the dock for at least a week between fluke's closure and the Sea Bass opener in Oct - sometimes longer if the fishing is bad in Sept - so even a mid-Sept sea bass opener at 5 fish before it goes up to 10 would be welcomed by many.

The recreational fishing industry's united response to ASMFC considered a no target closure has definitely been inspiring and hope that continues to be the norm every time the Feds think they can eff with a fishery.

[bulletbob]

20% should go to opening seabass mid September before they start moving out. A couple extra fish in July and August makes no sense.
understood, but a LOT of people aren't all that active after the summer months.. Kids are back in school, vacation time is over for most workers, weather starts to deteriorate etc.. opening the fall season earlier would benefit more serious fishermen no doubt, but I think it would help party/charter boat captains during the season when they have a lot more tourist trade in summer.. Either way is fine of course, and maybe it will be spread across the various options..In ANY case, a 20% increase is substantial, and it will help across the board.. Fishermen, and those that serve their needs... bob

[Gerry Zagorski]

understood, but a LOT of people aren't all that active after the summer months.. Kids are back in school, vacation time is over for most workers, weather starts to deteriorate etc.. opening the fall season earlier would benefit more serious fishermen no doubt, but I think it would help party/charter boat captains during the season when they have a lot more tourist trade in summer.. Either way is fine of course, and maybe it will be spread across the various options..In ANY case, a 20% increase is substantial, and it will help across the board.. Fishermen, and those that serve their needs... bob

A good discussion and a lot of various opinions here, keep them coming!

This helps people understand different points of view and makes for more informed decisions once the formal public feedback process starts.

[Gerry Zagorski]

The recreational fishing industry's united response to ASMFC considered a no target closure has definitely been inspiring and hope that continues to be the norm every time the Feds think they can eff with a fishery.

For sure and I think a lot of this is due to people getting involved at the right time at the right place. It's also due in part to the increased transparency we have in the process since Covid. Webinars instead of in person meetings and meeting materials we all have better and easier access to.

This process used to be controlled and influenced by a handful of insiders sitting in a room and now it's way more out in the open. This makes the various committees and federal organizations that manage the fisheries more responsible and accountable to we the people.

Lots more work to be done but it is inspiring, puts some wind in our sails and hopefully a trend that continues.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Another update from the ASMFC... I just got an email recapping the December meeting and they are keeping Summer Flounder (Fluke) status quo for 2026 and 2027. I would think that means our regs in NJ will stay the same but not 100% sure.

[hartattack]

Good job all ::: https://onthewater.com/black-sea-bass-harvest-limit-increased-by-20-for-2026

[Gerry Zagorski]

Good job all ::: https://onthewater.com/black-sea-bass-harvest-limit-increased-by-20-for-2026

Admittedly, this was a slam dunk lay up. None of the Federal Councils or NOAA could pass the red face test if they didn't give us some fish back.

All we had to do was press them and get involved at the right time. If we hadn't, we would have got the usual treatment.

Good job to everyone who got involved and lets keep this full court press going.