Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Good catch and release practices are an effective way to preserve fluke stocks. Short to keeper catch ratios can be 10-1 or more with many of those shorts gut hooked. The simple answer is to mandate the use of circle hooks for bait fishing. Survival rates of short fluke released will increase dramatically.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

the simple answer is NOT to mandate the use of circle hooks...how about lowering the size limit a couple inches?...how many fish have to be handled in order to put a three fish limit in the box?..mandating the use of specific gear(circle hooks) will only lead to more revenue through fines on the average angler...then what?...outlawing the use of Gulp because it works too well??...JUST GIVE US A COUPLE SLOT FISH!!...i know i'd be off the water earlier and not weeding through shorts to try and get that last keeper!

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

I wonder how many hundreds of thousands of our hard earned dollars were given to this "teacher" so he could have a summer job to find out that we go out get, on a boat, chase all over the ocean and bays to catch nada & then go home with nothing?

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

We're all pushed to the brink with government restrictions, mandates and bad regulatory decisions and practices. We complain about inaccurate data, for that reason I'm not sure it's fair to place blame on people trying to address that through research. Researchers aren't the ultimate decision makers and how or if their findings are used is outside their control. When government is involved, it's my experience to approach everything with a large degree of skepticism as most on this thread have eluded to because normally when they ask you to look left, you should be looking right.

That said, keep in mind the "Summe Flounder Sex and Length" study conducted in 2016 by Rutgers. They're findings were fact based and spot on regarding the ultimate problem this fishery is experiencing and in fact contradicts the management philosophy NMFS in employing with continued increases in size limits. They can only do the research, NMFS will determine if their findings are ultimately factored into future legislation. In my opinion, that's where MSA and politics in general have lead this fishery entirely down the wrong path.

In the end, Rutgers study might be the pivotal research that finally gives us the slot limit we've been asking for. I say that with guarded optimism but believe we'll see it within the next 2 - 3 years but if we don't it's not the fault of the people who put the time and effort in conducting the research.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Very well stated Tom. Thanks for your input!

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Years ago we used weight and bait with a slider rig and an English fluke hook. Those fish were ALWAYS hooked in the lower jaw, then we all had to change to gamakatsu hooks just in case we hooked a doormat, we wanted no chance of hook failure. On the rock piles the hook would straighten out if hung up and you got most of your rig back!

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

There are hvy duty Kale hooks put out by Eagle Claw , I have & use them up,to,size 5/0 very strong hook and they stay sharp ! Like stated very seldom not hooked in jaw !

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

I agree that anglers should be allowed a few slot fish. Anyone who pays $65 for a party boat fare plus incidental expenses is spending over $100 per trip. They should be allowed a few fish. But circle hooks are a win-win situation. Fishing is a blood sport but we can take steps to minimize fish mortality. Hook-up ratios will improve (anyone who fishes circle hooks knows this), and most fish regardless of size will be lip hooked. Circle hooks are the standard for catch-and-release billfish tournaments simply because an effective way to reduce stress on fish that will be returned too the water.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Rutgers "research" is funded by the state..
To the Rutgers advocates here, do you REALLY expect a study funded by the state to be used as ammunition AGAINST the state???. honestly?.bob

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Therein my position of being "guardedly optimistic". Do I expect a state sponsored study to be used against the state.....no. Do I have more hope it's used by or against NMFS.....yes. Is it a slam dunk, nothing is but that study and the findings it revealed have been used by the organizations fighting "our" fight to cause reform against the federal government regarding this fishery. In my opinion, that makes it relevant and worth the effort.......honestly.