Re: So now what
 

I respect both opinions above but I have a different view.. it seems obvious that Gerry doesn't have a major problem with this somewhat bitter outlook, and let the poster voice his displeasure, and let it stand.

My take is this.. Yes, they are "just doing their job".. however over the entire course of human history, people in all walks of life have justified all manner of horrible behaviors in the name of " I was only doing my job".. just because its "your job", does NOT make it right... bob[/QUOTE]

You are just so wrong and have no idea about what you are talking about.What do think they are Nazis!!!

Re: So now what
 

Seriously? Playing the Nazi card? Come on. Whether you agree with the laws and regulations or not, you are legally bound by them. Should we call you an anarchist?

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Simmer down here guys. I know this is a very emotional issue but no reason to be uncivil towards each other....

Funny story about the fish cops.

We get back into the dock and the fish cops walk down the ramp onto our peer to come check us out. I respect these guys so I'm always polite and for the most part so are they.

Anyhow, we were Fluke fishing that day and in the process of cleaning the fish. One of the fish cops says I'd like to measure your fish...

We happily oblige and he whips out this little tape measure that looks like it came from a kids tool set...

I can't resist having a little fun with him and say " Where'd you get that tape measure, from a Barbie kit?

He didn't think that was very funny and needless to say, we were checked out many more times by that same guy, who by the way upgraded his tape measure.

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

I filled out the survey. I live in nova scotia but I filled it out as though I live in the usa and answered the questions on my fishing habits under the new rules. we should be fishing up here in about 2 weeks as the water temp is getting warmer and the flounder should be coming into the shallow water for spawning .

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Not throwing back an 18 inch fluke.

Sorry to say this so directly but as a pure recreational angler, who gets out fishing only a hand full of times each season, I am not going to be handcuffed to this law - should it be adopted.

I don't fish on party boats or charters - they may have a different opinion about this because they literally go fishing every available day (and sometimes night) and drop many more hooks and lines than I would in a lifetime. I understand that is their 'business' and people who do not have the luxury of a boat should be able to utilize these means of fishing - and keep what they catch. But this repeated onslaught day after day after day by these boats most certainly contributes to the reasons why the size and bag limit is becoming more strict.

Then there's the commercial industry - don't even get me started. Why on earth should they be allowed to sweep clean the bottom and be held to a significantly lower size limit is beyond beyond my understanding. Don't the 'powers that be' understand that this is where the real problem lies?

Anyway, has there been any final decision on this regulation yet for 2017?

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

The NJMFC took no further action on the fluke regulations as they await the ruling on our State’s appeal to the ASMFC. Therefore, as of now our regulations will remain exactly the same as they were in 2016. The season will begin on 5/21 and end on 9/25 with a 5 fish bag limit at 18”. This regulation is subject to change depending on the ruling of our appeal. Please note that 5/21 is a Sunday, season normally begins on a Saturday. . .

NJ Appeal info --> http://njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96065

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

I will personally be out of compliance. Fillet & release it will be. They are forcing me into a life of crime

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Well, the fat lady has sung.
I wish we had a different outcome.
Up until the 3@18 "compromise" 2 weeks ago, I really thought we had a decent shot at status quo.
If you want to know why, here is my side of the story:
The politicians were listening, but they failed to ACT on our behalf. Macarthur, Booker and Menendez were extremely well informed of the dire consequences this proposal will have. They chose not to act!!!
For the life of me, I cant figure out why they simply couldn't walk down the street and speak with Mr. Ross on our behalf. All we were asking for was a 30 minute meeting.
So the net result of Signatures, Galloway turnout and personal begging was a shorter season and smaller bag limit than last year. Certainly not the status quo I felt was a fair compromise.
I urge you to remember the 3 jerks I mentioned above that failed to act on our behalf.

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Booker did nothing for Newark, I didn't expect him to do anything here..............................

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Maybe you should have used Ken or GI Joe.....???? Just sayin'!!!!:D

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

I don't know if it was posted on the site anywhere, so bare with me if I'm reiterating, but I spoke to Jim Donofrio, head of RFA, and he did have a meeting with Ross's team and they seemed very interested to help. Jim was optimistic, for the 1st time in a while. He had tried to get a meeting with Obama's administration for 8 years --shut out every time. He urged me to pass on that Trump's administration has only been in for 5 months and that we need to give his team some time. Let's hope.

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Thanks for keeping this out front Bobby. Now more than ever we need a united front (I know you are all sick of hearing it but its the only way)
A very simple way to help and fish at the same time is to join us on June 17th RFA/SSFFF Fishing trip. See sticky on the main forum. 9 spots still open.

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

So as I said, I am attempting to do anything I can for this cause. I wrote directly to the DEP asking for serious considerations of what the current regulations may cause. Here is the response received:

RE: Contact NJDEP E-Mail #009147-NHR
DEP njfishandwildlife to you + 1 moreshow details
Our staff is well aware of the impact of the new regulations, and the impact of the original parameters from the ASMFC. The 18" limit is the same as last year - in fact the same limit it's been since 2014 when it was raised from 17.5". The DEP Commissioner, recreational interests and this agency worked hard to come up with this compromise being accepted, meeting with federal officials and lobbying strongly on behalf of the state since at least January (see http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2017/17_0006.htm ). But we do need to comply with the federal mandate to lower the catch. And we have been found out of compliance with the current regulations which will likely lead to another battle for next year. But our staff, and senior staff in DEP have worked tirelessly in the interests of the state's anglers, and the businesses which rely on them, to get the best possible outcome for this year. PT

Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist
NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
908-637-4125 x114
njfishandwildlife@dep.nj.gov
www.njfishandwildlife.com
www.facebook.com/njfishandwildlife

-----Original Message-----
From: contactdep@dep.nj.gov.-.do.not.reply [mailto:contactdep@dep.nj.gov.-.do.not.reply]
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 8:47 AM
To: DEP depwebinbox <depwebinbox@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: Contact NJDEP E-Mail #009147-NHR

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

no game wardens today...have fun

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

aaaarrrrgggg!

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

According to today's Asbury Park Press, NJ DEP pleaded our case to NOAA officials last week. And it is expected that the Commerce Department will rule on whether NJ is in compliance or not on or about July 12th. Stay tuned.

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

An important piece of legislation here. Let's hope it gets some support and goes somewhere.

http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/408182

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

This is sort of like the "pots off the reefs bill".

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

:eek::D

Re: Fluke Regulations - So now what
 

Maybe just maybe we can sneak,something thru while everybody in Wash , is talking to & making deals with the Russians 🤑