Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

The Feds scare me more than the State.
Like I said these young scientists talk to others not only around the US but worldwide in order to draw conclusions. Look into the AFS.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Survey DONE. Dont waste an opportunity. There is no conspiracy theory here.
Rutgers has shown nothing but to do some real science based research with SSFFF , Black sea bass, on the water surveys, and now this while ALWAYS seeking input from the recreational community.

This is a GOOD thing. I for one would love to see the results of a mortality survey based on NJ angler input and would hope our for hire fleet would join in the process.
Currently we lose hundreds of thousands of pounds of Fluke quota based on a Federal speculative mortality rate of 10% .

There is always a chance we may hear some data we dont want too ( I for one believe the mortality rate is less than 2% ) but at least its an effort to gather real data rather than the norm.

I cant fish and live thinking science based efforts fall into the conspiracy black hole and paranoia of some of these posts. They willingly gave you their credibility and contact information. Call/ email and ASK until you are satisfied.

Thanks Max / Dr Doug and look forward to hearing the results of your work.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Bob I actually enjoy your posts so don't take it that I'm coming at you. We just have completely contrary opinions about this matter. Please read the Fisherman article per the attached link (Gerry I hope I can post it here, if not delete and I apologize) https://www.thefisherman.com/index.c...2&ParentCat=19 and tell me it's not more likely for some positive change to come out of Rutgers study than not. Again are there guarantees here.....never. But among other things we need information to support our position to create change in this or any fishery and I believe in this particular case and in the long run this study will be instrumental in the legislative powers adopting a slot limit. That's my opinion, opposing opinions are probably as steadfast in their beliefs as I am in mine. Nothing wrong with a healthy debate.

You cannot harvest exclusively female fish in any fishery and expect sustainability. You don't need a degree in Fisheries Management to realize that. And for the advocates of the Steepness Theory, their logic and statements are completely flawed. The decline as people on that side of the argument have stated is not a six-year decline. Summer flounder egg reproduction has steadily and consistently been declining over the last 25 - 30 years to the point it's been obliterated. And the trend line on the decline corresponds with the inverse trend line with size limit increases. The higher the size limit, the lower egg reproduction statistics. It started and accelerated around 2002 as we approached the 17" limit which is the cross over point in Rutgers study that proves almost all fluke beyond that size captured were in fact females. They are absolutely right on point with their findings and conclusions. Just don't see how a study of that nature can be viewed negatively. I share your frustrations in general but believe this is one situation that will ultimately benefit our cause.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Whats to survey?! Rutgers already knows that size limits means targeting breeders and letting all the males die of old age because they dont get over 18". So stop the BS - no one is playing this game of "Find Reasons to Blame the Recreational Fisherman".

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Sorry - not biting. I remember fishing in the 50's and 60's which was way before fishing laws and "researchers". Year after year, fishermen went home with sacks of fluke, whiting, ling, bluefish, tuna - you felt like a rich man.

Then the commercial fishermen let short term goals ruin the habitat and destroy stocks with by catch mortality. All this investigation of the impact of recreational fishermen is BS

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Andy - they have all the data they need. They have targeted breeders for 40 years and now there is no fluke left. It is as simple as that and any research on side issues is fiddling while Rome burns.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

So you are totally OK with how things are managed now? Bitching about something and actually contributing to change are two different things! Exactly what anti commercial surveys , web sites, groups have you worked with, donated too or helped out. Just asking as maybe I will sign on

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Has anyone ever considered the thought that the whole goal of NMFS is to collapse the fluke industry so they can put undue restrictions on the recreational industry that will ultimately drive out the vast majority of party boat and charter boats? Winter flounder, weakfish, whiting etc.? I remember 30 years ago when organizations like PETA used to protest fishing tournaments and they got very little support during those protests. Since then they have gotten political involved and have been far more successful. Maybe it’s the conspiracy theory in me but Rutgers is an extremely liberal school which is sympathetic to organizations like PETA.

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

Re: Survey of Summer Flounder Anglers
 

As far as having to use circle hooks I think the octopus hooks are good enough. I use them and fluke all summer. If I gut hook 1 or 2 fluke a season that would be it. As far as a smaller size limit to save breeders if they went back to 8 fish at 16 inches who's going to throw back a 7 pounder?