Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

I think this may have been lost in all the talk about Summer Flounder/Fluke Regs.? There was an article in yesterday's (2/11/14) Asbury Park Press. In the article John Oswald stated 'the Atlantic States MArine Fisheries Commission's Winter Flounder Management Board set specifications for the 2014 recreational season, extending it from March 1 to December 31 for the Gulf of Maine and the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic stocks with a two-fish limit at 12 inches. This si an expansion from the current 60-day recreational open season."

"How this change will affect New Jersey fishermen is up to the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Commission." "New Jersey can adopt the new specifications, stay with the current winter flounder season, or come up with a new option."

I don't know about the rest of you people but I fish for Ling quite a lot. During those trips we catch a good amount of big Flounder. It sure would be nice to take some flounder fillets home, with my Ling fillets, instead of having to toss those 3-4 pounders back!

I know, in the past, I have stated that I have given up on the system but I am willing to give it one more shot. The next meeting of the NJ MFC is March 6th., How about we get some letters out to the commission asking them to help alieve the pain of the fluke regs?

Sorry to say I couldn't come up with a working email but the regular mail address is: Bureau of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 418, Port Republic, NJ 08241

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

That would be awesome. Couple of trips we've done in the past. Throwing back those fatties were heart breaking! Thanks for sharing Ron....:D

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

I posted info., on this before. The ASMFC approved having no closed season for winter flounder. It is now up to the NJMFC to adopt a regulation reflecting the change. I contacted a NJMFC member and asked if this might be expedited so that the season could open sooner. He expects the council to approve a 365 day season but they do not intend to take action on this until their Mach meeting. Then is must be signed by the DEP Commisioner before it becomes law. Therfore, I do not expect the season to open earlier this year than in the past but once it is open it should remain open for the rest of the year. Lastly, no changes in the bag or size limit are anticipated.

Paul Haertel
President, JCAA

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

So are you saying there is no need to write? This is a done deal and we can save our stamps.

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

That is the impression I got from the councilman who I spoke with. However, it would not hurt to write a letter or go to the next meeting and ask the NJMFC to approve this change

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

Yea, funny thing about those meetings, 4:00 PM Galloway Twp. I can make it, since I'm retired & have time to do it, if I can find it. But how does a working stiff make it?

I already sent my letter.

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

They really do not want you to go!!!

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

Thanks Capt. I hope this is retroactive so I can keep the ones I already ate!;):rolleyes::D Again I thank you for your time and information.

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

I'm ecstatic over this news I may not even bother Fluking. I know one thing there are no shorts where I Flounder fish. I can't wait I have enjoyed Flounder fishing just as much as Blackfishing. The Flounder will fill in the gaps between seasons just nicely.

Re: Extended Winter Flounder Season?
 

2 would be great, I toss a lot back ling fishing