fluke skins
 

I talked to a guy that was recently on a party boat.While mates were filleting they were throwing the skin in a bucket.The mate said they use them on the next trip for bait.Can someone clarify the law on this?

Re: fluke skins
 

I don't see anything wrong with that. Strips of fluke belly make very good bait. Actually, I prefer fluke belly over squid since it's much tougher to get it off the hook.

Re: fluke skins
 

I would have to say that boat shouldn't be mentioned and same rule would apply for belly : must have racks of legal length...

Re: fluke skins
 

Totally agree....What about the "ribs" when you fillet?

Re: fluke skins
 

I am just trying to see if the man considers the "skins" to be fluke belly.

Re: fluke skins
 

Guys, check the NJ Marine Digest under Finfish/Filleting because you could be issued a violation of the Regs for keeping skins/strips.

It states that: "No parts of any fish caught on a previous fishing trip shall be in possession."

I don't agree, but what are you gonna' do?

Re: fluke skins
 

If caught without the racks it's 35 bucks a ribbon plus a 20 buck fee. So 55 bucks per ribbon if caught without legal sized racks.

Re: fluke skins
 

Correct. You can be fined it you don't have the racks to prove the fish you took them from was of legal size.

As far as the skin and the ribbons... The skin is the skin and the ribbons are the outside of the skins where the small bones/fins are.. Usually some meat left on them after filleting so they are prefferd over the skins. Cut them in long strips jusy like you would squid.

Re: fluke skins
 

I heard that a non sponsor party boat recently lost their fillet permit for supplying strips.

Re: fluke skins
 

TOTAL BS!!! Only because of a "couple boats" cutting shorts, and I was told this directly from the powers that be....it now cost me over $1800 so far this season for Freaking Squid!!

Enforcement has to enforce but when it get's thrown in their face, we all have to suffer.:mad: