NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

Just got done listening to the tail end of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council meeting. Today the subject was Fluke. Dave Daily (Dales) from the NJ Chapter of the RFA was on the call as well.

Just in case you were not aware, based on stock assessments were we looking at a 40 some % reduction in quotas for 2017. That means stricter regulations.

The initial rumors getting floated around were we'd be at 2 fish @ 19 inches.

This is not set in stone since there is a lot more to follow over the next few months but, based on what I heard it seems more likely 3 or 4 fish @ 19 inches... If 3 fish, a longer season, if 4 fish, a shorter season.

So, I guess we should be happy it's not as bad as we initially thought, right?

WRONG!! This happens every year... They float doom and gloom regs, throw us a last minute bone with an extra fish, we feel better and drop our guards...

The problem with this line of thinking is the cumulative effect is has... Just like the old anecdote of the frog in the pot of water on the stove... You put him in there when the water is boiling and he jumps right out... If however you put him in cold water and raise the heat gradually, he doesn't notice and before he knows it, he's boiled.

Same thing with the Fluke regs.... They take 1 fish from us this year, another next year and 5 years from now we are wondering how the hell we got boiled.

We all need to stay vigilant here, not let our guards down and continue to fight for our rights every day and every year.....

Some may be thinking how can I help... I'm only one person and only have so much time and energy to fight... The good news is we have local and national organizations you can contribute to and as a collective have a much larger voice.

Here are 3 examples.
- http://www.joinrfa.org/join/Recreational Fishing Alliance
- http://ssfff.org/ Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund
- http://www.jcaa.org/ Jersey Coast Anglers Associations

Some might be thinking, I've contributed to these organizations in the past and what have they done for me? Fact is they all go to these meetings representing our interests, lobby politically, invest and support in better science needed to assess fish stocks and they are our collective voice.

Just think if our interests weren't being represented where we'd be....Left unchecked and to their own and others well organized environmental and social group agendas, we wouldn't be allowed to fish at all... Are you thinking that assumption is being over stated here??? Just google Federal Marine Protected Areas and you'll see what's happening...

Thanks for bearing with my rant here and please get involved in supporting these and other organizations. Give what you can and take solace that you did what you could to save our great sport for future generations. It's worth the investment and these organizations deserve and need our support!!

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

I'll continue the fight and funding but damn, these regulators are ignorant. Forcing us to keep only the large female fluke is wrong, no matter what the bag limit is !!

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

There was some talk about that too Larry.. A lot of that was a result of the study the SSFFF helped fund. A lot of time, money and effort was spent gathering data in regards to size and sex. That data could in the future lead to slot fish or other regs to encourage the release of the large female fish.

Problem is that information needs to be reviewed and accepted by other scientists in the next peer review so will not be considered in time for the 2017 regs.

Lots of moving parts and bureaucracy at work here Larry. We all know how that goes...We just need to let it run it's coarse and keep the pressure on.

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

Its all such bullshit. . . . . . They **** you no matter what measure they decide to take to help rebuild the stock. Its a loose, loose..... They make it 4 fish at 19 next year, then the following its gonna be 3 fish at 21, then to 2 fish at 24, till you cant keep shit anymore. Only way your going to get some fish to have for dinner is going to be buy it or be a pirate.... AND IM NOT SPENDING $16.99 A POUND FOR 6 MONTH OLD FISH:D;)!!!

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

All the more reason for people to get and stay involved. Got to keep the pressure on and make sure our interests are represented.

I know you and your Dad are big supporters and have never missed one of RFA fund raiser trips. Much appreciated and a lot more we need to get done Jeff!!

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

I'm done with it all.

I understand as rec guys we have to keep up the fight but its disheartening.

My biggest dilemma is teaching my kid to follow the rules and regs, yet teach him they are not fair.

Next spring will be different. Time to preserve and build the stocks on my own level.

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

They have to make exceptions for party boats! Those guys will go broke and ancillary businesses such as ice, sandwiches, soft drink and adult beverage vendors will suffer as well.
I have no financial interest in any party boat and do not know anyone employed in the trade.

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

Yeah dad and i will never stop fighting the good fight. Both will be RFA members for life. I just wish the words from this fishing community had more of an influence on decisions they make. Sometimes it feels like its falling into deaf ears when we speak out about what this fishing industry has become and what these regulations are doing to us.

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

I doubt very much there will be any exceptions for party boats June. We're all going to swim or sink together.

Re: NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations
 

I guess it will be catch and kill for me. If I can't keep them they are not going back for the draggers.