First your comments assume these fish were caught in NJ, maybe they were caught at the Delaware Water Gap on the Pa side which has a different set of regulations. If they were taken from NJ waters, NJ regulations require release because they don't want these fish encroaching on the established species already present in the system. You've heard the saying "hope is not a strategy". Well NJFG hoping these fish go away is equivalent to putting their heads in the sand. They're population is increasing, size is increasing and they're pushing further up river every year. One fish lays a massive amount of eggs, the species is apparently spawning with great success so the fishery is only going to further expand. For those who target them, they are truly a trophy catch. And like many trophy catches, many if not most people release them in the hopes of catching even bigger flat heads. NJFG will be forced to change their stance at some point because the simple facts are mandating people to release their catches isn't going to happen. And even if the few maniacs who target these fish and put in the insane hours catching a trophy keep them, the population is still going to explode. How many people would kill an 8 lb large mouth bass, a 4 lb small mouth, or a 35 lb musky? Then why would you expect people to kill a 40 plus lb. flat head, just because the state says so even though it won't make a dent in the population? NJ as I said earlier has their heads in the sand with this fishery, they'll be forced to take a different position sooner than later. Just because they're clueless doesn't mean we have to be. It's one of the greatest fresh water fisheries we have which provides an opportunity to catch a truly huge fish, why destroy it. Nature has a way of balancing out, maybe flat heads are nature's answer for controlling the spread of carp! The answer doesn't always have to be in the form of a regulation. And in this case it's a regulation which makes no sense so if you or anyone else want to follow it blindly just because it exists that's your prerogative but as I said most serious flat head guys respect the resource and will never keep a trophy fish just because some bureaucrat is trying to protect the resident species of fish. At the end of the day, it all comes down to money and in the case of our fisheries selling more resident and non resident fishing licenses. Well embrace the flat head fishery and sell more licenses. Initiate and promote tournaments. Everyone is concerned the precious trout, walleye and small mouth populations in the big rivers will be destroyed by these fish. Maybe nature will find a way of balancing itself out without politicians involvement. What a novel idea! I would challenge anyone on this site to put in the effort to catch one of these trophies and NOT catch the bug. They hit like a freight train, can peel 100 feet of drag in seconds and have head shakes that rival any fresh water fish. Worthy adversary that requires time and effort. Almost exclusively a live bait predator that requires fishing at night. As a previous thread discussed, there are fish caught during daylight and on cut bait but 95% of fish I would guess are taken at night with live baits. What other fresh water fishery is there when every bite you get could be a 30 or 40 lb fish.....none! My question would be why would anyone not release these big girls. If you want a few and feel better obeying the regulations, keep some of the smaller fish but don't &$%^ up one of the best fisheries this state or any other has to offer.......it would be a sin especially if your doing so just because the state said you have to because of money and politics!

Oh and by the way, Justin and Chris way to make it happen guys. Wish I was there with you last night. You pay your dues and catching those fish was not stupid luck. With the hours we all put in, a 40 lber will hit the decks this year, feel very confident in that. We might have dropped a few already but sooner than later we'll get and land the right bite. Chris fantastic to see you not only scratch the flat head off your bucket list but do it in grand fashion! Great job guys!