[Billfish715]

There is a lot to consider when looking at the vintage photos of the party boats. The majority of NJFishing members are too young to remember when men (Yes, I mentioned the "M" word!) boarded all sorts of vessels to subsistence fish. There were no Shop Rites, or Whole Foods, or Costco's, that sold seafood. There were some fish mongers and small fish markets, but if you wanted fish for dinner, you went out and caught it.

Private boats? What were they? Who had enough money to by one? Fishermen had to rely on party boats if they wanted to go fishing. I might be reaching, but I'll bet that many of the current boat owners who fish can trace their heritage to grandparents or great grandparents or other family members who fished on many of those party boats.

Now, after a few generational advancements in terms of education, employment and finances, many fishermen today can afford their own boats. The result is a reduced number of party boats. Large food store chains provide easy and affordable access to fresh fish. Large box stores and on-line merchants have changed the buying habits of today's fishermen. As a result, small, privately owned bait and tackle stores are now out of business.

Today, we probably have as many fishermen as there were back in the 50's or maybe even more. They now fish on private boats. Another big change is in the sophistication and technology of today's commercial fishing industry. With the global demand for fish the commercial fleets have drastically changed the character of near shore fishing for recreational enthusiasts.

Party boats have disappeared in part because of the reduction of fish numbers. The business model has changed. There is just not enough money in the party or charter business anymore for an individual to own his own boat and run it as a profitable business. Commercial enterprises are suffering a little less, but as long as they are supported by financial backers with deep pockets, they will live on. There has to be a happy medium between the two industries.

Say what you want, but the party and charter business have suffered the most with all that has happened including being forced to follow regulations that are directed at recreational fishermen. My two cents point to a separate category for charter and party boats somewhere between commercial and recreational divisions. How great would it be to see a resurgence of party boats once again, or are we relegated to just showing pictures of them to our grandchildren?