Fluke Options Poll

[Ahab123]

Option # 2...so we can catch'em in the drop ,when they come inshore
to feed on the fall Snappers.....lots of fun.....

[Dollar Bill]

Option 2. Plenty of fluke around in October providing the hurricanes don't send them offshore.

[Reel Class]

I have one fear w/ the 17.5"/5 fish option = like LAB said, if we give up those 3 fish to the bag limit, my fear is that we NEVER get those three fish back.

With that said, it looks like the poll is pretty much split with the 17.5"/5 fish option and the #2 option where we get the LONG season. I bet when things are set the decision makers will have the same result with a very narrow split between those 2 options.

FWIW, I personally still like any season/option with 8 fish and a tad longer season to get us through October.

[cool hand fluke]

Good points Allen but I think some of the #18 inch 8 fish options are drawing votes away from others.

If there was only one 18 inch 8 bag option in poll my guess is its lead would be substanital over the 17.5 option

Whatever it is, can't wait til fluke season

Al

[Capt. Debbie]

Longer season keeps guys like Capt. Ron in business longer with arguably the most popular fish for targeting.

More money for PB's and more fishing.

[Chris G]

Originally Posted by Capt. Frank

Longer season keeps guys like Capt. Ron in business longer with arguably the most popular fish for targeting.

More money for PB's and more fishing.

Originally Posted by Capt. Frank

True May is "usually" good. But we are talking about this year- 2012.

The winter is mild and the water temps are not staying down like many years. Barring a long chill I can see fluke bite on in mid April.

This winter is not average- it's warmer. How many 50 degree days in February "usually" happens.

Capt Frank, I combined both you're replies.

A longer season (as dictated by this past season) does not necessarily mean that you will get to fish & catch. This past year we got what everyone wanted, a longer season (and a larger bag limit) but in the grand scheme of things meant nothing once Irene showed up. 2 days prior to Irene was the last time we caught any signifigant amount of fish. Furthermore, the interest for fluke fishing dwindled... not only from lack of fish, but also from people recovering from the hurricane. So, just because you have a longer season, doesn't mean you'll actually get to utilize the alotted time. Grant it, hurricanes are rare but NE'ers and residual hurricane effects are not.

Also, it may be "most popular fish for targeting" but really the majority of the fluke clientle/business is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I'm not saying that people like you and I (fisherman) wouldn't target them before or after, but from a business stand point that's when you're going to see most people (IMO).

I know you mentioned that this is a mild winter, and it's hard to imagine but, but alot can happen from now until late April.

Overall, I would just rather see more people go home with fish for dinner during the height of the season, than gamble on a longer season during two of the more unpredictable months of the year. When people go home with something to eat, it actually brings people back. It gives them hope. I don't about you Frank, but i'm pretty tired of hearing "Last time I was out I caught (insert some ridiculous number here) of fluke & not a SINGLE keeper".

[Ram 204]

Oprion # 2 appeals the most to me the larger fish are there its a matter of being in right place at the right time

[River Rat]

Option #2 for me... shocked at how many folks are willing to reduce the bag limit. Once we give those 3 fish up may never get em back.

[coltsfan61]

Yes #2

[tropics]

I just voted #5 Give the people fishing on PB a chance to take dinner home.
I only fish half day boats now with the regs, caught 35 fish no keepers. I have limited out on a few trips, and I give families that are out trying to take the catch of the day home, my fish.
I am surprised non of the PB Capt. have responded to this poll, I see some Charter Boats and a few Mates.