Fluke Options Poll

[mako28]

Being an avid fluke fisherman that runs a boat 3-4 times a week, running a 35' boat, spending thousands on fuel alone, like fishing the ocean for fluke. That's why I voted for option 2. It seems to me, that people that have alot to say, are people that fish from land, have a small boat or no boat. If that's the case we should have a 12" limit with 3 fish a man so everyone, everywhere can limit out. This is not about being rich or poor, it's about a regulation of a fishery.

[Chris G]

Originally Posted by mako28

It seems to me, that people that have alot to say, are people that fish from land, have a small boat or no boat.

I completely disagree. In fact, I think its the complete opposite.

[Skolmann]

Originally Posted by mako28

This is not about being rich or poor, it's about a regulation of a fishery.

Aren't you the same person who said this;

"My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat."

[SaltyAngler]

Y'know mako, for a guy talking about fishing not about being rich or poor, you sure are thumbing your nose at the little guys that can't afford your luxuries.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

Aren't you the same person who said this;

"My recommendation to those for a smaller bag/size limit is to get a bigger boat
and fish where the 18" fish live. For those who fish off land, hop on a charter or party boat."

Andy, I agree that Mako's sentiment is grating and abrasive, and certainly not among the many good arguments for keeping our 18" size limit into next season. Just curious: how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

[Skolmann]

Originally Posted by reason162

how do you feel about the bag vs. size limit?

-roger

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

The way I see it, there are always going to be sharpies that will limit/near limit almost every trip out. Those same sharpies (as well as others) usually make several trips a week. So lets say they make 2 trips a week; limit on 1 trip and get a near limit the next. So thats at least 14 or 15 fluke kept. They do this for say 10 weeks. Thats one person keeping 140-150 fluke in just 10 weeks. I don't care how much you like eatting fluke, no one is going to eat that much fluke (lets not forget that these same fisherman are more than likely filling their freezers with other species during the year). So what are they doing with all that fluke fillet ? Certainly they are eatting & freezing some but they're probably also giving some to neighbors, bartering some or whatever.

I just feel that a 6 fluke bag limit will best satisfy all; the sharpies, the weekend party boater & the guy who goes 2-3 times a year. In addition to dimishing the dockside hero mentallity of having to achieve an 8 fluke limit every trip.

Thus out of the options given and for my reasons stated above I think option 5 is best because it is closest to the season/bag limit I would set if I was the one & only to decide.

[Jigsmith]

Something all the people getting the "just missed" fish should think about...there is a difference between fishing for fluke and fishing for keepers. Put some damn bait on. Too many times I see these little dinky baits being lowered in the water, for what? Yes you'll get a fish but remember the smaller fish are more eager and aggressive a lot of times. Scare them off with a bigger bait and you'll get a bigger fish, it may take a little longer that's all. I have been on the same private boat fishing next to somebody who catches 30-40 fish almost all shorts and I had 10 or so all keepers...why? Because my bait didn't encourage those little dinks. It helps using a hook they can barely swallow too, like a 9/0 octopus, and yes I still get shorts on it just not many. If you want to catch 50 fish without a keeper it's your choice to make but realize it doesn't mean there aren't any keepers where you're fishing. My 2 cents, just something to think about.

[Tuna Tales]

I don't fluke fish all that much since I run offshore as much as possible - but I feel Option 2 is best...

Again, thank you to the SSFFF and everyone who helped keep NJ fluke fishing afloat - two years ago we were almost shut down!!


Joe T.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

If I had the only voice in deciding, I would opt for something along the lines of a season from May1-September 30 with a bag limit of 6 with a minimum of 18"s.

That would be a nice option. I'd like a longer season but keeping the size at 18" is important. 6 keepers, 8 keepers...my average over last season was 4.2