NJ 2017 Fluke Regulations

[Reel Class]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

There are more of us than there are of "THEM". There are too many coolers, bags, holds, boxes, boats, marinas, docks etc. for the officers to check. They may be able to issue a few citations but they can't be everywhere at the same time. We are being challenged to obey regulations that are at best, questionable for reasons that are equally unrealistic. The real victims are the charter and party boat businesses. While the private boats can afford to be pelagic pirates, the pay to fish businesses can't. A massive day of protest might be worth consideration in order to demonstrate our outrage and distrust of the scientific studies and the subsequent findings. Are they trying to save fish for the future? The future is now and as far as fluke fishing is concerned, it has always been now. I can't ever remember a summer when I never caught a fluke and it's been many, many summers ago since I caught my first 14" summer flounder. I still have a picture of me from over 50 years ago smiling from ear to ear with my trophy.

How do you suggest "we" protest? We're not walking out on a job, or doing a job action, so what is your idea?

I agree, there are a lot more of us then there are of them - but "we" get nowhere. Action usually results from peaceful and thoughtful opposition, but we as a community truly have to unite and buy into this kind of movement. "We" don't have a union backing us, nor do we have many powerful lobbyists who can make a difference. This unity has not been accomplished in my lifetime, and I truly hope we all find a way to fight this battle the right way!