Striped Bass Closures in Nov and Dec

[Capt Derek Fisher Price 3]

You are 100% correct. After talking to several people, none of their "science" has come from the for-hire var's that have to be filled out daily. They are basing everything on recreational surveys. Its a complete joke. As you said, this closure will not so much effect any boats north of Montauk or say south of Ocean County, as the bio mass of fish is historically off long island/ north and central jersey.

[Broad Bill]

Originally Posted by Capt Derek Fisher Price 3

You are 100% correct. After talking to several people, none of their "science" has come from the for-hire var's that have to be filled out daily. They are basing everything on recreational surveys. Its a complete joke. As you said, this closure will not so much effect any boats north of Montauk or say south of Ocean County, as the bio mass of fish is historically off long island/ north and central jersey.

I think you give the powers to be way too much credit. Decisions aren't based on for hire or recreational surveys or public meetings and certainly to Gerry's point not made based on Fair and Equitable distribution to states or sectors. Politics and economic agendas drive decisions, data is driven by desired results which is completely ass backwards.

The decision about stripers is already in, everything else is standard protocol to make the public believe they're actually being asked for their input. That's only a box to check under the provisions of the Magnuson Stevens Act and virtually never will these regulatory agencies factor in what the everyday recreational angler thinks should be done. Fisheries management is a dictatorship, not a democracy.

[Lido-Gambler]

How may others have commented? My comments are succinct and to the point.

1)These proposals are another measure intended to hurt the recreational anglers and the"for hire" sector which is perceived to wantonly just kill stripers. Further restrictions would greatly harm shore economies. Example- Striped Bass Fishing makes up 25-35 percent of our business and drives tourism post summer.

2)Be proactive not reactive-look to fix the spawning issue in the Chesapeake and not base decisions on harvest estimates like MRIP or sporadic state trawl surveys.

3) It was reported by ASMFC that seasonal closures are not supported by NOAA or State Agencies as they are too hard to enforce, why even propose them?

4) Bass are migrating further offshore due to Ocean Temperatures and Geography. The New York Bight and New Jersey Coast sees larger numbers bait and hence larger numbers of striped bass. Others states are driven to push this overly restrictive agenda as a result of poor fishing in thier region.

Capt. Chris Lido
FV Gambler
Point Pleasant Beach NJ

[dales529]

Originally Posted by Lido-Gambler

How may others have commented? My comments are succinct and to the point.

1)These proposals are another measure intended to hurt the recreational anglers and the"for hire" sector which is perceived to wantonly just kill stripers. Further restrictions would greatly harm shore economies. Example- Striped Bass Fishing makes up 25-35 percent of our business and drives tourism post summer.

2)Be procative not reactive-look to fix the spawning issue in the Chesapeake and not base decisions on harvest estimates like MRIP or sporadic state trawl surveys.

3) It was reported by ASMFC that seasonal closures are not supported by NOAA or State Agencies as they are too hard to enforce, why even propose them?

4) Bass are migrating further offshore due to Ocean Temperatures and Geography. The New York Bight and New Jersey Coast sees larger numbers bait and hence larger numbers of striped bass. Others states are driven to push this overly restrictive agenda as a result of poor fishing in thier region.

Capt. Chris Lido
FV Gambler
Point Pleasant Beach NJ

Well Said!

[jasm1n8]

This is what I emailed them:


I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed closure of striped bass in November and December for 2025. Based on my personal observations over the past few years, particularly in 2024, striped bass populations have been robust and increasing. I believe that closing the striped bass fishery in November and December, when populations are at their peak, is an excessive measure. While I understand the need for sustainable fishing practices, I urge the committee to consider alternative, less restrictive regulations, such as different month or alternate days during each month.

[SNAPS]

Yes we need to stress that closure is not an option, and will kill businesses but at the same time, we need to make them see, that maybe the science is flawed, and if they think the numbers are down, that it may be due to natures way. As some one else said here,they aint getting it done, for various reasons. Water temps current etc. How the eff do they know the biomass is down?? Did they take a head count??? What about natural predators???

[WhaleFart]

this fishery needs to be closed for harvest for at least 5 years. The fish you are seeing the last 3 or 4 seasons are the same fish. The breeding rates for bass is totally crashing. The fact is there are NO fish behind this class of fish that even hold a candle to the current biomass which still even isn’t that great considering .

It’s time to start treating bass like tarpon IMO.

[Detour66]

Originally Posted by Broad Bill

Fisheries management is a dictatorship, not a democracy.

I agree....100%