NJ FISH AND GAME COUNCIL MINUTES May 9, 2017:

[Eskimo]

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Originally Posted by Jigman13

I don't understand the complaints. The volume of fish stocked statewide is incredible.

I agree. I think some people don't understand what a blessing the Fish & Wildlife stockings really are.

A few weeks ago, I was fishing on a reservoir which is probably one of the most heavily fished bodies of water in the world. I was catching-and-releasing pike, channel catfish, and hybrid stripers. It occurred to me that NONE of these fish were born in this body of water. ALL of the fish I was catching were born in the hatcheries run by Fish & Wildlife.

I know I constantly bitch that Fish & Wildlife should change their regulations to enhance the populations of wild-born Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; but I am amazed and grateful for all the stocking of trout, walleye, pike, catfish, and hybrid stripers we receive for a paltry sum of $33.00.


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[Dave B.]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

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I agree. I think some people don't understand what a blessing the Fish & Wildlife stockings really are.

A few weeks ago, I was fishing on a reservoir which is probably one of the most heavily fished bodies of water in the world. I was catching-and-releasing pike, channel catfish, and hybrid stripers. It occurred to me that NONE of these fish were born in this body of water. ALL of the fish I was catching were born in the hatcheries run by Fish & Wildlife.

I know I constantly bitch that Fish & Wildlife should change their regulations to enhance the populations of wild-born Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; but I am amazed and grateful for all the stocking of trout, walleye, pike, catfish, and hybrid stripers we receive for a paltry sum of $33.00.


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Agreed! I couldn't have said it better! Gotta include smallies, LMB and LLS among others too!

[thmyorke1]

Im fine with paying $33 a year to fish. But getting my friend's to fish is pretty tough. The fishing buddy deal doesnt work well for this matter. Id like multiple friends who will probably only be fishing a few times this year to pay cheap. There's that 2-day vacation license but it's non-residents only.

A good idea would to offer a "beginner's" permit. If it's their first time buying a license in NJ, they hardly pay, maybe like $5. At all times fishing they would need someone with a real license by their side. And next year they will have it void and will need to pay for full price (or the fishing buddy price, since if they're going to buy another year license they're probably going to buy it with their friend)

This way I can convince a lot of my friends to come fishing with me and still be legal. In the end I get like four friends who pay at $5 discounts, maybe one even buys a trout stamp. Then one of them decides to pick up the hobby and fish next year.

That's way better than charging $22 for a new angler who doesnt feel really convinced yet. It's about convincing new people to fish afterall.

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by Eskimo

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I know I constantly bitch that Fish & Wildlife should change their regulations to enhance the populations of wild-born Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass; but I am amazed and grateful for all the stocking of trout, walleye, pike, catfish, and hybrid stripers we receive for a paltry sum of $33.00.

In the era of $150+ rods, $200+ reels and $20+ lures the license is the cheapest part of the hobby.

I happily pay the license and trout stamp fees especially considering the opportunities F&G provides NJ fisherman.

[BT67]

Originally Posted by NJSquatch

In the era of $150+ rods, $200+ reels and $20+ lures the license is the cheapest part of the hobby.

I happily pay the license and trout stamp fees especially considering the opportunities F&G provides NJ fisherman.

Amen!

[nate01]

I couldn't agree more with
1) the current trout situation being ok. It's not like the state chose to only stock rainbows to screw us...they thought that was the best way to avoid another disaster like what happened a few years ago when no trout were stocked due to the outbreak. I'll happily catch numbers of stocked rainbows down the street from my house until the coast is clear again
2) the suggestion to reduce bag limits in general in NJ
3) the quality of NJ fishing and the job done by NJF&W...tons of quality fish and a variety of different species 12 months of the year

[hammer4reel]

Not many things you can do all year with the low admission price o a license and trout stamp.
Go buy a few trout at a local hatchery , and you will be quick to realise that the trout stamp is a BARGAIN

[FASTEDDIE29]

I used to buy "5" licenses a year including all the stamps!!! NJ, NY, PA, Maine and Vermont!!! Adventures are priceless! No regrets!!

[Mark B.]

NJDF&W appreciates everyone's support.

The last year NJDF&W raised the price of a FW Fishing License & Trout Stamp: 2000.