2018 Freshwater Fisheries Forums

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by Dave B.

As for the clubs being able to fish their own waters as C&R during the pre-season closure frankly I don't care either way. We are all able to do likewise on all of the TCA's, WTS's and Artificials Only waters. Some may argue that state fish will move into the private waters...ehh, so what? The nice big club fish will likewise move into public waters and be available for all anglers during the regular open season. They're fish, they swim. I've caught PLENTY of privately stocked fish in public stream sections on a lot of NJ waters over the years. Just off the top the Paulinskill, Musky, SBR, Flatbrook and Pohat come to mind.

Look forward to meeting you as well.

My issue with the private club exception is that it is contrary to F&W's mission statement and rewards an already privileged class of people.

Mission Statement
"The mission of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and manage the State's fish and wildlife to maximize their long-term biological, recreational and economic values for all New Jerseyans."

If the club areas were open to all trout fisherman during the closed period like the TCA's than I would be all for it. Does anyone know how many private clubs there are and how many members are in each? Are we talking about a 100 or so people? Not sure about you guys but I don't think that qualifies as "all New Jerseyans."