Fluke Regulations - So now what

[Sharkyispy]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Simmer down here guys. I know this is a very emotional issue but no reason to be uncivil towards each other....

Funny story about the fish cops.

We get back into the dock and the fish cops walk down the ramp onto our peer to come check us out. I respect these guys so I'm always polite and for the most part so are they.

Anyhow, we were Fluke fishing that day and in the process of cleaning the fish. One of the fish cops says I'd like to measure your fish...

We happily oblige and he whips out this little tape measure that looks like it came from a kids tool set...

I can't resist having a little fun with him and say " Where'd you get that tape measure, from a Barbie kit?

He didn't think that was very funny and needless to say, we were checked out many more times by that same guy, who by the way upgraded his tape measure.

Maybe you should have used Ken or GI Joe.....???? Just sayin'!!!!

[captbogan]

Originally Posted by Ttmako

Well, the fat lady has sung.
I wish we had a different outcome.
Up until the 3@18 "compromise" 2 weeks ago, I really thought we had a decent shot at status quo.
If you want to know why, here is my side of the story:
The politicians were listening, but they failed to ACT on our behalf. Macarthur, Booker and Menendez were extremely well informed of the dire consequences this proposal will have. They chose not to act!!!
For the life of me, I cant figure out why they simply couldn't walk down the street and speak with Mr. Ross on our behalf. All we were asking for was a 30 minute meeting.
So the net result of Signatures, Galloway turnout and personal begging was a shorter season and smaller bag limit than last year. Certainly not the status quo I felt was a fair compromise.
I urge you to remember the 3 jerks I mentioned above that failed to act on our behalf.

I don't know if it was posted on the site anywhere, so bare with me if I'm reiterating, but I spoke to Jim Donofrio, head of RFA, and he did have a meeting with Ross's team and they seemed very interested to help. Jim was optimistic, for the 1st time in a while. He had tried to get a meeting with Obama's administration for 8 years --shut out every time. He urged me to pass on that Trump's administration has only been in for 5 months and that we need to give his team some time. Let's hope.

[dales529]

Originally Posted by captbogan

I don't know if it was posted on the site anywhere, so bare with me if I'm reiterating, but I spoke to Jim Donofrio, head of RFA, and he did have a meeting with Ross's team and they seemed very interested to help. Jim was optimistic, for the 1st time in a while. He had tried to get a meeting with Obama's administration for 8 years --shut out every time. He urged me to pass on that Trump's administration has only been in for 5 months and that we need to give his team some time. Let's hope.

Thanks for keeping this out front Bobby. Now more than ever we need a united front (I know you are all sick of hearing it but its the only way)
A very simple way to help and fish at the same time is to join us on June 17th RFA/SSFFF Fishing trip. See sticky on the main forum. 9 spots still open.

[Sharkyispy]

So as I said, I am attempting to do anything I can for this cause. I wrote directly to the DEP asking for serious considerations of what the current regulations may cause. Here is the response received:

RE: Contact NJDEP E-Mail #009147-NHR
DEP njfishandwildlife to you + 1 moreshow details
Our staff is well aware of the impact of the new regulations, and the impact of the original parameters from the ASMFC. The 18" limit is the same as last year - in fact the same limit it's been since 2014 when it was raised from 17.5". The DEP Commissioner, recreational interests and this agency worked hard to come up with this compromise being accepted, meeting with federal officials and lobbying strongly on behalf of the state since at least January (see http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2017/17_0006.htm ). But we do need to comply with the federal mandate to lower the catch. And we have been found out of compliance with the current regulations which will likely lead to another battle for next year. But our staff, and senior staff in DEP have worked tirelessly in the interests of the state's anglers, and the businesses which rely on them, to get the best possible outcome for this year. PT

Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist
NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
908-637-4125 x114
njfishandwildlife@dep.nj.gov
www.njfishandwildlife.com
www.facebook.com/njfishandwildlife

-----Original Message-----
From: contactdep@dep.nj.gov.-.do.not.reply [mailto:contactdep@dep.nj.gov.-.do.not.reply]
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 8:47 AM
To: DEP depwebinbox <depwebinbox@dep.nj.gov>
Subject: Contact NJDEP E-Mail #009147-NHR

[tautog]

no game wardens today...have fun

[Capt Joe]

aaaarrrrgggg!

[FVPelican]

According to today's Asbury Park Press, NJ DEP pleaded our case to NOAA officials last week. And it is expected that the Commerce Department will rule on whether NJ is in compliance or not on or about July 12th. Stay tuned.

[Gerry Zagorski]

An important piece of legislation here. Let's hope it gets some support and goes somewhere.

http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/408182

[frugalfisherman]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

An important piece of legislation here. Let's hope it gets some support and goes somewhere.

http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/408182

This is sort of like the "pots off the reefs bill".

[Capt Joe]