2014 Fluke and Sea Bass Regulations Set

[Angler Paul]

2014 Fluke and Sea Bass Regulations Set

At the NJMFC meeting on 4/3/14 the council voted unanimously in favor of the following regulations for fluke and sea bass.

Fluke - 5 fish, 18" size limit, season 5/23 -9/27

Sea bass - 12 ½” size limit, 15 fish bag limit from 5/19 – 6/30, 3 fish bag limit from 7/1 –8/31, 15 fish bag limit from 9/1 – 9/6 and a 15 fish bag limit from 10/18 – 12/31.

Additionally a presentation about a special pilot program that would allow 2 fluke at 16" to be kept by shore based anglers at Island Beach State Park was made. This program could possibly be expanded further next year. JCAA, NJBBA and NJSFSC all supported the concept but also requested that it be expanded to include a couple other areas particularly in southern New Jersey this year as well.

Paul Haertel
President, JCAA

[SaltLife1980]

Thanks for the info

[njfisherman1975]

Thanks for the info Paul...I guess it is what it is. If that pilot plan goes into effect for IBSP...would you be allowed two fluke at 16" and then three others at the set regs? Or two fluke at 16" and then five more at the set regs? I know the likelihood might be slim to none...but I was wondering if you knew what they might do. Thanks again Paul!!!

[Angler Paul]

Actually the size limit would be 16" and you will only be able to keep 2 fluke period. Previously, I asked the state two allow 2 fish of the 5 fish bag limit to be 16-18" but the state does not want to do it that way. Personally I would rather have 5 at 18" than 2 at 16" but JCAA is suppporting 2 at 16" because it will help casual fishermen, kids, etc.

Paul

[njfisherman1975]

Thanks again Paul!!! I appreciate the answer...

[jmurr711]

at least we finally know

[Ryelof]

Originally Posted by jmurr711

at least we finally know

jmurr's least fun post of the year!!!

Thanks for always being there, Paul.

[PALMERS TACKLE]

Thanks paul for your hard work! Belows statement are in no way directed towards you--You work hard and are the messanger i don't shoot the messanger.
these are my feelings on the state of our fishery.

The sea bass regs are a joke. Why not eliminate the july / aug period when little to no one is fishing for sea bass and the 5 days in september.
Start the season the day fluke ends to give fishermen and party/charter boats capt"s something to fish for. Three weeks of no fluke, no sea bass, and added pressure on stripers most likely. A fishery in distress already!
As far as 9/27 being the end date it really doesn't matter what date they set as fluke will determine when it is over --usually the hurricane or storm that hits nj shore around labor day or so. Rarely have i had a chance to really see fluke that late in any numbers. Yea you get the occasional fish or two but mostly they boogied offshore before then.
Guess porgys , dogfish or yellow eyes are all we get.
Managment of our fishery is getting is getting to be real nonsense.
I need to carry a laptop to go seabassing so i don't break the stupid regs.
This year i talked to a ton of Capts who reported seabass 30' off the bottom in huge schools offshore. There is no shortage of sea bass yet we still get scraps.
Damn shame we can't get a fairly managed fishery.
This regionalization plan is going to kill us..does anyone really think that New york who had 2 fish and now has 5 will not be counted as overfished. Resulting in reduced bag limits for the REGION ---(NEW JERSEY) won't come out next year?
You will start hearing rumors of 2-3 fluke @ 18.5" for NJ in November for 2015. Count on it!
Sorry if my thoughts offend some of you folks it is just my opinion and lets hope im wrong but i highly doubt it.

[gomarfish]

Thanks. I will be sure to carry the sea bass info close to my heart.

[frugalfisherman]

[QUOTE=PALMERS TACKLE;350524]Thanks paul for your hard work! Belows statement are in no way directed towards you--You work hard and are the messanger i don't shoot the messanger.
these are my feelings on the state of our fishery.

The sea bass regs are a joke. Why not eliminate the july / aug period when little to no one is fishing for sea bass


You catch some big ass seabass drifting the rough stuff for fluke in july and august.