Talk about hitting the proverbial brick wall. As I start to organize this week’s column, I’m seeing a serious drop-off of local fishing activity. Granted, most boats around here are in hibernation, but not all. An odd weather pattern has lessened fishing opportunities. On a couple mornings during the week, I noticed little to no wind, and calm ocean conditions outside of Cape May Harbor. My thoughts drifted to heading out and trying for tog. My mind quickly returned to my regular day, and things progressed as normal. But within an hour or two, I noticed that the pattern of windy weather was kicking in again. Any hope for others fishing – and me hearing how they did – fizzled. We did get some fishing news from southern ports, so all is not lost. We also have news concerning our local summer flounder situation, so let’s get moving.
On Friday, Jan. 27, a large meeting concerning the 2017 summer flounder regulations was held at Fishermen’s Supply Company in Point Pleasant. Commissioner Bob Martin, from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, spoke out against the proposed regulations that would cut the allowable catch by 40 percent. He asked that these regulations not be used. During his address he mentioned how the owners of bait and tackle shops, charter boats and marinas will be negatively affected, as well as other businesses touched by anglers. Those include restaurants and hotels. Gas stations also would feel the impact as these anglers travel and buy fuel for their trailered boats. Some of those boats use portable tanks and don’t get fuel from the marina, but either way a lot of people would feel the economic squeeze.
Per the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) website, submitted public comments are being reviewed by the board, and final action on the Draft Addendum was considered at the Commission’s Winter Meeting from Jan. 30 through Feb. 2. At this meeting, Commissioner Martin spoke against the proposed quota changes. The ASMFC is prepared to formally adopt one of five general management approach options that vary from coast-wide harvest reductions to more localized regional reductions. At the conclusion of the meetings, the Commission directed the states on how to achieve the reduction targets.
Any reductions can use a combination of fish length, daily catch limits and changes to the seasonal length. Concerning this, Commissioner Martin stated, “Past management of quotas for recreational and commercial fishing industries have been much too capricious, varying widely from year to year and leading to great uncertainty in both industries, as well as competitive disadvantages to New Jersey.”
Per a press release from the DEP, “Recreational fishing in New Jersey alone directly creates some 20,000 jobs and contributes $1.5 billion to the state’s economy, with commercial fishing generating another billion dollars in economic benefits.”
As you can see, this situation is very serious, and very impactful to our local economy. This topic also hits close to home as this column relies heavily on the summer flounder industry amongst other fish, plus a family member works on a local boat. It also will affect many of the readers and contributors who provide much of the information that gets disseminated each week. The final decision could have an enormous impact on a lot of businesses and people. I’ll keep you informed as to how the situation continues to develop.
On Monday, a measure sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew and Bob Smith was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. It is to be sent to President Donald Trump and asks him to reject the proposed reduction in the summer flounder catch limit. It also urges the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct a new summer founder assessment.
The bill’s sponsors and members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation warn that the significant reduction in catch limits could destroy the recreational and commercial summer flounder industries. It would also have a tremendous impact on the economy at the New Jersey shore.
The resolution also requests NOAA to conduct a new benchmark assessment of the summer flounder stock. This will be to ensure the accuracy of the assessments, and to not have the destructive reduction quota’s implemented if not necessary.
We should have more news by the next issue. Hopefully, it will be favorable to those who fish both locally and statewide, plus to all the businesses that could potentially be affected. This isn’t just a local situation, but a statewide issue.
We got our first report of the winter from Libation Charters, which is in its southern home of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. Captain Franz, Cullen and Charlie were able to get out on Jan. 25 when a small, favorable weather window opened. Their determination was rewarded when they “went two for four on wahoo bites.” They also caught a few trash fish for good measure. They reported water temperatures in the mid-70s, and shared that it was “great to be in board shorts and bare feet.”
Libation Charters will be down there for two months, so if you want to get in on some of the action, give Captain Franz a call. Be prepared to be flexible, “cause its winter but the bite is great.”
I saw a picture from Caveman Sportfishing that reported its anglers fished with Captain Andy from Cape Queen Sportfishing Charters. They “fished from the dock at the marina” were they live. They caught enough for a fresh fish dinner, then let the rest go. It’s good to see they are keeping their skills sharp.
Another event: The Atlantic City Boat Show will occur from Wednesday, March 1 through Sunday, March 5 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Information is available through Facebook or at www.acboatshow.com.
Don’t forget to send in your fishing pictures from wherever you go. We want to hear about your success. Good luck, and keep in touch.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
