Obviously, I’m not sure how the weather will be when this column comes out, but the conditions right now scream get out and go fish. An unseasonably warm February weekend led to thoughts of the March 1 opening of the back bays and local rivers (albeit in Atlantic and Cumberland counties) for the pursuit of striped bass. If you travel to one of those rivers, then some perch might also be on your list of targets. Many have been catching both recently, but the stripers have to go back. It’s still a good early-season sign though. If it stays warm, you might want to get your freshwater gear ready and hit some local lakes and ponds. I passed the Cape May County Park recently and saw someone tossing a bait or lure, but was unable to stop and see how he was doing. Don’t forget to get your legal paperwork, a.k.a. your freshwater license (plus trout stamp if you choose), and/or to register for the Saltwater Registry. Be legal so you don’t have a fine to pay. Also, there is a fishing show coming up which I’ll remind you of. Let’s get started.
From a recent press release comes word that Senators Jeff Van Drew and Bob Smith have sponsored a measure that will urge President Donald Trump to reject the reduction in the summer flounder catch limit. It will also ask the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct a new summer flounder assessment. This measure was approved by the senate.
“We are very concerned about the decision to move forward with a catch reduction. The fact that it was based on faulty data only adds insult to injury,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic). “We are urging the president to reject this dramatic change that will have a real negative effect on both the fishing industry and our economy, and asking for a new assessment before any new catch quota is implemented.”
“There is no doubt that fishermen in the state are going to be severely impacted by this policy change. We are asking the federal government to halt the process so that an accurate assessment of the summer flounder stock can be determined,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex). “That is the responsible way to handle this matter, given the severe economic hardship that will be caused by such a dramatic catch reduction.”
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries voted on Feb. 2 to reduce the summer flounder catch through implementing reductions of 28 to 32 percent along the New Jersey coast. This decision was the result of the 2016 Stock Assessment Update published by NOAA. Findings of this report were based on data obtained through random samplings made off other coastal states. Because of this, the assessments that were made are merely estimates which may not represent the actual status of the summer flounder stock.
The sponsors of this bill and members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation warn how the significant reduction in catch limits could destroy the commercial and recreational summer flounder industries of our state, plus cause tremendous harm to the economy of the New Jersey shore.
Reduced summer flounder quotas from previous years have led to a struggle for many communities along the New Jersey shore. In fact, according to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, from the years 2007 to 2014, two million fishing trips were lost in New Jersey, with 40 percent of those targeting summer flounder.
The resolution urges President Trump to reject the 40 percent reduction in summer flounder catch limits by either repealing, rescinding or prohibiting implementation of the rule adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service on Dec. 22, 2016. It also urges NOAA to immediately conduct a new summer flounder assessment while refraining from enforcing a reduction in summer flounder catch limits until a new benchmark can be determined.
The senate approved the resolution. Copies of it will be sent to President Trump, the Chair of the ASMFC, the Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Commissioner of the NJDEP, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and every member of congress elected from the State of New Jersey.
Another Captain that I touched base with concerning the 2017 flounder regulation ruling was Captain Chuck from the Sea Star III. “I guess you can say I feel the whole thing is a mess.” He also mentioned, “New Jersey was not going to accept the federal suggestions, and we may have a mid-season closure if we over harvest.” The smaller bag limits, larger harvest sizes and fewer days to fish caused him to ask, “When are we going to see any benefits for our sacrifices?” Good question to which there is no clear answer.
Now let’s head the water. Some fishing has been going on locally, while some has been happening to our south. Either place, the anglers have some success to report.
Captain Al on the Bayhound was putting his fares on the tog over this nice weekend. The weather was just a benefit, as most anglers expect cold weather this time of year when pursuing big tog. No one was complaining, though, as some nice fish came over the rail. On Saturday he had some nice tog brought in by Sam Melendez, who had 13.5- and 12.5-pound fish. The streak of big fish continued as Tony Pacitti landed three fish over 10 pounds, and topped those with a personal best of 14 pounds. Now that’s a nice Saturday.
Libation Charters continues to rack up the catches while wintering in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. The latest report concerns the day of Feb. 17. While celebrating the “youngest son’s 21st birthday” during “a fabulous weather window,” Libation Charters had a visit from Joe Massi of Laceration Lures. They were testing some new prototypes and the results were positive. They went one for two on sailfish, while watching “multiple sails’ corral bait on the surface.” Next they went 10 for 15 on wahoo bites. The fish boat averaged out at 50 pounds per fish. A blackfin tuna was kept and became sashimi, which provided some protein after a busy day. The final efforts went to catching and releasing “many barracuda.”
They report they had “typical Carolina Blue skies and great fishing!” and concluded with, “What a great place to hang for the winter.”
Out and about: The place to be this Saturday, March 4 is the Ocean City Intermediate School, 1801 Bay Ave., Ocean City, for the 11th Annual OCIS Fishing Flea Market. It runs from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Keep in touch and let us know how you do if you get out.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
