Wow, it sure is quiet. Just the wind and snow, and then more cold wind. In fairness, it is March and there’s that lion and lamb saying. It would be fair to say we are in our hiatus period. The blackfish season is closed for this month; stripers are now legal in the back, but the conditions haven’t been favorable to get out; sea bass are out till May; and flounder are, well, still being discussed with no concrete answers being finalized yet. That is the direction in which we’ll head first.
This information comes from a Department of Environmental Protection news release.
In the latest development concerning the 2017 summer flounder regulations, new United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, received a formal request from the Christie Administration asking that a hold be put on the severe restrictions of recreational summer flounder fishing adopted recently by a regional fisheries commission. This move would effectively cripple the state’s fishing industry and have far-reaching impacts on the shore tourism economy. It will also affect the tourism industry along the shore, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin as he announced this request.
Since Secretary Ross heads the Department of Commerce, he watches over the management of fisheries through the agency’s Fisheries Office and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service.
In February, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved a 34 percent reduction in the state’s recreational quota for summer flounder.
While writing to Secretary Ross, Commissioner Martin pointed out, “These restrictions will put our recreational summer flounder industry in serious jeopardy. This action imposes a de facto moratorium on recreational summer flounder fishing in my state. This action also is disproportionately damaging to New Jersey compared with other states.” Commissioner Martin also wrote, “In the short term, New Jersey is requesting that you stop these new regulations from going into effect and that NOAA Fisheries maintain the status quo for the 2017 Recreational Harvest Limit for summer flounder. At the same time we are requesting an immediate benchmark stock assessment for summer flounder be conducted.”
The Christie Administration has taken the position that there is too much variance from year to year. This causes much uncertainty for state fishery managers and those who like to fish. While this occurs, “New Jersey has over three decades worth of fish trawl surveys that show a slight, but measurable increase in the summer flounder stock off the coast.” Commissioner Martin added, “New Jersey recognizes the importance of protecting our marine resources by preventing the overfishing of any species. But the decisions that are made to ensure the health of fisheries must be based on reliable data about the health of the fishery and the use of up-to-date, sound science.”
Recreational fishing generates 20,000 jobs, which produce $1.5 billion to the economy of our state. Commercial fishing brings in an additional $1 billion. These and other businesses ranging from restaurants to hotels could feel the pinch if the money and effort to come and fish is not deemed to be worth the angler’s time.
This is an issue that still needs to be finalized. As more information develops and decisions are made, I will pass the news on.
Now on to fishing-related topics. Recently, my son and I went to the 30th Annual Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series. It was held at the Linwood Country Club and the room was packed. Many different topics were covered by the panel of guest speakers. George Poveromo, from the World of Saltwater Fishing, was the host of the show, and introduced the guests as they came up to speak about their areas of expertise. The speakers came from all over the host state, so the north through the south was well represented.
Topics varied from tactics for offshore trolling, to tuna chunking and jigging, to ways to target sharks. Whether you’re offshore or closer, you’ll need to consider your electronics, and that area was also examined.
Fishing for striped bass of the trophy-size variety (40 pounds and up), plus working the back bays with artificial baits, was talked about. Another back bay species, summer flounder, was also discussed with back bay, off the beach and artificial reefs being prime areas of consideration. Ways to target these fish through the legal period, with early and late season being be focused on, revealed different strategies for the assorted bodies of water throughout the state. The bays and rivers up north may have different tactics, for example, because of heavier boat traffic, while a different approach may be used in the southern portions where boat traffic is less.
All the topics were very informative, but the area we really wanted to hear about, and the final one I’ll mention, was the blackfish portion of the show. Four speakers spoke on the subject, but we most wanted to hear a “local,” Captain Tom Daffin from the Fishin’ Fever out of Utsch’s Marina in Cape May. Without giving out specific spots, as no one does, Tom gave information that could be adapted for closer inshore structure, or be used farther off in deeper water. Different baits, based on availability and the time of the year, were discussed. With that in mind, different rigs, poles and reels to put the bait on were discussed. Poles and reels are important due to what each is designed to handle. You don’t go out undersized, but you also don’t need a telephone pole either. For big tog, the time of year is probably your main consideration. Everything else will play off that. Tides, moon phases, swells and temperature all proved important also. If you’ve read about any of the big tog reported on in this column over the winter and realized that they came from the charters of Captain Tom and Captain Bob Cope, then you can understand why this fishery is one to get excited about. Get out in April when the spring season opens.
Two quick reminders before we dock and the column concludes. A late notice from the Canyon Club will find them at the Saltwater Fishing Expo. This show will be at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, N.J. from March 17-19. Get some gear, check out the boats and kayaks, and spend some time in the fishing atmosphere.
March 19 is also the date of the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo. It will take place at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to many exhibitors offering boats, kayaks and other products to the public, local fisherman and business owner Fred Ulhman will be giving a seminar on back bay fishing, the USCG Auxiliary Boater Safety Group will cover proper PFD selection, Captain Steve Spagnuola will give a Sharking Seminar, and there will be a children’s reading of “Amir’s Big Catch.” Try to get out to one of the shows, see what they have and get ready for the fishing season here at the Jersey Cape. See you out and about.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
