Another week of cold winds, with some snow thrown in for good measure. Actually, I enjoy winter weather, so this is fine, but it is extreme with the low wind chills. Enough about that.
Due to recent developments, flounder caught in the Delaware Bay will have two size limits. Delaware and New Jersey, which share the bay, will have differing size limits with an angler in Delaware being able to keep a 16-inch fish, while their counterpart in New Jersey can’t keep a flounder till it is at least 18 inches.
The length of flounder season also varies between the states. In Delaware, you have a 365-day season, while New Jersey has a varying season, in terms of length and starting date. The problem has resulted because New Jersey has been put into a group of states north to Connecticut that has a particular set of limits, while Delaware and Virginia are another group. Last week, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), a group of East Coast states that regulate migratory fish voted to use the regional approach again in 2015.
There had been hope that the New Jersey side of the bay could be coupled with Delaware’s rules, or a compromise of a 17-inch fish could be established. New Jersey could not get a second motion that would have allowed for discussion of the issue.
More bad news. New Jersey will experience a drop in the allowable catch of Black Sea Bass. This is a result of the region from New Jersey to Massachusetts exceeding their recent catch limits by 33 percent. The ASMFC will allow each state to develop their own regulations to meet the required deduction. This can be done through the use of size limits, daily bag limits, and various time frames (seasons) to catch the fish. Last year, for example, New Jersey had four seasons. One season had a bag limit of three fish, while the other three were for 15 fish. The size for a keeper was 12.5 inches.
Finally, the ASMFC has approved a 25 percent reduction in striped bass catches for the coast, and 20.5 percent in the Chesapeake Bay area. Concerning New Jersey, we are allowed one fish at 43 inches, and one between 28 and 43 inches. Because of this, the bonus tag program may draw more interest this year. If used, a size for the third fish will need to be determined.
Hopefully, getting out to a show or two may act to boost everyone’s spirits. First, The Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sport Show is being held Feb. 26 through March 1 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. Attractions include a trout pond, Saltwater Superday (Saturday), fishing simulators, an archery range, and a trophy buck contest. Family Fun Day is Sunday. A great variety of outdoor activities will be covered.
Also see Shark Encounters – a live shark performance, plus watch a diver swimming with sharks. Free seminars with the pros, giveaways and prizes will also be offered. Admission is $12 (adults), $3 (children 5-11) and free for those under age 5.
The Berkley Striper Club is holding their 20th Annual Fisherman’s flea market March 1 from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. It’s being held at the Toms River Intermediate North School, 150 Intermediate N. Way, in Toms River. Browse over 100 tables of new, used and custom fishing items. Custom plug builders will be selling homemade plugs, food and door prizes will be offered, and some local tackle shops will be displaying their wares. Admission is $4.
Out and about: Looking to get out soon. Laid up right now due to recent surgery. Watching a lot of Wicked Tuna, and other fishing shows. Thanks to all for the get wells, the food, cards, and flowers.
Send your fishing news and photos to Mark Robbins at mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
