The Fishing Line: The Flounder Wars

March Madness just might refer to trying to understand proposed fluke regulations.
Under new regionalized guidelines, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey form one region. This area will have a four (4) bag limit at 18 inches and each state can set the start and end dates of its season. Delaware, Maryland and Virginia form another region. In that region the limit is four (4) and the size is 16 inches. Delaware’s fluke season is open year round; as of this writing, New Jersey has not set its season dates. (A NJMFC meeting was held March 6)
New Jersey anglers who fish in the Delaware Bay are frustrated by the difference in regulations. You’re really going to have to pay attention to where you are fishing. Check Delaware’s DEP Web site for information regarding fishing licenses.
Just a reminder: NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, individual saltwater anglers ages 16 and older must register (free) if they recreationally fish with a hand line or rod and line, spearfish or fish by hand; recreationally fish in the marine and fresh tidal waters of NJ; recreationally fish in marine waters outside the State but land the catch in New Jersey.
You are exempt if you are under the age of 16 or fish solely on for-hire (party and charter) vessels that are registered.
NOTE: Anglers with a valid registration with the National Saltwater Angler Registry or have a valid license from another exempted state are required to register (free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration with NJ will exempt you from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
The Coast Guard reminds recreational, charter and commercial fishermen of the ongoing moratorium of Atlantic Striped Bass in the exclusive economic zone of the U.S., which includes all waters from three nautical miles offshore to 200 nautical miles. As the primary federal agency for at-sea enforcement of fisheries laws, the Coast Guard will be on patrol for those who choose to illegally poach striped bass. See more: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/….kGE7YXOK.dpuf
CALENDAR: Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center Open House, March 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free. Visitors see how thousands of brook, brown and rainbow trout are raised for stocking at favorite fishing spots. Enjoy environmental and conservation exhibits, historical re-enactors, wildlife artists, carvers and taxidermists, fishing, archery hunter education (register at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com in mid-February), and crafts for children. A Sportsmen’s Flea Market will also be held. Visit their website for information.
Our main entrance is located on Route 46 in Oxford, NJ – 9 miles
American Littoral Society, March 13, NJ Native Plant Society, Delaware Bayshore Chapter Meeting, with Tom Shephard, Bee Keeper, 6 – 8 p.m.. open to public, Society, 135 N High Street, Millville.
March 16, 10 a.m., Fort Mott Beach Sweep, remove litter and natural marine debris along Fort Mott beach. Meet at the beach entrance by the pier. Volunteers needed.
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Training, April 3 & 4, North Hudson Park Environmental Academy, James J. Braddock Park, North Bergen, for adult staff and volunteers of youth-centered community and/or faith-based organizations looking to offer an ongoing or year-round youth fishing, conservation and aquatic education program. The program is flexible enough to be tailored to fit most organizations. Organizations that participate are eligible to receive: additional professional development in conservation education and angling skills, financial and in-kind support for program materials and supplies including subsidized educational field trips.
To register, e-mail Liz.Jackson@dep.state.nj.us. Non-refundable registration fee of $30, deadline March 28. Confirmation packet will be e-mailed to you detailing what to bring and to reserve your spot.
Would love to hear which boats are ready to head out. The Fishing Line runs year round so keep sending your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. Column and pictures are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com and on Facebook. Keep them coming.