NJ Bunker Fishing Closed

[finchaser]

THE MARINE FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION HAS CLOSED NJ MENHADEN (BUNKER) FISHERY EFFECTIVE TOMORROW AT 11:59 PM!
Making Sense of the New Jersey Menhaden Fishery Closure...FishinJersey
Gets You Answers from the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife!
By Tom Vassallo

A letter from the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Administrator, Brandon Muffley, dated February 10, 2014 stated that the New Jersey directed harvest of menhaden in the commercial Pound Net, Otter Trawl, Gill Net, and Bait Net fisheries will be closed as of 11:59 PM, Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Under New Jersey Public Law 2013, Chapter 74, C.23:3-51.11, d. (1) the commissioner has the power to "... close the menhaden season in the State, for each respective gear type, by giving not less than two days' notice of the projected date that the year's quota for that gear type will be landed. " Now, that same law also gives the commissioner the power to "reopen the season for a specified period of time, upon no less than two days' notice." Well, the commissioner decided that the 2014 New Jersey Menhaden quota established by the Atlantic Marine Fisheries has, in fact, been reached and shall not re-open until January 1, 2015. So the waiting game begins for our commercial fleet.




http://fishinjersey.com/images/features/menhaden_feature_photo_01.jpg



Menhaden (Bunker) are an important bait for New Jersey striped bass anglers during the Spring Striped Bass Season.





However, of utmost concern for our recreational anglers are the questions pertaining to the impact of the menhaden fishery closure upon the private taking of menhaden as a baitfish, so important to the success of many anglers during the upcoming spring Striped Bass season. Menhaden are also a large component of chum and bait when "chunking" for other species of game fish including our bluefish fishery. Well, FishinJersey.com wanted to get you the answers to your questions to clarify the situation for all you New Jersey saltwater recreational anglers.

The confusion seems to stem from the statute which can be obtained on the NJ legislature web site. An examination of the terminology as defined within the New Jersey Statute states:




"As used in R.S.23:3-51, section 3 of P.L.2010, c.72 (C.23:3-51.1) and sections 4 through 17 of P.L.2013, c.74(C.23:3-51.2 through C.23:3-51.15):

“Bait net” means a net, including but not limited to a bait seine, cast net, dip net, lift or umbrella net, or kill pot, deployed for the purpose of taking menhaden to be landed or sold in the State."








So to clarify just how this was going to affect New jersey anglers, FishinJersey.com contacted the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's press office on Tuesday, February 11, just a day before the fishery was set to close. Within hours, we received a phone call from Jeff Brust, Research Scientist at the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Brust explained that the closure of the Menhaden Fishery pertains to COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN ONLY. However, he went on to clarify the following:




• Anglers on small vessels are permitted to "snag" menhaden and place them in live wells for later use or to use them immediately as bait. Menhaden snagged may also be saved and used the following day. Anglers are not permitted to sell any of the menhaden, or they will be in violation of the law.

• Party boats and charters are permitted to snag or net menhaden and distribute them to anglers on their vessel. They may also save netted menhaden for a trip the same day or following day. Party boat captains, employees or customers are not permitted to sell any of the menhaden, or they will be in violation of the law.

• "Cast netting" is only permitted by individual anglers who are using the menhaden they catch for personal use. They may NOT sell the menhaden. Cast netters holding commercial licenses may NOT attempt to catch menhaden and may NOT sell menhaden or they will be in violation of the law.









This is a somewhat comforting answer to those of us who snag and use bunker as bait, but we will have to wait and see the impact that it will have on our commercial fishery and there is no doubt that the bait and tackle dealers may be dealing with a larger influx of out of state menhaden. That will only result in rising costs for New Jersey dealers and the anglers who purchase bunker from them.But why is the fishery being closed? Well, the Atlantic Menhaden fishery has been under close scrutiny due to the tremendous pressure placed on the fishery by commercial harvesters. The majority of menhaden are not taken for use as baitfish. They are being taken for their capacity to produce a tremendous amount of fish oil through processing. Menhaden oil is a large component of the huge fish oil supplement industry gaining momentum due to the health benefits of Omega 3 oils. This demand has fueled a huge demand for fish oil that has had a negative impact on the menhaden population over the past several years. Although most fish oil supplements include other fish oils such as sardine, salmon, cod and herring, menhaden oil is usually used in a higher percentage than the other fish oils. Menhaden oil is also used in the cosmetic industry as a base for products such as lipstick.

Now the fish oil supplement industry (while a major contributor to the problem) are not totally to blame. The recreational fishing industry not only uses menhaden for bait and chum, but is now heavily marketing menhaden oil and menhaden "milk" as fish attractants when trolling and casting. To put this in perspective, in recent studies, available figures have shown that approximately a half BILLION menhaden are harvested by all industries combined per year. What makes that figure particularly disturbing is that (according to a Discover magazine article (http://discovermagazine.com/2001/sep/featfish#.UvphKPldWHd)), "Menhaden have an even more important role that extends beyond the food chain: They are filter feeders that consume phytoplankton, thus controlling the growth of algae in coastal waters. As the population of menhaden declines, algal blooms have proliferated, transforming some inshore waters into dead zones."

As New Jersey anglers, we need to recognize that Atlantic Menhaden are an important species that needs protection. They are not only an important link in the food chain for most of our treasured game fish, but they are important to the cleanliness of our waters as well. So when you are snagging or netting bunker for your own use, be sure to take only what you need. Should they die, freeze them or use them for chum. By caring a bit more for our baitfish, we will indirectly help ensure a better future for our waterways, ocean and game fish.

[finchaser]

Ah no more Betty bunker at Betty and Nicks

Bunker schools will be huge and with less bass around snag and drop will be hard to do and bass schools will stay off the beach maybe even off shore

[Monty]

Ah no more Betty bunker at Betty and Nicks

Bunker schools will be huge and with less bass around snag and drop will be hard to do and bass schools will stay off the beach maybe even off shore

Fin, on the complete picture, is this closing good news?

[robmedina]

So let me get this straight. The powers that be say that the Bass are not in danger and therefore they will not impose any new regulation concerning them, however, they will impose severe restrictions on bunker. Hmmm, seems like the powers that be feel the pressure of the people and are too embarrassed to impose the right regulations so they skirt around it.

I know this will impact the B&T business, but then again sounds like a good opportunity to sell lures and cast nets for them. all in all I think this will help.

[buckethead]

I know this will impact the B&T business, but then again sounds like a good opportunity to sell lures and cast nets for them. all in all I think this will help.

I think as far as the bass fishery goes, the powers that be are heavily influenced by commercial fishermen. my .02. As far as the bunker the way I read this is party, charter boats, and rec anglers will still be able to cast net bunker for limited use, just can't sell it. I did read on the internet that a tackle shop may be able to buy from a grandfathered supplier, but not sure if that is true or not. I think limiting it will hurt the tackle shops badly. I think they went a little too far.

[finchaser]

IMO this will hurt surf fishing as the bait boats kept the bunker in check. Now the schools will be even huger and what's left of the larger bass 10 pounds and up will stay off the beach in the bunker schools. Remember bunker swim off the beach and are chased to it with huge schools I don't believe there are enough bass to do that just my.02. Also tackle stores will not have bunker as the law states for all you chunkers. As always with fish management watch what you wish for because it usually comes back to bite you in the a_s when they flip you a bone.

The worse thing and the demise of the bass will be the bunker which created snag and drop, especially that it is done by people who are clue less and don't rehook on a single hook and wait for ever to set up on a fish gut hooking them and releasing them to die because they don't quit after there limit or they are so called catch and release guys.

Just remember this summer they gave you your bunker that no one really gives a rats a_s about and took your fluke. They have already rammed 4 fish at 18" down our throats this was an option thrown out by the public at last meeting all we get is a vote on how many days the season is March.

[jigfreak]

The worse thing and the demise of the bass will be the bunker which created snag and drop, especially that it is done by people who are clue less and don't rehook on a single hook and wait for ever to set up on a fish gut hooking them and releasing them to die because they don't quit after there limit or they are so called catch and release guys.



With you all the way on this one. imho about 75% of the fishermen who fish in the spring are dillys who couldn't catch a bass on artificials to save their ***.
If they don't have bunker they will have to take up a new interest like doll collecting or flower arranging. Take those hot shot charter capts and take away there bunker and you will have no one limiting out with "bonus tag limits included" in there online fishing reports. Its not easy to get bass on artificials but thats part of the challenge. With less bass around if you can still get them on artificials you deserve some credibility. The guys chunking or livelinging bunker deserve about as much respect or admiration as the current crop of losers at the top of fisheries management. Take the bunker away I'm all for it but take it away from everyone.

[buckethead]

Take those hot shot charter capts and take away there bunker and you will have no one limiting out with "bonus tag limits included" in there online fishing reports. Its not easy to get bass on artificials but thats part of the challenge. With less bass around if you can still get them on artificials you deserve some credibility.

Whatever happened to good old fashioned jigging? When the bass are on bunker you can get them jigging or tossing shads and big bucktails. Wouldn't be too much of a stretch to return to some of the old methods. my .02

[buckethead]

IMO this will hurt surf fishing as the bait boats kept the bunker in check. Now the schools will be even huger and what's left of the larger bass 10 pounds and up will stay off the beach in the bunker schools. Remember bunker swim off the beach and are chased to it with huge schools I don't believe there are enough bass to do that just my.02. Also tackle stores will not have bunker as the law states for all you chunkers. As always with fish management watch what you wish for because it usually comes back to bite you in the a_s when they flip you a bone.

The worse thing and the demise of the bass will be the bunker which created snag and drop, especially that it is done by people who are clue less and don't rehook on a single hook and wait for ever to set up on a fish gut hooking them and releasing them to die because they don't quit after there limit or they are so called catch and release guys.



That's old fashioned. I agree with you that's the right way. You hardly ever see anyone bringing in the bunker and hooking them on a single hook anymore. I don't fish bait so it won't affect me. The real problem is saving the bass not the bunker.

[storminsteve]

Agree, bucket. This is my opinion so don't jump on me. There are bunker conservation groups all over. If half of the guys who are worried about saving the bunker put that much effort into education about the striped bass and tried to do something about the corrupt pols in charge of these rules maybe we would get somewhere and there would be bass around.

[bababooey]

Some further clarification from NJ F&G, found this online:

Purse sieners will be allowed to land 6000lbs of menhaden daily and are allowed to sell them for bait. The small boats throwing a cast net will also be allowed to sell to tackle shops if they purchased a ''landing permit'' along with there bait permit. All the other netters are in the same category and that is irrelevant. We as recreational fisherman can cast net bunker for our own purpose.

[bababooey]

With you all the way on this one. imho about 75% of the fishermen who fish in the spring are dillys who couldn't catch a bass on artificials to save their ***.
If they don't have bunker they will have to take up a new interest like doll collecting or flower arranging. The guys chunking or livelinging bunker deserve about as much respect or admiration as the current crop of losers at the top of fisheries management. Take the bunker away I'm all for it but take it away from everyone.


Wow, did you really say that? I chunk bunker from a boat because my philosophy is to give the bass what they are eating. Don't you think you are being a bit harsh?

[Monty]

Wow, did you really say that? I chunk bunker from a boat because my philosophy is to give the bass what they are eating. Don't you think you are being a bit harsh?


:HappyWave:

While I won't call you a dill, I would like to see the bunker fishing banned. But that's just a selfish personal opinion of mine.
As for fishery management, they should be locked up in jail for allowing the decimation of the bass population.

[bababooey]

:HappyWave:

While I won't call you a dill, I would like to see the bunker fishing banned. But that's just a selfish personal opinion of mine.
As for fishery management, they should be locked up in jail for allowing the decimation of the bass population.

Yeah but rather than it being about the fishermen its all about politics. For example there was one bill out there about the bunker fishery. I read that Christie was not onboard and the officials in Md were not pleased. Don't remember all the details though. And you better not call me a dillydock weren't you up for the googan of the year award or something?:laugh::HappyWave:

[finchaser]

UPDATE


A few new facts seem to be coming out about the bunker harvest. The purse seiners AKA bait boats
will be able to operate within state waters but will
be held to 6000 lb per trip. The small cast net guys will
still operate but will have to have a bait and landing
license. Bait shops will be able to purchase Bunker
as usual, but the price is sure to be up substantially.
FIN

[jigfreak]

Wow, did you really say that? I chunk bunker from a boat because my philosophy is to give the bass what they are eating. Don't you think you are being a bit harsh?

Not in the least. Look at the guys fishing from party and charter boats. There is a reason theyre called rail yams. Dont tell me how great a fisherman you are if all you do is sling bait or fish bunker blitzes. Thats so easy even a caveman could do it. Try selectively targeting the fish with bucktail and pork or try jigging for once in your life. Then come back and tell me how you did.

[surfman1980]

Not in the least. Look at the guys fishing from party and charter boats. There is a reason theyre called rail yams. Dont tell me how great a fisherman you are if all you do is sling bait or fish bunker blitzes. Thats so easy even a caveman could do it. Try selectively targeting the fish with bucktail and pork or try jigging for once in your life. Then come back and tell me how you did.

Thats such a stupid comment!
The point of fishing is to catch fish for 99% of the normal people in the world.
The best way to accomplish this is to use what works the best at that time, in this case it's fresh bait.
To use anything less would mean your either an idiot or catching fish is not your primary goal here.

You don't mow your lawn with a pair of scissors do you? Don't answer that, I don't really need to know that much information about you!

[Monty]

Thats such a stupid comment!
The point of fishing is to catch fish for 99% of the normal people in the world.
The best way to accomplish this is to use what works the best at that time, in this case it's fresh bait.
To use anything less would mean your either an idiot or catching fish is not your primary goal here.

You don't mow your lawn with a pair of scissors do you? Don't answer that, I don't really need to know that much information about you!

Going to disagree with you on this.
There are a bunch of guys and women, who enjoy the "challenge" of fooling a fish to take an artificial, even when using a form of bait would be much easier to catch a fish.
More than 1%.
There is a lot more than "catching fish" when going fishing, at least to me and I believe a good bunch of the posters here. Walking the surf line, trying to catch fish, the solitude, the "getting lost in the pursuit of catching", concentration on trying to find and fool a fish. Its the fishing experience, catching is just a part of it. I also find the "learning aspect" while fishing artificials is huge, finding what works, when, why, where. The "rush" in fooling a fish to take an artificial.

On a side note, on a trip to China 15 years ago, on the way to work each day there were like 50 women it looked like working there way across a huge lawn cutting the grass with what looked like scissors. Each morning when I went by they were about 20 yards further across the lawn.......I know, that was irrelevant....

[jigfreak]

Thats such a stupid comment!
The point of fishing is to catch fish for 99% of the normal people in the world.
The best way to accomplish this is to use what works the best at that time, in this case it's fresh bait.
To use anything less would mean your either an idiot or catching fish is not your primary goal here.

You don't mow your lawn with a pair of scissors do you? Don't answer that, I don't really need to know that much information about you!

dude are you kidding me? How easy is it to catch a bass with a clam or hunk of meat? My buddies were fishing the power plant in 2011 and 2012 winters. Ya I know it was closed but lots of guys fish there anyway, no more this winter because they didn't use the cooling towers yet an are eventually closing it down. Anyway on a good day they could get between 10-25 bass apiece, all on clams. What is so hard about that? A 5 year old can catch bass on clams or meat. And when it comes to livelining bunker if you are throwing a live bunker out there among feeding bass and can't catch you should just give up fishing and take up macrame or dressmaking.

Hey that's not what I'm about but with bait its so easy a caveman can do it.Try jigging an inlet or bridge for hours at a time for a bigger fish and you will see the challenge is worth it. Sorry if you were offended but its the truth. Just my .02.