Fluke

New Jersey has been forced to take approximately a 15% reduction from the recreational
quota it had last year. This is due to a cut in the overall coastwide quota and the fact that New
Jersey slightly exceeded its quota last year. This may very well renew the battle that we had last year when
commercial representatives on the NJMFC overruled the standing motion recommended by the advisors
and the council’s recreational representatives. That resulted in a shorter season with a 17 ½” size limit and a
5 fish bag limit rather than a longer season with an 18” size limit and 8 fish bag limit that the vast majority
of JCAA member clubs favored. The NJBMF has recently developed a number of preliminary options for
this year including those with varying seasons and size limits. However, all have the same 5 fish bag limit
that we had last year. Unfortunately, at this time no options are being considered to return the bag limit to 8
fish as there is insufficient data to increase the bag limit when increasing the size limit. The JCAA pointed
out last year that it was not a good idea to give up a portion of the bag limit unless it is absolutely necessary.
While a 5 fish bag limit is really not all that bad, most fishermen would not want to reduce it any further.
This could become a problem if we exceed our quota this year. Therefore, this year’s battle will be between
those preferring a shorter season with a size limit of 17 ½” and those who prefer a longer season with an 18”
size limit. Last year, even with the 17 ½” size limit, we had a season that lasted 147 days. This year if we
keep the size limit at 17 ½” we will be forced to reduce the season to 117-122 days. On the other hand if
we raise the size limit to 18” we will probably be able to have a season ranging from 131-149 days. Below
are some of the preliminary options being considered. Some of these may be modified or deleted and others
will be discussed as well at the advisors meeting on 2/26/13. Ultimately though, only a few options will be
chosen for the public to have input on at the NJMFC meeting on March 7th. The meeting will begin at 4:00
PM and is will take place at the Galloway Township Library on Jimmie Leeds Rd. in Absecon. The
regulations will be set immediately after the public comment portion of the meeting. Therefore, those
interested are encouraged to attend and give their opinions.

The 2012 season had a 5 fish bag limit at 17 ½” and ran from 5/5 – 9/28 for a total of 147 days.
Below are just a few of the preliminary proposals being considered for this year. All have a 5 fish bag limit.

17 ½” with a season from 5/11 – 9/4 for a total of 117 days
17 ½” with a season from 5/18 – 9/16 for a total of 122 days
17 ½” with a season from 5/24 – 9/22 for a total of 122 days
18” with a season from 5/25 – 10/2 for a total of 131 days
18” with a season from 5/2 – 9/12 for a total of 135 day
18” with a season from 5/4 – 9/29 for a total of 149 days