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by Tom Siciliano
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association October 2003 Newsletter)
Well, one of the wettest summers in a long time is over. A lot of weekends were lost to the rain. Of course, that is what rain gear is for, so I hope that a little rain did not keep too many of you home watching the fishing shows instead of fishing. It certainly was quite a contrast to last summer’s drought. The fishing was good most of the time with some great shots at stripers in the early season, and have you ever heard of so many big fluke? The fall season should shape up to be a great one with only a few weeks left in the Fluke season. Now is the time to get out and try once more for a bragging-size fluke.
The next big event for the JCAA is the Annual Sportsperson of the year Dinner/Dance. This event gets bigger and better each year. The date is November 9 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm at Crystal Point Yacht Club. We are still waiting for nominees for sportsperson of the year. A few people have indicated they will nominate people but we haven’t seen anything official. If you know someone who you feel is deserving of this award, please don’t hesitate. Get their names in to the Dinner Committee as soon as possible. A short biography with the reasons you feel this person deserves the award should accompany the nomination. The prizes seem to get better each year also. So make your reservations now for a great evening of fun and a chance at the great prizes. Full details will be found in Paul Turi’s article elsewhere in the newsletter.
The start of the fall fishing season coincides with legal and regulatory issues coming to the forefront. One of these is involved with the ongoing review of the New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan. The plan includes a state Water Conservation strategy that was last revised in 1996 and includes education and outreach. The JCAA will work on these committees to insure that the difficulties seen during last year’s drought are not repeated.
The JCAA is also keeping close tabs on the Windmills that have been proposed as alternate energy sources which may be placed off the Jersey Coast. We will work to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the environment and that there are no restrictions placed on fishermen. If the environmental concerns can be addressed we may even request access to tie up to the base of the towers. They could be important fish attracting devices.
The New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and the JCAA are requesting all candidates for statewide office in the 2003 election to participate in a questionnaire regarding wildlife and environmental issues. We will report the results of that survey in the October newsletter so you will have the answers to the questions when you step into the voting booth on November 4. The questionnaire sent to candidates can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
The Marine Fish Conservation Network has elected Tom Fote to their Board of Directors. This is an important position for Tom and his election from among this group of strong conservationists and environmentalists recognizes and supports his dedication to the Marine Resource. In his new position Tom will be able to ensure that the voice of the recreational angler is heard. The next meeting of the board is October 1st and since Tom will be in Florida attending a fisheries management meeting, I will attend the board meeting in Washington in his place. The MFCN is working hard to pass the reauthorization of the Magnuson/Stevens Act, better known as the Sustainable Fisheries Act. They have a strong lobbying effort that the JCAA is a part of. We will keep you informed of the progress.
Don’t forget the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament on October 5. This is a great tournament and volunteers are always welcome, or you can choose to fish. The choice is yours. Just come to Island Beach State Park on the 5th. Detailed information can be found in this newsletter or on our website. See you there.