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by Ed Cherry
Chairman JCAA Striped Bass Committee
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association January 2005 Newsletter)
At the November JCAA general meeting, a representative from the division of fish and wildlife gave the current direction the division is leaning toward regarding striped bass matters. There was a discussion and the questions were asked. Here are some of the answers to our questions by Division of Fish and Wildlife representative:
Under current regulations the bonus program will not be the same as in previous years, and probably would not be available to recreational fishermen in 2005.
If the rules are changed by legislation to 2 bass at 28”, then the bonus program as it has existed in the past will again be in effect. Namely, anglers need only apply and get 2 tags and replenishment of the tags will proceed as in the past. Tackle stores that were in the program would have replacement tags. Party and charter boats would have tags available which they would fill out for patrons who wanted to keep a third fish over 28”.
The possibility of approaching ASMFC for separate regulations and management zones that some groups had asked about is not a viable option with Law Enforcement or the Division because of the impossibility of monitoring the catch, where boats launch and land and the lack of funding due to across the board 2005 state budget cutbacks. Additionally, there is no way such a rule change could be put in place in time for 2005 because of the lengthy and complicated processes required to even attempt such a change.
The club representatives then had a discussion. It was then asked of the club representatives if the membership of any club had changed their position on what striped bass regulations the clubs wanted. The club representatives indicated that they had polled their club membership, and that overwhelmingly their members still supported 2 fish at 28inches. The Hi-Mar Striper Club also polled the participants at their striped bass tournament resulting in an overwhelming vote in favor of 2 fish at 28”. This is the striped bass regulation that their clubs want JCAA to lobby for in 2005. A number of club representatives also stated that their members found the current striped bass regulations too confusing.
