President's Report

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association January 2006 Newsletter)

Stand up and be counted!

About one year ago I wrote that the JCAA would face some unique challenges in 2005 and that how   these challenges were met would help shape the recreational fishing scene and define this quality of life issue for marine anglers and divers plus  thousands of hardworking New Jerseyites who make their living by helping us to enjoy our sport.  These persons include bait and tackle shop owners, tackle manufacturers, boat builders, engine, marine electronics and marine hardware manufacturers and sales outlets, marina operators, charter and party boat operators, their employees and literally dozens of other trades and supporting businesses

It is still true that less than two dozen dedicated directors and committee chairs continue to expend a lot of their personal time and effort for the benefit of thousands of anglers. This year there have been a few welcome additions to this dedicated corps.  We are still in need of a few good fishermen.

JCAA represents member New Jersey Fishing and Diving Clubs.  In order to have your club members’ concerns, opinions and positions made known and to have their interests represented by JCAA, your club must be a member of JCAA.  And, at the very minimum, your club should be represented at the monthly meetings.  JCAA positions are the reflection of the majority of attending member club votes.  I encourage all active member clubs to increase their support, and inactive clubs, uncommitted clubs and individuals to become active.  Your participation is more important now than ever before!

Regardless of your particular area of interest, a committee exists, or could be formed, that would benefit from your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.  There are committees that are species specific or are that are concerned with estuary, inshore, offshore, reefs, forage, etc.  If you would like to get involved, contact the JCAA office and get on board.   JCAA can become more proactive if more people are involved

I, or a director or chairperson, would be happy to visit your club to bring you up to date on what JCAA has and will be doing to protect your recreational fishing interests, the marine environment and all aquatic life.  Likewise, we want and need your individual and collective input to insure that we stay on mission.   The JCAA Website, the JCAA Monthly Newsletter and New Jersey Newspapers and Magazines are all good sources of information.    

A year ago we were actively collecting signatures supporting Two Striped Bass at 28 Inches and the continuation of the Striped Bass Bonus Program.  Finally, one year later, bills in support of this legislation have been passed out of the NJ Assembly and Senate committees.  Hopefully, this will soon become the law and the confusion and the controversy will become a memory.  JCAA thanks the many sponsors and supporters of this important legislation.

It is now more important than ever for anglers to stand up and be counted.  Whatever species whets your interest, be it fluke, flounder, croaker, weakfish, sea bass, blackfish or striped bass, the regulations that are being proposed – based on the woefully inadequate MRFSS statistics and in blatant disregard to the abundant available empirical data - threaten to negatively impact anglers and the entire recreational fishing community significantly.

It is obvious that New Jersey anglers, in fact the entire angling community, are being beaten up by the NMFS and the ASMFC who seem to be more concerned about dogfish than any other species or anybody.   Many anglers perceive that their actions are unreasoned, unjustified and often punitive.  I am fearful that a cornerstone of successful fisheries management, the compliant nature of participating anglers, will be tested to the breaking point.  Maybe this is their gamble.

It is the responsibility of individual anglers and all interested parties to pay attention to what is being proposed, attend the hearings and to voice your opinions directly to your state and national representatives, to the appropriate agencies and, through your club representative, to JCAA.  

JCAA’s presence will be made at upcoming events beginning with the Sportsmen’s Show in Edison. NJ.  The show runs Thursday, Jan. 12 to Sunday 15^th.  If you can help man our booth, contact Mark Taylor at 732-929-2591.

JCAA will be marking our 25^th year advocating for anglers and the resource with some new shirt and hat graphics and the High Roller Raffle of some choice rods and reels.

JCAA will also be on hand at the Atlantic City Boat Show in February and at the new Saltwater Fishing Exposition in March at Somerset, NJ.

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