(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2006 Newsletter)

Finally 2 at 28

Finally 2 at 28”.  By the time this edition is in circulation most anglers will be aware that Governor Cody, as one of his final acts as governor, signed the legislation that establishes the striped bass regulation as two fish at 28 inches or greater, effective at signing.

The overwhelming majority of striper anglers will be pleased.  JCAA, representing the preference of over ninety percent of our affiliated fishing clubs, supported the 2 fish at 28 inch option ever since New Jersey lost its producer state status and was mandated by ASMFC to discontinue the one fish at 24 to 28 inches, and one fish greater than 28 inches regulation it was permitted as a producer state..  To be in compliance with the ASMFC Management Plan, New Jersey’s regulations had to be the conservation equivalent of the coastwide two fish at 28 inches standard.  JCAA argued for the 2 at 28 inch option based on the belief that, being identical to the standard, it was less confusing, would minimize enforcement issues, would not conflict with the size regulations of neighboring states and would not require the Bonus Program to be restructured.

Statewide, the preference of most striper anglers, including those not affiliated with JCAA, proved to be supportive of the JCAA position.  The arguments for this position are well documented in past JCAA newsletter issues and in New Jersey based fishing magazines and newspapers.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the important role played by Greg Heuth, Joe Pallotto, and Bob Matthews respectively, of the Shark River Anglers, the Asbury Fishing Club and the Spring Lake Long Liners (All JCAA affiliated clubs). These avid anglers took the initiative to lead the effort to rescind the unpopular, complicated regulations that most certainly had a negative effect on the entire fishing community.  I also salute Ed. Cherry, JCAA Striped Bass Committee Chairman, for his tireless efforts on our behalf.

Their passion resulted in getting bills posted in the state assembly (A 3790 / A4472) and the senate (S 2450) by Assemblyman Sean Kean and Senator Joe Palaia whose leadership we applaud.  We are also appreciative to the early bipartisan support of these bills by assemblymen Steve Corodemus,  Dave Wolfe, Bill Baroni, Joe Azzolina, James Holzapfel, Louis Manzo, Patrick Diegnan, Michael Panter and Robert Morgan and senators Ellen Karcher, Gerald Cardinale and Diane Allen, to the committees and legislators who voted in support of these bills and to Governor Cody.

This striper legislation provides the most benefit to anglers, the shore communities and the entire state. “There is nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” (Especially if the messenger has the right message and a loud political voice as well.)

In a perfect world, New Jersey (along with Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York) would regain producer state status whereby the harvest of one fish, smaller than 28 inches  would be permitted. This would level the playing field for hundreds, albeit a small percentage overall, of surf, back bay, river and substance anglers who would also like to take a fish for table fare and nutritional benefit.  I, also, would prefer taking a smaller fish for the table rather than a large breeder.  Alas, that is another battle to be waged.

We are informed that the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP) will continue. The limit will be one fish at 28 inches or greater with appropriate bonus tag. Check the Division’s Regulations web page (www.njfishandwildlife.com/njregs.htm) and future press releases for details concerning the 2006 Bonus Program.

Please tell me your thoughts about dogfish, fluke regs. fluke belly and bay bunker boats.

The next JCAA presence will be at the upcoming Atlantic City Boat Show.  The show runs from Wednesday, February 1^st to Sunday, February 5th^.  If you can help man our booth, contact Mark Taylor at 732-929-2591.  I would like to thank everyone who staffed the Sportsmen’s Show in Edison and made it a great success.

JCAA will be marking our 25^th year advocating for anglers and the resource with some new t-shirts and hat graphics and the High Roller Raffle of some choice rods and reels. Stop by and say hello.

.

[News Contents] [Top]