Bonus Bass Halted

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2004 Newsletter)

Striper bill isn't what was sought, anglers say

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife's announcement that it will no longer issue and replace 2004 striped bass bonus tags has reopened the striped bass rules argument.

The bill before the state Assembly that would set the rules for the remainder of 2004 and 2005 provides for one fish between 24 and 28 inches, and another fish 34 inches and larger. The bonus program was to have provided another fish at 28 inches or above.

Many striper anglers from Ocean County north claim that the bill as written is not acceptable. They want two striped bass at 28 inches or above, the same as that set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for the East Coast.

Opponents of the bill have contended for weeks that the deck was stacked, and the majority's will was ignored. Supporters of the measure that leaves the 28- to 34-inch gap in landings say the majority of those who attended the three state public meetings on rules did not want two fish at 28 inches.

Joe Pallotto, president of the Asbury Park Fishing Club, one of the largest and the oldest fishing club in the state, said the present bill came as a surprise to the members when it was introduced.  "We didn't go to the meetings, because we thought two fish at 28 inches with a bonus tag was a sure thing," he said. "We were told that most people wanted it."

The clubs in the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, the State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association supported two fish at 28 inches, and after voting, sent a letter to the state Legislature to that effect.

"We would have turned out at the meetings if we had thought it was necessary," Pallotto said. "We can pack those meetings, if that's what it takes. Hold one in Long Branch like they did years ago when we had 700 people turn out."

Bob Matthews, a spokesman for the Spring Lake Live Liner Fishing Club, said eliminating the 28- to 34-inch fish from the harvest would be a real blow to many anglers.  "Personally, I don't get fish over 34 inches on a regular basis," he said. "The fish I catch are between 28 and 34 inches."

Back bay and deep south Jersey anglers responded that they, on the other hand, catch mostly fish in the 24- to 28-inch bracket. Tony Bogan, a spokesman for the United Boatmen, said south Jersey party and charter boatmen told him that the slot fish is important to them.

Bogan added that he felt the majority should rule the fishery, and the only way to settle the controversy over what the majority wants is for the state to schedule emergency meetings to give everyone another chance to participate.

"There's still time," he said. "It's only the first week in August. The state has done this before. Let's give everyone a chance to speak out."

Bogan said that when he polled professional boatmen, there was some sentiment for another alternative -- a compromise -- one fish from 26 to 30 inches and a second fish from 33 inches up.  "If the general belief is that the consensus was misrepresented, then the state should immediately go back to public hearings," he added.

The notice that Thomas McCloy, marine fisheries administrator for the division, sent out July 29 to all bonus program check station operators termed the move a "modification" to the management of the program.

"At this time, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has discontinued the issuance and replacement of all 2004 bonus cards pending passage of legislation that will establish new striped regulations for the remainder of 2004," McCloy explained.  "Issuance of striped bass bonus cards for the 2004 season will be reevaluated after the legislation is passed," he continued. "At that time, the division will review its current management scheme, and respond in the most appropriate manner to properly monitor the program."

Check station operators were told to continue checking in any striped bass bonus fish, but not, "under any circumstances" issue a replacement card to anyone checking in a bonus fish.

McCloy advised that check stations will be notified by letter when circumstances change, and fishermen will be notified through normal Department of Environmental Protection procedures when more information becomes available.

James A. Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, said he is not happy with the DEP's decision to interrupt the bonus program.  "They had the money to run the program last year," he said. "This is the DEP playing games."  Donofrio pointed out that it is odd that the interruption has come in the middle of the summer when few striped bass are being caught, and bonus tags are infrequently used.

The state Legislature will be back in session in September, and McCloy said the program will be reevaluated after the legislation is passed. This should precede the traditional fall striped bass run.

The lawmakers could ignore the clamor of anglers who want two striped bass at 28 inches or larger or insist on a more accurate assessment of public sentiment. If overwhelming support for changing the bill to two fish at 28 inches is found, then amending the bill is relatively easy.

The goal should be a law that most striped bass anglers are comfortable with, and is in conformance with ASMFC mandates. Since the ASMFC has already approved all three proposals, only the first hurdle need be cleared.

The legislators, working with DEP, should be able to accomplish that.

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