Hope everyone is getting the opportunity to get out and do some fishing, whether it is by boat or from shore. We had a string of hot weather this summer with some decent fishing. Congratulations to all those anglers that participated in some of the many tournaments and won. I am looking forward and hoping to enjoy the fishing that is yet to come.
JCAA Heavy Hitter Fluke Tournament was held August 3rd to 6th. Thank goes out to all that participated and supported JCAA during this tournament. There were some very nice fish caught but no doormats. Congratulations goes out to those skillful anglers that won. This tournament was organized by Paul Haertel and he did an outstanding job. Hopefully those that did not participate this year will next, read Paul’s follow up article.
JCAA had the drawing of our 2023 High Roller Raffle and congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all those individuals that supported JCAA by purchasing a raffle ticket or more. I would like to thank Paul Haertel and those that help put a get list of prizes together. I can’t wait to see the list of prizes for next year. JCAA will have another fantastic fundraiser you don’t want to miss on November 11th at Captain’s Inn in Forked River. It is our prestigious Sportsperson of the Year Dinner were you as member clubs select the honoree at the September meeting. Clubs need to get their nominee’s summary ASAP. That summary needs to be 250–300 words of why this person deserves it and why other clubs should vote for that person over all other nominees. Those nominees’ summaries need to be submitted by email to Tom Fote (tfote@jcaa.org), Paul Haertel (anglerPMH@aol.com) and copy me (mtsport64@aol.com). The summary of nominees will be posted in the newsletter if you get it in before the newsletter publishing deadline date. Each of the clubs should be talking about this event at their club meetings. In the past there were a few clubs that would take a club table. I would like to see that happen again along with other clubs, that would make this an outstanding event for you to enjoy. Everyone that attended it last year spoke very highly of the food and the overall event. If a club purchases a table, it is only $800 for a table of 10 which is only $80 a person, that’s a $10 savings. Who doesn’t like to save money. The regular price of a ticket is $90 per individual, which is a great price for what you will be getting. As President, I will be calling for a vote by the Club Representatives at the September JCAA Meeting who they would like to receive this prestigious award. The votes will be tallied, and the recipient will be selected for JCAA Sportsperson of the Year. JCAA also has a Youth Education Award that is honored that night also. Submit those nominees’ summary to Greg Kucharewski at gkucharews@aol.com.
For those of you that don’t know or haven’t heard that the New Jersey Governor Appointee to the ASMFC Tom Fote was replaced. All the anglers in the State of New Jersey owe appreciation to Tom’s endless days and dedicated trying to get our fair share of the resource for years. For those Veterans that served this great country, should salute a fellow veteran Tom Fote and for the rest of us take your hat off to honor him next time you see him and say thank you. I am 100 percent sure Tom will be willing to talk and answer questions. Tom, Thank you from the JCAA Board and its members. Further below is the text of the letter sent by NJMFC to Tom acknowledging and thanking him for his long service as the NJ representative to the ASMFC.
As always stay in touch, listen, do your research, participate in meetings and submit your comments. If you want to see better size / bag limits and seasons. There are meetings going on all the time. If you don’t get involved, then you don’t have the right to complain to those that spend countless hours and days at meetings that do. I believe everyone should take the time to get involved whether you are retired or still working to have a say. If more individuals do this the recreational will have a larger voice to be heard on things.
Remember there is a September Meeting scheduled, club representatives will be voting on the JCAA Sportsperson of the Year.
I would like to see more energy driven individuals getting involved in JCAA. If you are one of those people or would like to get involved with JCAA time is now. You can start by being involved with one of our committees or becoming an officer, let me know. We have an election of Officers coming up in December. I will answer all your questions and help you with every level of involvement. Contact me by calling 732-245-9445 or emailing mtsport64@aol.com.
We all need to get involved and unite so the future of recreational fishing as we know it will be gone.
On behalf of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, I would like to thank you for your many years of dedicated service as a New Jersey representative to the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission. For close to 30 years, yours has been a voice of reason at the management table, providing indispensable insight, history, and perspective for countless difficult management decisions. Your multiple appointments by administrations on both sides of the aisle are a testament to your knowledge of New Jersey's valuable fisheries and your ability to transcend politics to focus on the angling experience.
In an era where recreational fishing has become more of a privileged activity, your support for the common angler - in particular, those who fish to put food on the table - has been unswerving and is greatly appreciated. Further, your historical knowledge is unparalleled and provided an important perspective that made other Commissioners consider the motivations and rationale behind numerous management decisions. And your steadfast advocacy for the importance of habitat to sustainable fisheries was always a welcome reminder that managers must take a holistic approach if we are to be successful.
Without question, your longevity as Commissioner to ASMFC is an indication of your value not just to New Jersey, but to the fisheries management process as a whole. I am certain that your leadership has helped New Jersey become (and remain) one of the most vibrant and productive recreational fishing destinations in the nation.
On behalf of Council, I congratulate you on your tenure and thank you for your service, dedication, and all you have done for New Jersey's fisheries.