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NMFS Eases Recreational Bluefin Regulations For 2014

2014 Recreational Atlantic Tunas Retention Limits

Effective May 8, the bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limits are increased from the default of 1 BFT measuring 27-<73" to the following.

For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 1 school BFT (27 to <47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47-<73").

For HMS Charter/Headboat-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to <47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47-<73").

These limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico.

The recreational BFT trophy fishery (73"+) is closed for the southern area (for landings south 39°18’N, i.e., south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ), but is open for the northern area (for landings north of Great Egg Inlet, NJ) with a limit of 1 BFT measuring 73" or greater/vessel/year.

The recreational yellowfin tuna retention limit is 3/person/day or trip. The minimum size for yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27" curved fork length. There are no recreational limits for bigeye, skipjack or albacore tunas.

2014 Fluke and Sea Bass Regulations Finalized

At today's meeting of the NJMFC the following was voted on and approved:
Fluke - 5 fish, 18" size limit open 5/23, -9/27

Sea bass - 12 ½” size limit, 15 fish bag limit from 5/19 – 6/30, 3 fish bag limit from 7/1 –8/31, 15 fish bag limit from 9/1 – 9/6 and a 15 fish bag limit from 10/18 – 12/31

Public support was overwhelmingly in favor on the approved sea bass option. 
Only 2 members of the public spoke in opposition of the approved fluke regulations.  Those two individuals preferred an earlier season.

Also discussed was the possibility of a pilot program for shore based angler to keep 2 16in fluke at IBSP.  This program is similar to one Connecticut put in place a few years ago.  The council listened to public comment on the program today and will vote on the matter at their next meeting on May 1.

NJ Saltwater Fisherman 6th Annual Banquet

Great Time Great People - NJ Saltwater Fisherman 6th Annual Banquet

“A great time with great people,” was how NJ Saltwater Fisherman founder, Rod Houck, described the 6th Annual NJSWF banquet, which was held on April 20th.  Once again, the Captain’s Inn in Forked River, NJ played host to the over 150 NJ Saltwater Fisherman members and their guests.  And, once again, the attendees were treated to a fabulous night of great food, great drink, great friends, and great giveaways!

njswf 2013 banquet.


The prize tables were loaded with goodies donated by our generous members, charter and party boat captains, retail stores, and tackle makers.  From fishing reels and rods and lures, to fishing trips, to Vera Bradley pocketbooks and Yankee Candle baskets for the ladies, the tables were stuffed.  In fact, there were so many prizes; it took nearly two full hours to give them all away!  But, while the guests enjoyed the spectacular spread of food, Captain Joe Gogan, my daughter Katie, and yours truly did just that.  Names were called until the last prize was finally given away at 10:26pm.

The night culminated in the drawing of the grand prizes to benefit the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA).  The Grand Prize, which included a custom made rod, a new reel, custom plugs, tackle box, net, and assorted other tackle was won by Wayne Hopkins.  The runner up prize, which had only slightly less goodies, was collected by Vinnie Gough.  Captain Adam Nowalsky, Chairman of the New Jersey State Chapter of the RFA, was on hand to graciously accept a donation of over $2000.  He later wrote, “As always, a huge THANK YOU to the NJSWF administrators and members.  Great turnout, great food, and a MEGA donation to RFA-NJ.  We continue to work for you the anglers.  THANK YOU AGAIN!”

Member Paul (paul-e) Schumacher summed it all up by remarking, “A great time and event for all.  I had a great time!  Thanks to Rod and Mrs. Rod for all their hard work on making this such a success.  Thanks to all the sponsors and members for the great prizes.”

As we look forward to this fishing season and next year’s banquet, please remember to support those who support us.

 

 

See Photo Gallery Here

2014 NJ Summer Flounder Regulations

A 5 fish limit was approved for 2014 by ASMFC today instead of only 4 fish. The size limit will be 18" and we will have a 128 day season that will go from either (most likely options) 5/17-9/21 or 5/23 - 9/27.  NJ Marine Fisheries Council will meet 4/3 in Manahawkin to make final decision on season.