GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Anglers may get to keep a smaller striped bass if the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council has its way.The council decided Thursday to ask the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, a panel of East Coast states that regulates migratory fish, if it could lower the limit to 24 inches for one striper per angler per day. A second striped bass could be kept if it is 32 inches or larger.Regulations currently allow two striped bass per day at 28 inches or greater. A move to one 24-inch fish and one 32-inch fish meets something called a "conservation equivalency," which means it would have the same impact on stocks from allowing two 28-inch fish.The change already has met the ASMFC outlines for a conservation equivalency but would still have to be formally approved by the commission.The council decision followed a heated debate at Thursday's meeting that Chairman Gil Ewing said included nine anglers favoring the change and two opposing it. One commercial fisherman, Marty Buzas, of Wildwood, made a pitch to allow a commercial harvest, which currently is not allowed in New Jersey with striped bass.Most of the party and charter boat operators favored a smaller fish, as regulations have cut back many traditional catches, and it would be one way to keep customers happy as it increases the odds of them catching a keeper."I do about 80 striper trips a year. It would be a boost to the fishery with so many other closures," Capt. Eddie Yates said.Some argued the change would reduce mortality, although one maintained the 32-inch size would take out "the big breeders."The Shark River Surf Anglers Association opposed the change, arguing the smaller size would increase the number of fish harvested.One captain argued for a range of 24 to 28 inches for one fish and a second fish more than 28 inches. This would not meet the conservation equivalency.Dave Showell, of the Absecon Bay Sportsman Center, expressed concern that a 24-inch size could lead some to throw fish that size back, dead, as they catch larger fish during the day and hope to upgrade."It could be a problem if they catch a 24-inch, then catch a 44-inch. That 24-inch will look pretty little," Showell said.The council voted to move forward with the process but the change could take awhile. Besides needing ASFMC approval, a change involving striped bass regulations also takes an act of the state Legislature, said Tom McCloy, a state fishing administrator.Contact Richard Degener:609-463-6711RDegener@pressofac.com
Dave Showell, of the Absecon Bay Sportsman Center, expressed concern that a 24-inch size could lead some to throw fish that size back, dead, as they catch larger fish during the day and hope to upgrade.
Dave Showell, of the Absecon Bay Sportsman Center, expressed concern that a 24-inch size could lead some to throw fish that size back, dead, as they catch larger fish during the day and hope to upgrade.Yeah. Apparently Mr. Showell doesn't think much of his fellow anglers and their willingness (or lack thereof) of following the rules. Or maybe he's just projecting his own lack of ethics into this situation.
not on the stripers themselves mike...federal game fish and wont happen....its the bunker boats i'm worrying about bro!
it is a state by state decision but outside 3 miles is not allowed...federal gamefish
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