Smaller Stripers May Soon Be Keepers in New Jersey

[Pfishingruven]

By RICHARD DEGENER, Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, January 8, 2010

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:

609-463-6711

RDegener@pressofac.com

Article

[bassnblues]

This would be ok with me...It would be easier to get a keeper in the fall without much impact on getting 2 keepers in the spring.

[Jeffish]

So, you couldn't catch 2 fish at 24 inches. It would have to be 1 fish at 24+, and one fish at 32+?

[wb]

kiss principle

keep it 2 @ 28"

who gets a bonus tag? i do, helps make up for the skunx

[CapBob]

It is going back to the old Slot fish we used to have...which has both good and bad points depending on how you look at it......

I fell it would be a greater benefit to your average angler

[Hunter 2]

I did release plenty of 27 1/2" Stripers last year. I dont mind this plan.

[Noworries2009]

I think this really helps the shore bound fisherman who wants to keep a fish to eat plus it saves the spawners.That size is really a better, healthier choice. 

[Capt. Carl]

"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.

....yeah....but thay taste better!!!!

[Bucktail]

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) to follow rules.

Or maybe he's just projecting his own lack of ethics into this situation.

[Capt. Carl]

this would be an advantage (again ) to the anglers in the northern sector of the state who dont see the run of the huge fish every year....now some of the southern guys wanna bitch because they wont be able to keep 2 fish over 28 inches....which is the majority of what they see down there!( so i cant really blame them) i doubt the boats in the southern part of the state had many throw back fish... period... last year. but it will be good for the surf fisherman and back bay guys down there.
thats the way i see it.

[Capt. Mike]

I really hope they are not dumb enough to let the commercial Aholes into decimate this fishery too.  _:"

[Pfishingruven]

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.

I don't think Capt Dave would ever do something like that!  I don't think most fishermen would do that, but I think there are a few that would.  If there weren't there wouldn't be a need for Fish and Game COA's.  I think it is a valid concern.  Do I think it would change my mind, NO, but it is a valid point.

...BB you can't tell me that living at the Jersey Shore you haven't seen this on an occasion??  Mid May or early Fall, slow day fishing.  Handful of fish here and there and then all of a sudden, a large school of bunker comes in and runs along the beach.  Everyone is hooking up.  Then the blitz is over, everyone leaves because they have their limit.  Then, you stick around and continue to fish C&R and in the surf or on the beach a few smaller bass, either at the minimum size reg or just above it.  Not terribly odd and could happen from releasing mortality, BUT these fish are curled up and stiff as a board, almost frozen solid...like they were in a COOLER !

I think this may be a win win situation for everyone.  Although, a second fish at 32" may be harder from the surf than 2 fish at 28", it opens up the opportunity for those throwbacks that are just shy!  Certainly does help the northern part of the state...just hope it doesn't help too much and they start using that against us in this fishery!

As for commercial...that would be one of the worst things they could ever allow again!

 

[Capt. Carl]

not on the stripers themselves mike...federal game fish and wont happen....its the bunker boats i'm worrying about bro!

[Pfishingruven]

not on the stripers themselves mike...federal game fish and wont happen....its the bunker boats i'm worrying about bro!

How do other States still have Commercial Fisheries for stripers ?

 

[Capt. Carl]

it is a state by state decision but outside 3 miles is not allowed...federal gamefish

[Pfishingruven]

it is a state by state decision but outside 3 miles is not allowed...federal gamefish

Right...thanks.