Fluke bag limits-Which one is best?

[Captain Dave Wittenborn]

These are the bag limits being proposed for NJ waters.  I don't like any of them but I think I choose the longest season. 

June 28-Sept. 8 season, 17.5 inch fish, and 2-fish bag limit

 July 4-Sept. 2 season, 17.5 inch fish, and 8-fish bag limit

 May 24-Sept. 8 season, 18 inch fish, and 8 fish bag limit

 May 17-Oct. 17 season, 18.5 inch fish, and 8 fish bag limit.

[Duffman]

Personally I like #4. Long season, although that min size will kill the PB capts.

[ped579]

If I had to pick one it would be # 3.

[TurboDan]

I guess it would be #3.  Ugh, same season as last year and another inch added to the limit.

[Hotrod]

#3

[Luna Sea 5]

# 3

[Skolmann]

#3.

But it doesn't really matter, the system/quota/regualations are stacked against us (IMHO) so that we WILL go over whatever total poundage limit the powers that be set. The bigger the fluke, the heavier it weighs. Therefore the more keepers caught the sooner we go over the quota. Why do you think they keep raising the minimum size and we're always catching fluke that are a 1/4" short of the new size limit the following season.

 bngh

[Sam3]

#4

[Luna Sea 5]

The truth is, I personally would rather a longer season and a smaller bag limit.  I rather be on the water targeting a species more often, which extends my boating season, and I can deal with a small bag limit and larger size.  I am in it for the sport, day on the water with friends, rather then the dinner table.  I know others will not agree, this is a personal preference.  I also know charter captains will not agree either since they fish for a living, but just thought I would give my opinion. Number 3 sounds like the most realistic choice.

[Capt -Jerry P]

they all suck.....

but gotta go with the longer season....

[Hotrod]

I think a new tape measure design may be in order

[IrishAyes]

The longer season would be my choice.  However, with the amount of fish out there, all of the options are poor.   bngh bngh
When is open season for the regulators?  I'm sure we will all get a bag limit with them.

[Captain Dave Wittenborn]

Remember what happened to New York.  They went for the longer season and the larger minimum size and got shut down anyway in mid-September.  I would be pretty pissed if I was throwing back 18" fish all season and still got shut down the same time as everyone else.

[kezsr]

#4,recall last season not really much going when season shut down early,at least with extended season still trying for the door mat,luna sea mentioned using a diferent tape measure,also recall someone this year saying they would have to go to the fillet and release.

[kezsr]

sorry Hot Rod have to give you credit for a new tape measure,when I go to replying I have a short memory.

[IrishAyes]

Both said, tongue in cheek, I'm sure.  No outlaws here.   

[Bob]

As a private boater I would like #4 so I can have a longer season.  The tackle stores will want the longest season but the Party Boats will want #3 hoping that weakfish show up and the bass return early.

[Wreckfish]

#4 for the longer season reason

[Skolmann]

I know last year the season ended in early September so for a second lets not include it. The few years prior to that however the season closed in mid/late September and even in October. But if I'm not mistaken the fluke fishery fell off dramatically a few days after Labor Day. Most of the doormats have come in July (Raritan Bay) and in August (ocean reefs). The run of big fluke that we used to get in mid September in Ambrose Channels is not what it once was.

Why not take some pressure off fluke and have the season end no later than mid September. You can always switch over to sea bass or porgies until the fall run of bass/bluefish kicks in.

Personally, I'd like to see a season running from Mother's Day to maybe a week after Labor Day with a bag limit of no more than 5 with a minimum size of 17"s.

[Hotrod]