NJ Fish On - Fishing in New Jersey » Black Sea Bass

ZONE 6: BARNEGAT INLET TO BRIGANTINE

APP.com: Fishing & Boating — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:41:47 +0000

The crew from the Miss Barnegat Light reports the bluefishing has been heating up. Limits have been the norm for anglers on blues from 6 to 12 pounds. The fish have been hitting bait and jigs. Jeff Bauer of the Carolyn Ann III reports fluke won all their boat pools this week. Rich Rolenc of Manahawkin landed the biggest fluke, a 7.2 pounder. Stew Patterson from Conshohoken, Pa., was next closest with a 5.8-pound fluke. Capt. Jack Shea of the Rambunctious had David Kruge, his 11-year-old son Kevin, and brother-in-law Jerry on the Barnegat Bay grounds for fluke. The charter landed about 80 fluke during the morning putting only two in the box that were big enough. “It’s still a 40-to-1 throwback to keeper ratio, but with a fish coming over the side on ultra-light tackle every couple of minutes, it’s surefire fun,” Shea said. The boats of the Beach Haven Charter fishing Association have been sneaking out on successful fishing trips in between northeasters and tropical storms. Capt. Carl Sheppard on the Star Fish reports he had some great trips. The spawning season for the black sea bass is just about over and he sees improvement in the catches of sea bass. He says there are occasional keeper fluke in the back bay, but the best action is in the ocean. Both the Little Egg and Garden State South Reefs provided him with some keeper fluke. He is also picking up a dozen bluefish each day around the inlet on his way out to the reefs. Capt. Fran Verdi reports his parties are coming home with a mixed bag of fluke and sea bass. He has also gotten some good reports of croakers and small weakfish along the beach the last couple of days.

ZONE 6: BARNEGAT INLET TO BRIGANTINE

APP.com: Fishing & Boating — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:30:47 +0000

ZONE 6: BARNEGAT INLET TO BRIGANTINE

APP.com: Fishing & Boating — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:30:01 +0000

Jeff Bauer of the Carolyn Ann III said squid and spearing are doing the job on the fluke as well as jigging with bucktails. Sea bass and fluke won the pools this week. Steve Nulph of Southhampton landed the big fish for the week. It was a 6.2-pound fluke. There were quite a few 5 pounders brought to the nets also. Ren Nociti of Barnegat Light had one at 5 pounds that Bauer said he caught in between naps. Sounds like Huck Finn style. On and off days with the blues reports the crew of the Miss Barnegat Light. They are finding the fish in the two-pound range hitting bottom jigs with teasers fished off the bottom. Some days anglers can catch a limit and other days the catch is just a pick. The captains of the Beach Haven Charter fishing Association have been fishing in a variety of locations for a variety of fish. Capt. Carl Sheppard of the Star Fish reported the inshore ocean water is cold and the fish do not seem to want to bite. Most of the black sea bass he has been keeping have been males. Capt. John Koegler took the Star Fish to the canyons and returned with a catch of tuna and mahi-mahi. Capt. Fran Verdi spent several days last week fishing on the Hot Tuna as a mate fishing the marlin and tuna tournament. He said they returned empty-handed after a couple days of hard work. It is now back to the inshore ocean fluke and sea bass trips for him now. Capt. George Finck of Sparetime took Todd Kutikoff and Frank Smith out in the ocean for a nice catch of fluke and sea bass, all on the drift. Scott Albertson of Scott’s Bait and Tackle said water temps cooled off a little bit. Jake Pysher had a pair of fluke this week, one at three pounds and the other 2.6-pounds fishing aboard the SonKat. They were fishing back up in the bay in the Intercoastal Waterway. Jesse B. also found some kingfish by the clam stakes in the Great Bay.

ZONE 6: BARNEGAT INLET TO BRIGANTINE

APP.com: Fishing & Boating — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:05:09 +0000

NJ 2009 Skillful Anglers Awards — Press release from Division of Fish & Wildlife

Al Ristori — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:01:25 +0000

The Skillful Angler Awards Program honors the many anglers who catch both freshwater and marine fish which aren’t of record size but are impressive and worthy of recognition. Special recognition is given to the anglers who caught the largest fish in each of the freshwater and marine species categories.

In 2009, 193 applications representing 26 different species were officially processed. Since the program’s modest beginning (31 applicants in 1983), the Division has granted Skillful Angler status to 2,941 anglers.

INTERESTING FACTS:

The most frequently entered species by skillful anglers in 2009 (adult, junior, and catch and release categories combined) were rainbow trout with 27 entries, followed by channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish.

The following is a breakdown of applications received per species (all categories combined): rainbow trout (27), channel catfish (21), largemouth bass (18), sunfish (15), chain pickerel (14), smallmouth bass (13), walleye (13), crappie (9), fluke (9), striped bass caught in saltwater (9), striped bass hybrid (8), brown trout (6), brook trout (5), yellow perch (5), bullhead (3), weakfish (3), black drum (2), black sea bass (2), muskellunge (2), tautog (2), bluefish (1), carp (1), kingfish (1), lake trout (1), mako shark (1), northern pike (1), and winter flounder (1).

In 2009, no entries were received for the striped bass freshwater, shad, cod, dolphin, blue marlin, white marlin, pollock, albacore tuna, big eye tuna, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna and tuna (other) categories.

Overall, more freshwater catches (162) were entered than saltwater (31).

The 2009 Skillful Angler Winners are as follows:

ADULT CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Largemouth Bass 9 lbs, 1.45 oz. caught by Charles Colon of Vineland on March 22. Charles was fishing from a canoe at South Vineland Park when he reeled the fish in at 10:30 a.m. Eight-pound test was used with an St. Croix rod and a Calcutta reel. A jig & pig was used as bait. The fish measured 24 inches in length with a 19-inch girth.

Smallmouth Bass 4 lbs, 12 oz. caught by Kevin Scanlon of Lake Hopatcong on April 10. Kevin was fishing in a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he reeled the fish. Six-pound test was used with spinning rod and reel. A grub was used for bait. The fish measured 20 inches in length with a 14-inch girth.

Striped Bass Hybrid 9 lbs, 5 oz. caught by Dominick Sarinelli of Hopatcong on April 25. Dominick was fishing from a boat in Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at 7:00 a.m. Six-pound test was used with ultra light rod and Daiwa reel. A herring served for bait. The fish measured 26 inches in length and had an 25-inch girth.

Channel Catfish – 20 lbs, .34 oz. caught by James Keebler of Mantua on February 15. James was fishing the shore of Schadlers Sandwash when he landed the fish at 2:00 p.m. Fifteen-pound test was used with a Penn reel. Nightcrawlers were used. The fish measured 33 inches in length and had a 20-inch girth.

Crappie 2 lbs, 2 oz. caught by Sean Park of Riverside on April 30. Sean was fishing from shore at Crystal Lake in Willingboro when he landed the fish at 7:30 p.m. Six-pound test was used with a St. Croix ultra light rod and reel. A roostertail spinner served for bait. The fish measured 16 inches in length and a 13-inch girth.

Muskellunge 29 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Roman Pera of Wallington on May 24. Roman was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish in the afternoon. Twelve-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A bomber served as the lure. The fish measured 47 inches in length and had a 20-inch girth.
and
Muskellunge 29 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Henry Czech of Garfield on October 21. Henry was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish. Pound-test, rod and reel are unknown, but a Rapala Ice Jig served as a lure. The fish measured 48 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Chain Pickerel 5 lbs, 6 oz. caught by David Sevek of Bushkill, PA, on July 3. David was fishing from a boat on White Lake in Hardwick Township when he landed the fish at 4 p.m. Ten-pound test was used with 6’6″ MH Prostrike rod and a baitcasting reel. A spinner served as bait. The fish measured 27-inches in length with a 13-inch girth.

Brook Trout – 4 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Gary Kreckie of North Plainfield on April 11. Gary was fishing from the shore of the Pequest River in Belvidere when he hooked the fish on his first cast at 8:00 a.m. Four-pound test was used with a Daiwa 6’ IM8 Graphite rod and Daiwa SS1300 reel. A fathead minnow served as bait. The fish measured 19 inches in length with a 13-inch girth.
and
Brook Trout – 4 lbs, 0 oz. caught by William Reiss of Phillipsburg on February 1. William was fishing from the shore of the Musconetcong River when he hooked the fish. Six-pound test was used with a Shakespeare rod and Daiwa reel. A shiner served as bait. The fish measured 21 inches in length with a 11-inch girth.

Lake Trout 26 lbs, 5.8 oz. caught by David Plichta of Flemington on April 19. David was fishing from a boat on Round Valley Reservoir when he landed the fish at 12:45 p.m. Ten-pound test was used with a Shimano rod and reel. A mega bait 2 oz. jig served as the lure. The fish measured 43 inches in length with a 22-inch girth.

Rainbow Trout 10 lbs, 4 oz. caught by Andrew Robertson of Kearny on May 21. Andrew was fishing from the shore of the Paulinskill River in Fredon when he landed the fish at 6:00 p.m. Four-pound test was used with a St. Croix rod and a Garcia reel. A 1/8 oz. phoebe gold was used to attract the fish. The fish measured 27 inches in length and had a 16-inch girth.

Sunfish 1 lb, 0 oz. caught by Darren Hasara of Milford on July 25. Darren was fishing from the shore of a private farm pond in Hunterdon County when he reeled in the fish. Four-pound test was used with an ultra light spinning rod and reel. An earthworm served as bait. The fish measured 9 inches in length with an 8-inch girth.

Walleye – 10 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Jacek Dziduch of Woodside on December 19. Jacek was fishing a boat on Lake Hopatcong at Nolans Point when he landed the fish at 10:00 a.m. Eight-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A Rapala was the lure. The fish measured 29 inches in length and had a 17-inch girth.

ADULT CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Black Sea Bass 4 lbs, .9 oz. caught by Alfred Molina, Jr. of Dumont on June 14. Alfred was fishing off a boat in the Atlantic Highlands when he landed the fish at 11:45 a.m. Thirty-pound test was used with a Mako rod and reel. Clams served for bait. The fish measured 22 inches in length and girth was unknown.

Striped Bass – 52 lbs, 2 oz. caught by Mark Anthony of Tinton Falls on June 9. Mark was in a boat off Asbury Park when he hooked the fish at 12:30 p.m. Thirty-pound Power Pro test line was used with a Loomis rod and Pendent reel. Bunker served for bait. The fish measured 51 inches in length and had a 40-inch girth.

Black Drum 105 lbs caught by Dante Pereyra of Hazlet on October 19. Dante was fishing the shore at Union Beach when he reeled the fish in at 11:00 p.m. Twenty-pound test braided line was used with a Tsunami Airwave 11′ 0″ rod and an Okuma Y System reel. Clams were used for bait. The fish measured 53-inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Winter Flounder 2 lbs, 3 oz. caught by David Gladysiewicz of Parlin on April 23. David was fishing from a boat on Raritan Bay when he hooked the fish at 8:30 a.m. Fifteen-pound test was used with a 6′ baitcasting rod and reel. A sandworm served as bait. The fish measured 18 inches in length. Girth was unknown.

Fluke – 12 lbs, 12 oz. caught by Gary Read of South Amboy on June 7. Gary was fishing from a boat at Sandy Hook when he landed the fish at 10:00 a.m. Twenty-pound Power Pro was used with a St. Croix rod and a Shimano Sustain S-Pro reel. Berkley Powerbait Mullet served for bait. The fish measured 29-inches in length with a 27-inch girth.

Kingfish 1 lbs, 1 oz. caught by Doug Perkins of Palmary on October 16. Doug was fishing from the surf at Sea Isle City when he reeled the fish in at 9:30 a.m. Thirty-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. Bait was used. The fish measured 14 inches in length and had a 7-inch girth.

Mako Shark 368 lbs, 0 oz. caught by Shawn Burns of Barnegat on June 26. Shawn was fishing off a boat inshore from 25 Fathom Hole when he landed the fish at 10:30 a.m. Eighty-pound test was used with a Penn Custom rod and Penn reel. A mackerel served as bait. The fish measured 8′ 10″ and girth was unavailable.

Tautog 13 lbs, .22 oz. caught by Pete Gray of Pennsauken on April 25. Pete was fishing from off the boat, Super Chic, captained by Ted White, at Garden State North when he landed the fish at 12:30 p.m. Sixty-five pound braided line was used with a Custom rod and Accurate reel. A green crab served as bait. The fish measured 26 inches in length with a 20 3/8-inch girth.

Weakfish 15 lbs, 10 oz. caught by Phil LaGrossa of Toms River on May 5. Phil was fishing from a boat on Barnegat Bay when he landed the fish at 5:00 p.m. Seventeen-pound test was used with a Tica rod and a Penn 6500 reel. A plug served as the lure. The fish measured 37 inches in length and had an unknown girth.

JUNIOR CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Largemouth Bass 6 lbs, 8 oz. caught by 10-year-old Alex Lospinuso of Newton on March 8. Alex was fishing from the shore of a farm pond in Frankford Township when he reeled the fish in at 2:00 p.m. Eight-pound test was used with a Zebco graphite rod and a Zebco Omega reel. Live bait was used. The fish measured 22 inches in length had a 13-inch girth.

Smallmouth Bass 3 lbs, 7 oz. caught by 10-year-old Chase Krentz of Branchville on July 22. Chase was fishing from a boat on Culver Lake when he reeled the fish in at 9:20 a.m. Fourteen-pound test was used with a Quantum 6’ rod and reel. A Mann’s yellow tiger crank served as the lure. The fish measured 19 inches in length and had a 13-inch girth.

Striped Bass Hybrid 8 lbs, 3 oz. caught by 12-year-old Marie Archambault of Hopatcong on May 1. Marie was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when she caught the fish at 9:30 p.m. Eight-pound test was used with an Ugly Stik rod and spinning reel. A crank bait was the lure. The fish measured 26 inches in length with an unknown girth.

Channel Catfish – 14 lbs, 0 oz. caught by 8-year-old Justin Dornblaser of Easton, PA, on November 14. Justin was fishing Swartswood Lake from a boat when he landed the fish at 10:00 a.m. A shiner served for bait. The fish measured 31 inches in length and had an 18-inch girth.

Crappie – 2 lbs, 7 oz. caught by 8-year-old Kelly Murphy of Layton on May 8. Kelly was fishing from the shore of Kittatinny Lake when she landed the fish at 7:45 p.m. Two-pound test was used with a Fenwick rod and a Browning 500 reel. A fathead minnow served as bait. The fish measured 16 7/8 inches in length with a 12-inch girth.

Chain Pickerel – 6 lbs, 0 oz. caught by 8-year-old Justin Dornblaser of Easton, PA, on November 27. Justin was fishing from a boat on Merrill Creek Reservoir when he landed the fish at 12:00 p.m. Ten-pound test was used with a Daiwa rod and reel. A shiner served for bait. The fish measured 26 inches in length with a 14-inch girth.

Brook Trout – 2 lbs, .32 oz. caught by 14-year-old Christopher Robertson of Carneys Point on April 18. Christopher was fishing from the shore of Schadlers Sand Wash when he hooked the fish at 9:30 a.m. Four-pound test was used with Mitchell spinning rod and reel. Bait was used. The fish measured 16 inches in length and had a 9-inch girth.

Brown Trout 6 lbs, 12 oz. caught by 15-year-old Kelsey Rinehart of Stewartsville on May 5. Kelsey was fishing from the banks of Pohatcong Creek when she landed the fish at 5:10 p.m. Four-pound test was used with a Mitchell rod and reel. A panther martin spinner served for a lure. The fish measured 24 inches in length with a 12-inch girth.

Walleye – 6 lbs, 6 oz. caught by 15-year-old Tommy Fernandez of Hopatcong on September 1. Tommy was fishing from a boat on Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at 9:15 a.m. Eight-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A herring served for bait. The fish measured 25 inches in length and had a 14-inch girth.

JUNIOR CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Striped Bass – 42 lbs, 8 oz. caught by 13-year-old Quinn Overcash of Cape May Court House on November 7. Quinn was fishing from a boat in Delaware Bay when he hooked the fish at 8:45 a.m. Thirty-pound test was used with a Shimano rod and Shimano 6500 reel. Bunker was the bait. The fish measured 48 inches in length with a 24-inch girth.

Fluke 11 lbs, 7 oz. caught by 12-year-old Justin Weeast of Eastampton on August 15. Justin was fishing from a boat at the Ocean City reef site when he landed the fish a3:30 p.m.Twenty-five-pound test was used with a conventional rod and reel. A squid/minnow combo served for bait. The fish measured 29 inches in length with a 25″ girth.

Tautog 11 lb, 10 oz. caught by 11-year-old Brendan Graham of Manahawkin. Brendan was fishing from a boat at Garden State South when he landed the fish at 9:00 a.m. Fifty-pound test was used with a conventional rod and reel. A crab served as bait. The fish was 25 inches in length with a 19-inch girth.

CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY FRESHWATER SPECIES:

Largemouth Bass 26 inches caught by Mike McKenna of Medford on July 7. Mike was fishing from a boat on Oakwood Lake in Medford when he reeled the fish in at 7:45 p.m. Eight-pound test was used with a 5’6″ Pfluger rod and a spinning reel. The lure was a jointed Rapala floating minnow. The girth was 24 inches.

Smallmouth Bass 21 inches caught by Shawn Dornblasser of Easton, PA, on May 9. Shawn was fishing from a boat on Merrill Creek Reservoir when he reeled the fish in at 4:00 p.m. Six-pound test was used with a Shimano rod and a Penn reel. A shiner served as bait.

Bullhead 16 inches caught by Edward L. Guth, Jr. of Bridgeton on April 12. Edward was fishing at a Mary Elmer Lake when he reeled in the fish at 9:00 a.m. Ten-pound test was used with a Browning spinning rod and a Browning 3000 reel. A cut gizzard shad served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

Carp 35 inches caught by George R. Horvath of Trenton on May 3. George was fishing from the shore at an undisclosed location when he reeled in the fish at 7:14 p.m. Twelve-pound test line was used with a Ugly Stik rod and a Shimano reel. Corn served as the bait. The girth was 23 inches.

Channel Catfish 32 inches caught by Christopher Filosa of Freehold on October 6. Christopher was fishing from the shore at Passion Puddle at Rutgers when he reeled in the fish at 2:00 p.m. Ten-pound test line was used with an Ugly Stik rod and a Shimano reel. Secret catfish bait on a hook was used to attract the fish. Girth was unavailable.

Crappie 16 inches caught by Sean Flynn of Woodbury Heights on October 4. Sean was fishing from a boat at Salem Canal when he reeled in the fish. Eight-pound test line was used with a Shimano rod and reel. A senko was the lure of choice. Girth was unavailable.

Yellow Perch 14 inches caught by Steven Lytwyn of Chatham on November 4. Steven was fishing from the shore of Splitrock Reservoir when he reeled in the fish at 1:00 p.m. Stren line was used with an ultra light rod and a spinning reel. A Rapala served as the lure. The girth was 10 inches.

Chain Pickerel 27 inches caught by Mike McKenna of Medford on July 29. Mike was fishing from a boat on Oakwood Lake in Medford when he reeled in the fish at 4:30 p.m. Ten-pound test was used with a Mastouch rod and a spinning reel. A 3/8 oz. white double bladed spinnerbait served as the lure. The girth was 10.5 inches.

Northern Pike 36 inches caught by Arthur N. Carlson of Dover on June 22. Arthur was fishing from the shore at Budd Lake when he landed the fish at 2:00 p.m. Six-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A spinner served as the lure. Girth was 15 inches.

Brown Trout 27 inches caught by Kirk Banis of Bangor, PA on May 20. Kirk was fishing from a boat on Merrill Creek reservoir when he landed the fish at 6:30 p.m. Ten-pound test was used with a Shakespeare rod and a Daiwa reel. A spoon served as the lure. Girth was unavailable.

Rainbow Trout 24 inches caught by Bob Gordon of Millville on May 20. Bob was wading in Pohatcong Creek when he landed the fish at 10:15 a.m. 5X tippet was used with a 7’6″ 4 wt St. Croix fly rod and an Orvis reel. A size 16 Pheasant Tail Nymph served as the lure. Girth was unknown.

Sunfish 10 inches caught by 13-year old Aaron Clark of Millville on September 6. Aaron was fishing from the shore at Shaws Mill Pond when he reeled in the fish at 4:18 p.m. Six-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. A worm served as bait. Girth was 6 inches.
and
Sunfish 10 inches caught by Darren A. Hasara of Milford on August 1. Darren was fishing from the shore at a private farm pond in Hunterdon County when he reeled in the fish at 6:00 p.m. Four-pound test was used with a spinning rod and reel. An earthworm served as bait. Girth was 9.25 inches.

Walleye 28 inches caught by Nicholas A. Marchitto of Hopatcong on October 12. Nicholas was fishing from theshorer at Lake Hopatcong when he landed the fish at 5:30 p.m. Six-pound test was used with a Shimano rod and a reel. A herring served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY SALTWATER SPECIES:

Striped Bass 45 inches caught by William Mayfield, Jr. of Belmar on June 19. William was fishing off a boat in Belmar when he landed the fish at 11:00 a.m. Twenty-pound test was used with a St. Croix rod and a Penn reel. A bunker served as the bait. Girth was unavailable.

Bluefish 33 inches caught by Bill Vivona of Bound Brook on August 1. Bill was fishing from a boat on the Shrewsbury Rocks when he landed the fish at 6:00 p.m. Forty-pound test was used with custom rod and a Penn reel. A bunker served as the bait. The girth was unavailable.

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New York Announces Changes to Fluke, Scup and Black Sea Bass Seasons

Fishing RSS Feeds- Fishing News - New York Fishing News — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:30:56 +0000

New York Announces Changes to Fluke, Scup and Black Sea Bass Seasons
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the 2010 recreational fishing seasons and catch limits for fluke, scup and black sea bass:

1. Black Sea Bass: For 2010, DEC has set the season for May 22 to Sept. 12, a reduction from 2009 when the season was open the entire year. The change is necessary to comply with interstate and federal management measures to assist in rebuilding the black sea bass population. The minimum size limit remains at 12.5 inches and the possession limit remains 25 fish per day.

2. Scup: The regular recreational season is the same as last year – May 24 through Sept. 26. The size limit is 10.5 inches and the possession limit is 10 fish per day.

There is a new season for scup for recreational anglers aboard licensed party or charter vessels; it will run from June 8 to Sept. 6, with a minimum size limit of 11 inches and a possession limit of 10 fish per day. The scup “bonus” season for recreational anglers aboard licensed party or charter vessels will be from Sept. 7 through Oct. 11, with a size limit of 11 inches and a new daily possession limit of 40 fish.

3. Fluke: Commissioner Grannis previously announced proposed limits for fluke, also known as summer flounder, (http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/63240.html), which have now been finalized. The 2010 fluke season is a return to a longer, more traditional recreational fishing season. The recreational season for fluke will open May 15 and close Sept. 6. The minimum size limit remains at 21 inches and the possession limit remains at two fish per day.

“DEC works closely with the recreational fishing community to establish seasons and catch limits that protect and rebuild fluke, scup and black sea bass populations while providing as many fishing opportunities as possible,” Commissioner Grannis said. “The 2010 limits strike that balance. Meanwhile, DEC will continue to pursue necessary changes to the federal fishing quota system to ensure that New York’s anglers are not placed at a disadvantage by unfair requirements.”

As a member state of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC), New York is required to develop recreational fishing limits that will prevent New York State anglers from exceeding the state’s assigned fluke quota. DEC convened meetings with the Marine Resources Advisory Council – made up of representatives of the recreational fishing community — to develop options that encompass the most popular fluke fishing periods on both the north and south shores of Long Island. Commissioner Grannis said the 2010 schedule would maintain a viable fluke fishery for all anglers, while ensuring that New York meets the federal requirements.

Last year, New York did not exceed its fluke quota for the first time in six years. That fact, combined with a federal decision to increase the overall East Coast fluke quota, means that New York anglers will enjoy a significantly higher quota for 2010: 449,000 fluke, an increase of 23 percent over 2009.

DEC adopted these changes to recreational seasons for fluke, scup and black sea bass as emergency regulations and they are currently in effect. DEC is also proposing to adopt the emergency rules as permanent; public comments on the proposed permanent rulemaking may be submitted by July 10, 2010 to fwmarine@gw.dec.state.ny.us with the subject line “2010 Fluke.”

Comments can also be sent to Stephen W. Heins, NYSDEC Marine Resources, 205 Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, NY 11733.

Media Contact
Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000

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The National Marine Fisheries Service accepts black sea bass regulations

Al Ristori — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:25:20 +0000

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By Al Ristori

February 11, 2010, 7:25PM

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued an emergency order on Tuesday that accepts recommendations for black sea bass increases by the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee.

As a result, the TAC (Total Allowable Catch) is increased from 2.71 million pounds to 4.5 million pounds. After deducting discards, the TAL (Total Allowable Landings) increases from 2.3 million pounds to 3.7 million pounds. Sea bass regulations approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) provide a season from May 22 to Sept. 12, with a 12½-inch minimum and a bag limit of 25. It’s likely that those regulations will apply in all waters.

The NMFS release notes this is being done on an emergency basis (upon publication that day in the Federal Register, and without a prior comment period) in order to reduce the social and economic disruption. Yet, the agency already wiped out the winter recreational sea bass season with their October emergency order closure of recreational sea bass fishing in federal waters, and offers no relief during the balance of the winter. Since the assessment indicates sea bass are a recovered species, there was never a good justification for closing last year. Furthermore, this year’s season is ridiculously short — and those dependent on the fall and winter seasons will once again be shortchanged.

The ASMFC recently approved New Jersey’s fluke options. Two options maintain the 18-inch minimum, with six fish and a May 29 to Sept. 6 season — or four fluke from May 23 to Sept. 6. The other four options use an 18½-inch minimum with six fish for seasons of May 13 to Sept. 13; May 29 to Sept. 26; May 21 to Sept. 12; or May 29 to Sept. 17. The Marine Fisheries Council will make a decision next month.

NEWS AND NOTES

• Hi-Mar Striper Club’s Flea Market opens at 8 a.m. tomorrow, and continues through 3 p.m. in the Middletown VFW on Route 36 in Port Monmouth. Admission is $5, with kids under 12 admitted free. A series of free seminars by Hi-Mar skippers starts at 9. For information call Capt. Jerry Beaver at (732) 671-1442.

• Fishing has been a dead issue lately as anglers shoveled tons of “global warming.’’ Ironically, I engaged in a National Wildlife Federation teleconference last month on “Oddball winter weather; global warming’s wakeup call for the northern United States” in which the speakers were only concerned with the economic and social effects of a lack of snow and cold weather. At least they must be happy with our second straight winter with more than most people ever want to see again of both.

• Capt. Jimmy Elliott sails Friday night with Miss Belmar Princess for cod off Block Island. That trip is sold out, and there are only a few spots left for next Friday night. Call him at (732) 284-9709. Elliott looked for mackerel on Tuesday, and got some good readings though only a few were jigged.

The Jamaica from Brielle and Voyager from Point Pleasant have also scheduled Block Island trips as well as weekend runs to far offshore wrecks for jumbo porgies plus cod and pollock.

• New Jersey is out of compliance with the Shark Management Plan, and shark anglers ware eagerly awaiting Gov. Christie’s signature on the 2007 regulatory package that included the required changes and will permit sharking in time for the tournaments. The state finds itself in this position because ex-Governor Jon Corzine inexplicably sat on that package of regulations from the Marine Fisheries Council for years.

• The seventh season of Rack & Fin Radio on 97.3 ESPN with host Tom Pagliaroli kicks off Saturday morning from 9-10. The 50K watt signal reaches through central and southern New Jersey. Rack & Fin Radio also streams live on the web at www.973espnfm.com.

• The World Fishing and Outdoor Exhibit will run in Rockland Community College, Suffern, N.Y., from March 4-7. The American Sportfishing Association also runs the Saltwater Fishing Expo that will be presented in the Garden State Exhibit Center at Somerset from March 19-21.

• The N.J. IGFA representatives present the 13th annual IGFA Banquet and Auction on Friday, March 26 in Mike Doolan’s Restaurant, Spring Lake Heights. That event has raised about $170,000 over the course of 12 years for the IGFA’s Junior Angler and Conservation programs. For information call Jeff Merrill at (908) 451-1110.

Visit Al Ristori’s blog at nj.com/shore/blogs/fishing for the more fishing news plus best bets for the weekend.

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Derry Bennett left legacy of conservation

Bridget Wentworth/The Star-Ledger — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:44:47 +0000

By Al Ristori

December 17, 2009, 10:44PM

All those dedicated to clean waters lost a very special individual Tuesday when Derry Bennett of Fair Haven passed away at the age of 79. Bennett was executive director of the American Littoral Society from 1968-2003, devoting his life to the cause of clean waters as well as building the ALS into an important conservation organization.

He edited the ALS monthly publication, Underwater Naturalist, and promoted the ALS fish tagging program created by the late Graham MacMillen — since carried on by recently retired Pam Carlsen and Jeff Dement. That tagging information proved to be very valuable when striped bass finally achieved some protection from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) after the virtual collapse of the fishery.

Bennett, a surf fisherman, was a dedicated advocate of open beaches. Surfcasters owe him a debt of gratitude for his persistence in assuring access even in oceanfront communities that did their best to deny parking and access points to outsiders. He wrote The Seaside Reader, and New Jersey Coast Walks, as well as numerous articles. Bennett, also a founder of Clean Ocean Action, will be memorialized Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St. in Red Bank.

Recreational regulations for summer flounder, scup and black sea bass were approved at the Dec. 8-10 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in Wilmington, Delaware.

Though staff had recommended a coastwise fluke regulation that would have allowed only two at 19 1/2 inches from May 1 to Sept. 30, that ended up being the non-preferred alternative as conservation equivalency prevailed once again. Thus, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will be able to set 2010 regulations based on New Jersey’s share of the 8.59-million pound recreational quota less our overage from this year. It’s likely that regulations will be little changed from this year’s.

The scup recreational quota is 3.01 million pounds, with coastwise regulations in the EEZ (federal waters) of 10 porgies at an 11-inch minimum from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, and June 12 to Sept. 26. The sea bass quota is 1.14 million pounds, with EEZ regulations of 25 at a 12 1/2-inch minimum during seasons of June 1-30 and Sept. 1-30. In the cases of both scup and sea bass, states will determine regulations in their waters in accordance with their quota and any overages.

The Council and ASMFC also voted to convene a joint meeting of the Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee to review data that may allow the NMFS Regional Administrator to consider an adjustment that would allow more fishing for a species that’s restored, with overfishing not occurring.

Striped bass surfcasting was generally good Tuesday and Wednesday at several locations from Island Beach State Park to Sandy Hook, but Thursday was a bust in beautiful calm conditions. The gale-force northwester finally flattened the swell, but also seemed to turn off the bite all along the Shore in clear waters.

A very unseasonable 19-inch fluke surprised me Wednesday morning at Brick Beach while Capt. Gene Quigley and John Green of Brick, among others, were hooking into flurries of school stripers. I released hat fat fluke (the only “keeper” I caught from the surf this year) along with three 26-to-27-inch stripers and eight sand dabs — all of which hit a Vision Rainfish teaser.

Quigley was using the new Tsunami Pro Holographic 6-inch Sand Eel, and had a doubleheader of schoolies among his bass. Those sand eels have been the hot bait this fall, and would make a perfect stocking stuffer for anglers along with such standards as the Vision Surf Eel and Rainfish, Bomber plugs, and Yo-Zuri pencil poppers and Surface Bulls for big bass.

In order to ensure those lures aren’t lost due to a defective snap, add the new Sea Striker Fast Snap that looks like a paper clip and won’t open up as so often happens with standard snaps – especially when doubleheaders are hooked. The nickel black snaps come in medium and large size 10-packs

TOP CATCHES

Joe Mellillo of Castaways Tackle on Bridge Ave. in Point Pleasant released seven bass Wednesday morning at the end of his street, but there wasn’t a fish caught there Thursday morning – just as was the case at Brick despite beautiful conditions with much less wind than predicted which moderated the extreme cold.

Capt. Bobby Bogan didn’t have any customers at his Gambler in Point Pleasant Thursday morning, but decided to check the striper fishing with his crew. Some gannets were diving off Mantoloking, and big bass were under them. He caught three keepers and the deckhands also jigged a few. Bogan figured they could have limited by staying a bit longer. Almost all the bass were legal fish up to 20 pounds, and they hit the largest Krocodiles that imitate herring.

He noted that the Norma K also reported seeing stripers on the way back from blackfishing.

That was a huge improvement from Tuesday when I joined Capt. Russ Binns on his Mar-Lin from Toms River as we found no sign of life while running 17 miles south of Manasquan Inlet to the park and then eight miles north of the inlet. It was a desert out there with no bird life, fish marks, or bait readings.

Nineteen-year-old Greg Nunn of Hillsborough won the title of American Striped Bass Association Angler of the Year at Saturday’s last event of the ASA season in Virginia Beach while fishing aboard the family boat, Hapi Daze.

His father, Rick, was Angler of the Year two years ago. Nunn was only 10th at Virginia Beach with a 33-pounder caught at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, but that was enough to overcome the 6.05-pound lead that Capt. Bryne Pieros of Lebanon held coming in before his Michael’s Bait and Tackle team was shut out. Pieros had a great season, beating out New Englanders on their home grounds to win the North Division. He came into the final event having won three of the last four ASA tournaments.

Capt. Ken Zwirko of Union won at Virginia Beach by a half-pound on Bunker Down with a 40-pound striper plus an extra pound for a live release. Other N.J. skippers that did well were Matt Unsworth on Mod Squad in fourth with a 35.30-pounder plus the bonus pound to win the 26-foot boat and under division, and Harry Svenson on Cheap Shot in 13th with a 30.55-pounder.

The Jamaica from Brielle has set Blackfish Marathon open trips for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 20, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 30. Call 732 528-5014 for information.

Capt. Jimmy Elliott will be seeking mackerel with Miss Belmar Princess starting this weekend.

The Tackle Box in Hazlet weight a 13 1/4-pound blackfish caught Tuesday on Sandy Hook Reef by Mike Rusin of Scotch Plains.

Capt. Bob Kita of Manville joined Paul Bowes of Manville on Green Machine, owned by Kai Meckeler of Annandale, as they limited with blackfish up to 8 pounds on that reef after launching at Atlantic Highlands.

Carlos Londano of Murray Hill and his group caught 20 dolphin up to 45 pounds one day last week at Golfito, Costa Rica. Greg Thummel of SportfishingGolfito.com reported that a 100-pound yellowfin tuna was caught that week.

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House appoves funding for fluke & sea bass research

Al Ristori — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:36:57 +0000

CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Sixth District of New Jersey

_______________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Richard McGrath

December 11, 2009 Erin Bzymek

(202) 225-4671

PALLONE: HOUSE APPROVES FUNDS FOR THE PARTNERSHIP

FOR MID-ATLANTIC FISHERIES, INC.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced Friday that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a conference report on the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that includes $1 million in funding for the Partnership for Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Science, Inc.

PMAFS is a multi-state, multi-institutional partnership (currently New York and New Jersey) research initiative that will address science issues limiting successful management of the summer flounder and black sea bass fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic region. PMAFS will utilize academic and recreational/commercial fisheries resources to develop targeted science initiatives. These initiatives will address the most urgent data limitations restricting improved management of summer flounder in the Mid-Atlantic.

The summer flounder population is vitally important to the region, said Pallone. Reliable research is important to have, which will allow us to make the best-informed decisions about these populations.

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval before being signed into law by the President.

Frank Pallone, Jr. on the Web:

###

CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Sixth District of New Jersey

_______________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS: Richard McGrath

December 11, 2009 Erin Bzymek

(202) 225-4671

PALLONE: HOUSE APPROVES FUNDS FOR THE PARTNERSHIP

FOR MID-ATLANTIC FISHERIES, INC.

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval before being signed into law by the President.

Frank Pallone, Jr. on the Web:

###

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RFA taking legal action to reopen sea bass fishery in federal waters

Al Ristori — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:42:42 +0000

Al,

Please contact Jim Donofrio (202-236-4867) for more information about the particulars. Were not able to share the specifics regarding the legal angle, but the attorneys working on this case are the most knowledgeable in the industry (Bogan & Moore). We have thousands collected thus far, and well be blasting this out to our email database in the next two hours, so Im sure the support should begin to strengthen. Thank you for the publicity in the most recent edition of The Fisherman.

For the record, we couldnt have gotten this off the ground without support from the United Boatmen of both New York and New Jersey, and especially the hard-nose determination of captains like Adam Nowalsky, Tony Bogan, Dennis Kanyuk, Eddie Yates, and Fran Verdi.

Unite the clans!

For Immediate Release October 9, 2009

Contact: Jim Hutchinson, Jr. 888 564-6732

RFA & ALLIES WILL SUE TO REOPEN SEA BASS FISHERY -

UNPRECEDENTED FEDERAL CLOSURE FORCES FISHERMEN INTO LEGAL ACTION

In the midst of the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, our federal government has chosen to shut down the recreational fishery for black sea bass for the next six months (effective Monday, October 5, 2009) based on survey data thats been described as fatally flawed by the National Academy of Sciences (read Fatally Flawed” Science is Killing America’s Number One Outdoor Pastime special report at www. joinrfa.org.)

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and our local industry allies from New York to the Carolinas are fighting back against this unprecedented and unwarranted shutdown of the black sea bass fishery by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). RFA members throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic believe this is a battle that must be fought, regardless of the outcome and have demanded that we take action. What is at stake is nothing less than our very future as recreational fishermen, and the future of our recreational fishing industry.

During the first days of the closure, a grassroots effort within the recreational fishing community resulted in successful pledge drive of support for legal action. At the same time, a team of qualified fisheries attorneys and industry professionals was reviewing NMFS federal ruling and poring through pages of legal documentation to develop a proper legal strategy. Tackle shop owners and party/charter captains up and down the East Coast, along with scores of individual anglers and RFA members whove had enough of these arbitrary federal decisions, have been making donations to the RFA Legal Defense Fund, established specifically for issues like this.

Our legal team is currently working on our plan of attack; now its time that we ask individual anglers to come together and support this effort!

According to the scientists’ own data, black sea bass is a healthy stock – they are not overfished, no overfishing is occurring, and the most recent stock assessment places the spawning stock biomass (SSB) at 103% of their target. In fact, the SSB has been at or above this level for the past decade. Yet, despite this scientific information, the recreational angling community is being denied access to this vitally important fishery due to fatally flawed information coming from the Marine Recreational Fishing Statistical Survey, or MRFSS.

Whats worse is that there seems to be no end in sight to the MRFSS assault. Today its the complete shutdown of a healthy sea bass fishery. Next, we can expect an impact on the summer flounder limits for 2010, and scup soon after that. Could striped bass be next? How about tog? If fatally flawed data has not impacted your favorite fishery, rest assured it will happen soon enough if we dont take a stand today. Where does it end if we allow the federal government to continue to use a broken system to deny recreational anglers access to healthy fisheries?

The RFA has assembled an experienced legal team to take on the case to overturn the federal shutdown of the recreational black sea bass fishery. The attorneys involved are fishermen themselves who have fought these battles before so they know this specialized area of the law and theres no learning curve to be climbed. Theyve already begun working on the case and have formulated a preliminary strategy to challenge this closure under existing federal law.

Litigation is inherently uncertain, and theres no way to guarantee a successful outcome. However, you can guarantee that if NMFS gets away with this closure, there will be more recreational closures to come. In the coming days, we will be drafting an official complaint which demands that the improper closure of sea bass be set aside.

Now its time we unite and show the federal government that recreational anglers will not tolerate arbitrary and capricious regulatory actions that inhibit our ability to utilize a healthy resource, thus violating the very laws set forth by the Magnuson Stevens Act.

If youre a member of the recreational fishing industry who has already committed to the fight with a pledge, you can support this effort by sending a check today made payable to the RFA Legal Defense Fund as follows:

RFA Legal Defense Fund

PO Box 3080

New Gretna, NJ 08224

Please be sure to write “Sea Bass” in the memo of the check and make a notation on the outside of the envelope to the same effect. Your timely response is to the benefit of us all. The Recreational Fishing Alliance will be dedicating all checks made payable to the RFA Legal Defense Fund directly towards these legal efforts outlined above. All donations will be tracked individually, from all groups and individual anglers.

The RFA has also set up a special online account through PayPal in which individual anglers can also make a donation. Many of the tackle shops and captains who rely on your valued service have pledged up to $500 apiece towards the fight. As an individual angler trying to make an honest stand in a tough economy, whatever donation you can offer towards the RFA Legal Defense Fund will be much appreciated. Visit www.joinrfa.org and look for the DONATE button on the homepage to support the RFA Legal Defense Fund.

The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Nations saltwater fisheries.

To protect your right to fish tomorrow, join the RFA today at www.joinrfa.org or by calling 888-JOIN-RFA.

Jim Hutchinson, Jr.
Managing Director – Recreational Fishing Alliance
Board President – New York Sportfishing Federation

PO Box 3080, New Gretna, NJ 08224
888-JOIN RFA / 609-404-1935 / www.joinrfa.org

Support your right to fish with every purchase -

RFA Platinum Visa Rewards card

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