Here we go again

[matey8941]

Smith paving way for new striped bass bill

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 11/30/05

The push toward a new striped bass law in New Jersey is on track.
Assemblyman Robert J. Smith, D-Gloucester, said Tuesday that he expects to get the new bass bill passed out of his Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee next week. Smith, who is one of New Jersey's representatives on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, promised months ago that he would guide the bill through the Assembly, and he is living up to his promise.

Herb Moore Jr., director of government affairs for the Recreational Fishing Alliance, said Tuesday he is confident that the bill will quickly pass through the committee and on for a full Assembly vote.

"Assemblyman Smith is the ideal man for this," Moore said. "He is not only a member of the commission, but a dedicated fisherman."

The new law will bring New Jersey into step with the rest of the coastal states that adhere to the coastal standard of two fish 28 inches or larger. Further, it will allow New Jersey to reinstate the bonus program of 2003 and 2004, and allow anyone interested to participate.

The program at present, which included a special allotment of bonus cards for some party and charter boats and forced individual anglers to participate in a lottery system, created resentment among those who did not receive a card.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's striped bass board announced several weeks ago that the striped bass stocks are in good shape, and overfishing is not occurring.

James A. Donofrio, executive director of the RFA, said he was pleased to hear that the stocks are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. The striped bass biomass is up, spawning stock biomass is up, recruitment is up and mortality is down.

"Overfishing, spawning stock and recruitment were big concerns," Donofrio said. "We were especially worried about the effect of the North Carolina fishery, but the scientists tell us it was not a problem; so we're looking forward to getting this bill passed.

"Assemblyman Smith has promised he will go right ahead on this," Donofrio said.

He added that the RFA has already approached other legislators, both in the Assembly and the Senate, and there is strong bipartisan support for the change of the law to two fish at 28 inches and up.

The present law allows for the harvest of one fish between 24 and less than 28 inches and one fish 34 inches and over. No fish between 28 and less than 34 inches can be taken without a bonus card.

"We're not going to see relaxed regulations, though," Donofrio said. "As far as I'm concerned, it's politics. You have groups out there that want to see a more restrictive fishery."

Greg Hueth, a spokesman for the Shark River Surf Anglers, said he is anxious to see the new legislation passed as quickly as possible.

"Two fish at 28 inches and up is right for a lot of reasons," he said. "It gives the fisherman a chance to catch and take home a worthwhile fish to eat, it gives the smaller fish a year to spawn, it will be easier for the state Division of Fish and Wildlife to enforce the law, it will be in step with other states and it will make the bonus program fairer to everyone," he said.

[Fish Tale Charters]

Thanks for the info matey. Its great to see that the Bass are in good shape. Looking forward to 2 fish @ 28" or greater.

The thing that scares me is what is going to happen to the FLOUNDER regs for next year? From what I have heard it does not look good. Shorter season, size requirement to go up from 16.5 to what ? and a smaller bag limit. Which is 8 here in jersey right now. Tackle shopes, charters and every other person conected to the world of fishing will get crushed. Lets keep status qou!