The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council (Council) is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. this Thursday, March 2 at the Galloway Twp. Branch of the Atlantic Co. Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Rd. in Galloway, NJ where it’s expected that the 2023 regulations for summer flounder, black sea bass and porgies will be finalized. Anglers with a preference for how these final regulations ultimately shake out are encouraged to attend. (The location of Thursday’s meeting was mistakenly listed as Stafford Township in the March edition of The Fisherman.)
In the spring of 2022, the Council voted to implement a slot limit for fluke choosing from one of four options approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and moved forward by the Council’s advisory committee. While the slot option was not the preferred option of the advisors (three fluke at 17-1/2 inches with a May 21 to September 23 season), during the public comment portion of the Council meeting members of the public spoke in favor of the “slot” by a nearly 2-1 ratio; final approval came by way of a 6-2 vote by the Council, and it’s expected that the same fluke limits will be in place again for 2023.
In terms of fluke and sea bass, the public will be able to weigh in on a suite of options intended to meet a federally required 10% reduction in recreational harvest. To confirm date and time of the March 2 meeting contact the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Marine Fisheries Administration at 609-292-7794
Also this week, the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show – presented by Discover Boating – returns to the Atlantic City Convention Center March 1-5, welcoming nautical novices, seasoned sailors and water lovers an all-access pass to discover why life is better on a boat. It’s your chance to shop the most comprehensive selection of boat brands and types in the mid-Atlantic region, from offshore fishing boats to family cruisers.
Once again, The Fisherman Magazine has assembled an all-star lineup seminar speakers with the help of Goose Hummock Outfitters with a daily series of fishing workshops for both beginners and advanced anglers alike.
The Atlantic City Boat Show runs from March 1 through March with show hours Wednesday to Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online ($20 for adults, children 12 and under admitted free) at ACBoatShow.com. Look for The Fisherman staff at one of our two booths (#147 or #826) and get your BKK Hooks and a package of Fishbites for new or renewing subscription.
