For the first time in the history of fisheries management (that I’m aware of), an Atlantic Coast state adopted a “slot” regulation for summer flounder, as New Jersey went with an unprecedented “two at 17 to 17.99 inches” and “one over 18-inch” regulation for 2022. We’ve heard the pros and cons all season long, which of course was the longest fluke season seen in these parts in many, many years, with a much earlier start date to boot!
As for what will become of our 2023 regulations, that remains to be seen. The next meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will be held in Long Branch at the Ocean Place Resort on 1 Ocean Boulevard from November 6-10, while the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council meets on November 3 in Galloway Township. Expect more discussion on future fluke quotas and potential regulatory changes to pop up at either of these regulatory sessions.
Kirk Robinson found one for the table in mid-August while fishing aboard the F.O.L. with Capt. Parker John Fish out of Belmar using a 6-ounce jig with squid.While fishing outgoing tide with daughter Hanna and her husband Garret off Mantoloking Beach, Dave Weber said Hanna scored this 27-inch, 8-pound personal best fluke on a red teaser and 4-inch white Gulp.Another jumbo for the Levering family, but this time Pops stole the spotlight, weighing in this 9.24-pound fluke at Fisherman’s Headquarters that he caught on a 6-inch Gulp grub aboard the Super Chic.Jimmy Rosa from Butler, NJ hit the Shrewsbury Rocks towards the tail end of the season using a white bucktail and pink shine Gulp swimming mullet on a teaser for this doormat weighing in at 11 pounds, 8 ounces at the Tackle Box.Owen Davis and Mikey Grassi got into the fluke action at Robbins Reef over the summer using white glow Gulp on rigs with some peanut bunker thrown in for good measure.Debbie Wrzesniewsky had a good pull of fluke to 6 pounds while fishing with Capt. Joe aboard the Sour Kraut this season.
