According to Jersey Coast Angler’s Association President Paul Haertel at the April 3 meeting the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council voted unanimously in favor of the following regulations for fluke and sea bass for calendar year 2014.
Fluke will have a five fish bag limit, an 18-inch size limit and a season running from May 23 to September 27.
Sea bass is a bit more complicated with a 12-1/2-inch size limit and a 15 fish bag limit from May 19 until June 30. Then it goes to a three fish bag limit from July 1 to August 31. The season will go back to a 15 fish bag limit from September 1 through September 6 before establishing a last winter fishery with a 15 fish bag limit from October 18 until December 31.
Additionally a presentation was made about a special pilot program that would allow two fluke at 16 inches to be kept by shore based anglers at Island Beach State Park. This program could possibly be expanded further next year. JCAA, NJBBA and NJSFSC all supported the concept but also requested that it be expanded to include a couple other areas particularly in southern New Jersey.
New Jersey was adamant about not going to regionalization but despite that fact they were voted against. We are all eager to start fluking and recalibrating those measuring sticks once again as the yo-yo that is fluke and sea bass regulations continues to baffle recreational anglers.