The March 22nd annual State of the State Fisheries club meeting was a success. The meeting was launched with the flag salute led by Randy Roash. The panelists present during the meeting included: Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Senator Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi, Mayor Richard Palombo, and Jim Donofrio, Adam Nowalsky, and Jim Hutchinson, all of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). Upper Township Committeeman Ed Barr also attended the meeting.
Highlights of the meeting included: the discussion of amending of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Summer Flounder, Striped Bass, North Jersey on a bi-partisan basis, Angler Registry bill, and artificial reefs. Mayor Rich Palombo spoke about the beach replenishment project, which is projected to start in the fall of 2014 and will last 18 months. The boat ramp project was also discussed and will probably not be completed by this summer.
During the meeting five new members were welcomed into the club, and at the conclusion of the meeting a scrumptious supper, prepared by Chefs Ed and Louise Andress and Bud Lyon was served and enjoyed by all!
Summer Flounder Season
Adam Nowalsky, NJ Chairman of the RFA, stated that summer flounder measures will be finalized at a meeting of the NJ Marine Fisheries Council on April 3rd at 4 p.m. In Manahawkin, on Bay Ave, at the township building, Exit 63 off the parkway. I have spoken to “Bucktail Willie” and he stated that the 18inch 5 bag limit has been set, and the meeting on April 3rd will consist of a vote on two dates for summer flounder season to start
The two dates to vote on include:
Start date of May 17th – end date of September 21st
Start date of May 23 (Memorial Day weekend) – end date of September 27th
Bucktail Willie stated that if South Jersey inshore fishermen want to make a difference that attending the April 3rd meeting is very important. This is the last chance for South Jersey to voice their vote on which day opening flounder season will be for 2014. Without a South Jersey influence, Bucktail believes that the opening day will be May 23rd. Having opening day flounder season on Memorial Day weekend is not an ideal situation for South Jersey, the water will be full of vacationers, therefore I will do my best to attend the meeting and hope others will as well!
Next Club Event:
Club Meeting April 26th 2014, 4 p.m. at the firehouse!!
Hope to see you all there!!
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