Changes to flounder regs on the horizon

On Jan. 17, I traveled to Dover for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission public hearing on the various options for the 2017 summer flounder regulations. There were 19 people in attendance.

After explaining why a reduction in the harvest of summer flounder was necessary - the spawning stock biomass is decreasing, the reproductive results are decreasing and the recreational catch is increasing - ASMFC Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator Kirby Rootes-Murdy went on to explain the various options that will be available to the states at the next ASMFC meeting in February.

Option 1 would allow Delaware, Maryland and Virginia to maintain the same regulations they had in 2016, four-fish bag limit, 16-inch minimum size and a 365-day season. While selecting this option would seem like a no-brainer for us, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut would have a 49 percent reduction in their harvest with a two-fish bag, 18-inch minimum size and a 59-day season.

Option 2 would require us to move up an inch in minimum size to 17 inches and maintain our four-fish bag and 365-day season. New Jersey, New York and Connecticut would then have a more reasonable 19-inch minimum size, three-fish bag and a 99-day season.

I know what you are thinking, what have New Jersey, New York and Connecticut ever done for us? When it comes to fisheries management, the answer is nothing. However, at the ASMFC meetings, each state has one vote, so Delaware, Maryland and Virginia would have to convince three other states to vote for Option 1, and that is highly unlikely.

Options 3 and 4 would require Delaware to drop down to a three-fish bag limit and Option 5 gives New Jersey an 18-inch minimum size in their portion of the Delaware Bay, while we maintain a 17-inch minimum size and a four-fish bag limit.

After explaining all the options, it was time for individuals to voice their opinion. To no one’s great surprise, Option 1 was the top choice, with options 2 and 3 also receiving positive comments. The second choice was how long these regulations should be in effect, one or two years. Two years had most of the votes, while one year received a few. 

At this point in time, it is impossible to predict what option the ASMFC board will select. There will be plenty of good old politicking going as each state tries to get the best deal possible. I think we can count on Delaware going to a 17-inch minimum size, and I hope we can maintain our four-fish bag and 365-day season.

Shameless self-promotion

On Feb. 4, I will be joining the staff of the Salt Water Sportsman Seminar Series in Anne Arundel, Md. This will be the 30th anniversary of the series, and the host is George Poveromo. It has been my pleasure to have been a part of this series on several occasions, but the last two were very special because my son Ric is the cohost along with George.

In addition to all the good fishing information, those who attend also have a chance to win excellent door prizes, including a trip to the Florida Keys. The grand prize at the end of the schedule will be a Mako Pro 17-foot skiff. Everyone will receive a bucket full of neat stuff worth $200.

The cost for the seminar is $55, and you can register online at NationalSeminarSeries.com or call 800-448-7360.

Fishing report

Tog fishing has been good for boats out of Lewes, Indian River and Ocean City. After a bout of snow and sub-freezing temperatures, the weather has mellowed out and the boats have been able to sail.

Right now, the best tog fishing is out in the ocean over various reefs and wrecks. Some sort of crab has been the best bait, but I have seen people use big shrimp with good success. A two-hook rig tied so the hooks come off the leader just above the sinker and hang an equal length below it is very popular. One large shrimp or crab is impaled by both hooks on each end of the bait.

If you have some time to travel, the cod fishing has been pretty good aboard the long-range head boats out of New Jersey, Montauk, New York and Rhode Island. I am considering a trip somewhere up there this spring after the weather changes to suit my cold-natured self.

Closer to home, we should be seeing some yellow perch in the ponds and the upper reaches of the tidal creeks and rivers. My last report from Maryland had yellow perch at Havre De Grace on the usual small minnows on jig heads.

Of course, before you do any fishing, make sure you buy the proper 2017 license.