The beach fishing in Cape May County,NJ has been absolutely fantastic the last few days. Keeper Striped bass have been caught to 40 pounds and drum to 30 pounds from the beach. They are being caught with lures {black bomber} and bait {Clam}. A few keeper flounder are being caught in the Back Bay areas but the bite has been slow, due to the weather. Wally B. is high hook with 14 keeper flounder. I will be updating more often as the season moves forward.
Author: kensdock
Kensdock Report: NJ free saltwater fishing registry online
Kensdock report: 2011 flounder season dates
The 2011 flounder season will start May 7 to Sept. 25. 8 fish Bag limit with a 18″ size limit. 
Jon’s two hour trip, flounder season 2010.
Kensdock Report :New Jersey Assembly Budget hearing 23-2011
March 23, 2011
Attention:
New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee Members:
A choice was made by Governor Christie, the NJ Senate and the NJ Assembly when they cosigned the free fishing registration bill into law recently and in doing so, a commitment was implied to increase funding for the NJ marine fisheries. I urge you to follow through with this commitment and budget at least $4 million dollars for NJ marine fisheries in FY2012.
Please consider the full cost of the commitment to make NJ the only state in the nation that does not require a saltwater license or a fee to register as a saltwater fisherman:
1} If NJ required a fee of $15 to register saltwater fisherman or a saltwater license, 800,000 NJ saltwater fishermen = $12,000,000. Note: The feds charge $15 and most states are close.
$12,000,000 Dollars
2} In FY2012 New Jersey will receive the minimum of 1% of the Dingell – Johnson Sport Fishing Restoration Fund,{ $389,000,000 in 2010}. If NJ charged a fee to register saltwater fishermen and $1” of that fee was for the NJ Marine fisheries, NJ could receive the maximum 5% of the DJSR fund.
$15 million dollars
3} NJ is losing grant money; due to the fact New Jersey budget appropriation committees are underfunding the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Grants like the $150,000,000 federal grant Florida was scheduled to receive last year. Florida planned to build saltwater hatcheries, creating 3,129 immediate construction jobs and 169 permanent jobs.
Kenneth McDermott III
Vice President
New Jersey Saltwater Sportsmen’s Alliance
Cape May/Cumberland County Chapters
Kensdock Report: Free Saltwater Fishing Bill Flawed
Free Saltwater Fishing Bill Flawed
“Federal regulations under 50 CFR Part 80 would apply to saltwater fishing license funds. These dollars would be provided the full protection of federal law, and could not be used for any purpose other than the fisheries work of NJ DFW. My office, and the OIG enforce these regulations – it is a big part of what we do. Over the past two years I have personally intervened in close to 20 attempts to divert license revenues or assets acquired with those funds across the 18 agencies in our region that receive Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration dollars. We take this responsibility very seriously, and have, to date, prevented diversions.”
— John F. Organ, Ph.D., CWB
Chief, Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration
Adjunct Associate Professor of Wildlife Conservation, UMass Amherst
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The following statements were used to lift the free registry bill S1122/A823 out of committee and to push it through the New Jersey Senate and Assembly. However they are grossly incorrect.
1) Federal money that was intended for the New Jersey Bureau of Marine Fisheries 2010 budget was diverted, raided or stolen. This is not true.
2) If New Jersey had a saltwater license fund the money would not be protected from being raided, diverted, or stolen. This is also not true, see above quote.
This in itself should be enough for Governor Christie’s to veto the bill. However there is more:
The free saltwater registry bill also circumvented New Jersey State regulations.
Through an Executive Order established last year, Governor Christie declared that proposed and pending State rules and regulations be reviewed, including a public comment period. The free registry bill S1122 is a prime example as to why he issued this order. Considering:
The free fishing bill S1122/A823 is a unfunded mandate with $600,000 dollar price tag.
- NJ will continue to lose millions of dollars in Dingell-Johnson sport fishing restoration funds with the free saltwater fishermen registry bill.
- NJ will continue to lose grant money with the free registry bill. Like the $150,000,000 federal grant Florida was online to receive last year. Florida planned to build saltwater hatcheries, creating 3,129 immediate construction jobs and 169 permanent jobs.
- There will not be a 2011 NJ herring season due to lack of funds. The New Jersey Bureau of Marine Fisheries is now operating in a triage state. How long before the fire reaches summer flounder?
- These are some of the reasons that many have withdrawn support of the free fishing bills A823/S122. Including former sponsor Assemblyman Rumana who now publicly opposes the bills. He also has asked Governor Christie not to sign the bills.
If you are a NJ Saltwater fishermen or a NJ tax payer, do yourself a favor, call Governor Christie to ask him to veto the free fishing bill S1122. Those interested in contacting the Governor’s office can do so by calling 1-609-292-6000
Kensdock report: 2011 Flounder season options
New Jersey
2010 Harvest Target: 997,000 fish
2010 Landings: 593,677 fish
2011 Harvest Target: 1,335,000
Alteration for 2010 unadjusted: 125% liberalization
2010 Regulations:
Minimum Size: 18”
Possession Limit: 6 fish
Open Season: May 29-September 6
Proposed 2011 Measures:
2010 Harvest Target: 997,000 fish
2010 Landings: 593,677 fish
2011 Harvest Target: 1,335,000
Alteration for 2010 unadjusted: 125% liberalization
2010 Regulations:
Minimum Size: 18”
Possession Limit: 6 fish
Open Season: May 29-September 6
Proposed 2011 Measures:
Option Min Size Bag
Limit Open Season Liberalization*
1 18” 6 May 28-September 5 31%
2 17.5” 6 May 28-September 5 117%
3 17” 6 May 28-September 5 207%
4 17.5” 6 May 21-September 11 139%
5 17.5” 8 May 21-September 11 145%
6 18” 6 May 14-September 18 61%
7 18” 8 May 14-September 18 62%
8 18” 6 May 2 – Sept 30 88%
9 17”/18” 1/5 May 28-September 5 97%
10 17”/18” 1/5 May 14-September 18 141%
11 17”/18” 1/7 May 28-September 5 97%
12 17”/18” 1/7 May 14-September 18 142%
13 17.5”/18” 1/5 May 28-September 5 72%
14 17.5”/18” 1/5 May 14-September 18 110%
15 17.5”/18” 1/7 May 28-September 5 73%
16 17.5”/18” 1/7 May 14-September 18 111%
Healthy, self-sustaining populations for all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015
* Liberalization results based on catch per trip from NJ VAS and average coastwide weight per fish of 3.35 pounds
Additional Factors accounted for in proposal:
Averages of the most recent three years of data (2008 through 2010) were used, this was more conservative than if only 2010 data were used.
Technical Committee Recommendation:
Approve all options but 3, 4, 5, 10, and 12. Technically in the proposal the dual size limit will work but it will make future years analysis more difficult.
______
Kensdock Report: NJ Saltwater Sportsmen’s Alliance
The NJ Saltwater Sportsmen’s Alliance is a true grass roots organization, made up of passionate saltwater fishermen. We truly love the NJ outdoors and saltwater fishing. In the past we have been a quiet group trading saltwater fishing stories to get through the winter. However with the free registry bill being unfunded, the recent 1.3 million dollar budget cut to the NJBMF and the fact that NJ fishing seasons have begun to close due to lack of funding, we are outraged. We are also concerned with the lies that are being repeated and unquestioned by the supporters of the free fishing bill S1122. We find gambling with the future of New Jersey saltwater fishing seasons to save $5 dollars totally unacceptable. We support a 15 dollar NJ saltwater license, this would:
1) Fully fund the NJBMF
2) Save NJ saltwater fishermen 15 dollars that we must know pay the feds to fish.
3) Qualify NJ for 5 times the Dingell- Johnson Sport fishing restoration funds.
4) Qualify NJ for millions of dollars in grant money with the SWL.
5) Ensure future generations of saltwater fisherman improved saltwater fishing opportunities.
Ken McDermott III
Vice President
Cape May/Cumberland County Saltwater Sportsmen’s Alliance
609.412.3811
| More Press Coverage on Saltwater Registry |
Trenton Times
Saltwater registry leaves
taxpayers on the hook
http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/letters/index.ssf?/base/news-2/129351873452460.xml&coll=5
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/57667-cost+not+having+salt+water+license
Those interested in contacting the Governor’s office can do so by calling 1-609-292-6000
Bill S1122 free” fishing not the anwser
I urge everyone to be mindful of the cost of the “free saltwater fishing registry Bill S1122 to the State of NJ and the below facts:
The millions of dollars in federal money that bill S1122 will cost the State of New Jersey.*
The millions of dollars lost in NJ saltwater license funds that could be dedicated to enhance NJ saltwater fishing and marine resources.
*The jobs bill S1122 will cost the State of New Jersey.*
The polls taken by fishing clubs, of their membership, on the NJ saltwater license issue.
The fact that the few recreational fishing groups that oppose a NJ saltwater license did not let their membership vote on the issue.
Significant loses to New Jersey saltwater fishermen via reduced fishing opportunities.
Here is the results of the saltwater license poll taken on the Bass Barn after a long debate, that included represenitives of the fishing groups opposed to the license and all users of the saltwater fishing resource, 24,000 members.http://www.thebassbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203517 2-1 in favor of a New Jersey saltwater license.
The fact , the 100,000 member CCA angler group supports a NJ saltwater license. Does not support bill S1122
The 100,000 member New Jersey federation of sportsmens clubs support a NJ saltwater license.Does not support bill S1122
The Cape May County Party and Charter boat 8000 members support a NJ saltwater license. Does not support bill S1122
******* New Jersey missed out on a 150 million dollar grant just last year, due to lack of a NJ saltwater license.
*The State of Florida was quick to take advantage of the money:
The money requested would come from Obama’s stimulus package through the state Legislature.
3,129 immediate construction jobs would benefit local economies near hatchery sites.
Upon completion, 169 permanent green jobs would exist in the form of biologists and other hatchery personnel.
The money requested would come from Obama’s stimulus package through the state Legislature.
3,129 immediate construction jobs would benefit local economies near hatchery sites.
Upon completion, 169 permanent green jobs would exist in the form of biologists and other hatchery personnel.
Title 50: Wildlife and Fisheries
PART 80—ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, PITTMAN-ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION AND DINGELL-JOHNSON SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACTS
****The law states:
§ 80.10 State certification of licenses.
(a) To ensure proper apportionment of Federal funds, the Service requires that each director of a State fish and wildlife agency:
(1) Specify a license certification period that:
(i) Is 12 consecutive months in length;
(ii) Is either the State’s fiscal year or license year;
(iii) Is consistent from year to year; and
(iv) Ends no less than 1 year and no more than 2 years before the beginning of the Federal fiscal year that the apportioned funds first become available for expenditure;
(2) The State may count only those persons who possess a license that produced net revenue of at least $1 per year returned to the State after deducting costs directly associated with issuance of the license. Examples of such costs are agents’ or sellers’ fees and the cost of printing, distribution, and control
§ 80.10 State certification of licenses.
(a) To ensure proper apportionment of Federal funds, the Service requires that each director of a State fish and wildlife agency:
(1) Specify a license certification period that:
(i) Is 12 consecutive months in length;
(ii) Is either the State’s fiscal year or license year;
(iii) Is consistent from year to year; and
(iv) Ends no less than 1 year and no more than 2 years before the beginning of the Federal fiscal year that the apportioned funds first become available for expenditure;
(2) The State may count only those persons who possess a license that produced net revenue of at least $1 per year returned to the State after deducting costs directly associated with issuance of the license. Examples of such costs are agents’ or sellers’ fees and the cost of printing, distribution, and control
Who will make up for the millions in federal dollars Bill S112 will cost the people of New Jersey?
How will we rebuild our fish populations like our weakfish with no money ?
What other States have accomplished via saltwater license funds:
Lets look to the south to the States that have had a saltwater fishing license for a few years:
Texas, in 1977 the speckled sea trout and red fish population resembled New Jersey’s weakfish population of today {decimated}.
In 1982 they opened the John Wilson hatchery,followed by the Seacenter Texas fish hatchery in about 1983. In addition they made other wise investments in their natural marine resources.
Texas, in 1977 the speckled sea trout and red fish population resembled New Jersey’s weakfish population of today {decimated}.
In 1982 they opened the John Wilson hatchery,followed by the Seacenter Texas fish hatchery in about 1983. In addition they made other wise investments in their natural marine resources.
Today, Texas has the best redfish and speckled trout fishing on the planet!
You can find success stories all over the south, Florida, Louisiana,Alabama South Carolina and many more. Mater of fact, there is not enough space in this to list all the success that has been achieved via saltwater license funds.
You can find success stories all over the south, Florida, Louisiana,Alabama South Carolina and many more. Mater of fact, there is not enough space in this to list all the success that has been achieved via saltwater license funds.
Kensdock Report: November fishing update,specs,stripers, RFA
2010 New Jersey speckled sea trout
NOnamementioned is top hook in Cape may co.NJ with eight speckled sea trout.This is a sad, considering Ed has caught 75 + NJ specs many seasons in the past. The spec fishing has been extremely tough, with only fisherman with extensive local knowledge, big game hunter patients and luck have caught.The specs have quickly gone the way of the weakfish.Why have specs declined to this point in NJ? Myself and a few other concerned fishermen attended a NJ marine fisheries council meeting, we spoke with head biologist Tom McCloy about the NJ speckled sea trout. His answer in a nut shell, Nj fish and game does not have the money to do the nessaccary studies to declare an interest in the speckled sea trout with the feds.This leaves the NJ speckled sea trout population exposed to unlimited commercial fishing. This is one of many reasons that many sportfishing groups including the 100,000 member NJ federation of sportsmen, Cape May County Party boat ass., and many other true recreational fishing groups are pushing for a NJ saltwater license. However, the so called Recreational fishing alliance opposes a NJ saltwater license. I debated at length the NJ saltwater license issue with Jim Hutchinson jr managing director of the RFA on the Bass Barn site, a poll was taken after the debate on the 24,000 member site, they favored a NJ saltwater license 2-1! Consider the following,the RFA` would not support a moratorium on commercial fishing for weakfish, to spite the fact the weakfish stock is in a dangerously depleted condition. The RFA~ would not support a cites listing for bluefin tuna! A cites listing would have cut off the cash of the Japanese bluefin tuna buyers worldwide { they have paid 100,000 dollars for one bluefin tuna} putting unsustainable pressure on the bluefin tuna stock worldwide. A cites listing would have left the domestic markets open for bluefin. I should mention a cites listing for bluefin tuna would not have changed the recreational bag limit one iota. The RFA`will not support a saltwater license knowing NJ fish and wildlife does not have the funds to manage our fish stocks or enforce New Jerseys fishing regulations. New Jersey has 9 million residents and the forth largest commercial fishing take in the United States and NJ only has NINE” marine conservation officers. Striper fishing has been excellent in the Delaware Bay with 50 pound class fish being caught every fishable tide. However the beach fishing has been the slowest in years. Keeper bass are being caught but the big schools of stripers have not shown up not on the beach or offshore. Resident short striped bass are being caught in the back bay with a few keepers being taken from the toll bridges at night.
Kensdock report: October Stripers
Stripers keeper stripers are being caught from all waters of Cape May co.NJ.Most keepers are being caught by those that have intimate knowledge of the waters they fish. Short stripers can be found by all that put in the time. Trophy 50 + pound stripers have been caught from the Delaware Bay and the Ocean side beaches. 30 + pound stripers are being caught every tide by a few sharps.The tog bite has been strong in the back waters for the few that know the hot spots. I will have a New Jersey spec report after the next full moon. It is not looking good for the jersey spotted sea trout, they may have gone the way of the weakfish. We can thank the NJ recreational fishing groups for the poor fishing. Why? They oppose any attempt to create salt water license, opposed closing the commercial harvest of weakfish and specs in NJ waters. They pushed to keep the season open for commercials and recs in complete disregard of future generations of salt water fishermen both commercial and recreational. They pushed this position knowing the weakfish stock is in a dangerously depleted condition. They oppose the NJ license knowing fish and game does not have the funds to manage our salt water fish stocks. The water temperature is 64 degrees in the back bay. The water clarity is good.
Ken's Dock 