New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park, NJ
In 2017, the annual New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament tournament will be held on Sunday, May 21 at Island Beach State Park.
Known for its pristine sandy beaches, Island Beach State Park is one of New Jersey's most popular surf fishing areas.
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements.
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park.
Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should always register early. Tournament anglers will also need to complete the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry prior to the event.
For more information, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/saltwater.htm or call 609-748-4347.
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Showing posts with label new jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new jersey. Show all posts
Monday, January 16, 2017
Saturday, December 3, 2016
New Jersey State Record Winter Flounder (Spearfishing Category)
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced that Chris Kahler speared a New Jersey state record winter flounder (spearfishing category).
Chris was free diving near a jetty in Manasquan Inlet when he speared the 3 pound, 5 ounce winter flounder which measured 20 inches in length.
In 2014, the NJ Record Fish Program was expanded with the addition of a Spearfishing category for saltwater.
Seventeen (17) species commonly sought after by spear fishers are included in the category.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Chris was free diving near a jetty in Manasquan Inlet when he speared the 3 pound, 5 ounce winter flounder which measured 20 inches in length.
In 2014, the NJ Record Fish Program was expanded with the addition of a Spearfishing category for saltwater.
Seventeen (17) species commonly sought after by spear fishers are included in the category.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Saturday, April 30, 2016
NJ - Sea Girt and Axel Carlson Reef Additions
New Jersey's Sea Girt and Axel Carlson reefs will receive 1,853 yards of concrete rubble from a seawall. Each reef will receive one load of approximately 930 cubic yards.
Deployment locations:
Axel Carlson Reef: 40 00.900' 73 59.700'
Sea Girt Reef: 40 07.450' 73 56.800'
The deployments are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Commercial fishers who have gear in the area during the time of deployment must move it or risk having it destroyed.
Sea Girt and Axel Carlson reefs were constructed and maintained by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Artificial Reef Program.
For more information, visit the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Artificial Reef Deployments page.
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Deployment locations:
Axel Carlson Reef: 40 00.900' 73 59.700'
Sea Girt Reef: 40 07.450' 73 56.800'
The deployments are subject to weather and sea conditions.
Commercial fishers who have gear in the area during the time of deployment must move it or risk having it destroyed.
Sea Girt and Axel Carlson reefs were constructed and maintained by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Artificial Reef Program.
For more information, visit the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Artificial Reef Deployments page.
NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Saturday, December 26, 2015
New Jersey State Record Black Sea Bass
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently certified the catch of a new state record black sea bass.
Steve Singler of Philadelphia, PA, caught the new record fish on December 12, 2015. The monster sea bass weighed in at 9 pounds, 0 ounces, measured 27.5" in length and had a girth of 18.5".
Steve was bottom fishing in 180-200 feet of water off the boat Voyager, captained by Jeff Gutman when the fish hit.
For more information on the New Jersey Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife
Steve Singler of Philadelphia, PA, caught the new record fish on December 12, 2015. The monster sea bass weighed in at 9 pounds, 0 ounces, measured 27.5" in length and had a girth of 18.5".
Steve was bottom fishing in 180-200 feet of water off the boat Voyager, captained by Jeff Gutman when the fish hit.
For more information on the New Jersey Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Shearwater Artificial Reef
The Shearwater was sunk onto the Del-Jersey-Land Reef on Dec. 11, 2015.
Shearwater was sunk at approximate coordinates of 38 deg. 31.200’ N Latitude and 074 deg. 30.800’W Longitude, approximately 26 nautical miles southeast of Indian River Inlet.
The 165 foot vessel sank in 120 feet of water about one-half nautical mile from the 568-foot ex-destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford.
Prior to sinking, the vessel had served the Army and Navy before becoming a civilian ship. Shearwater had ended its working life in 2012 as a menhaden boat out of Reedville, Va.
The Del-Jersey-Land Reef, also known as Delaware Reef Site 13, is one of numerous artificial reef sites established by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Delaware has 14 permitted artificial reef sites in the Delaware Bay and coastal waters, with five of the sites located in federal (ocean) waters.
source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife
Shearwater was sunk at approximate coordinates of 38 deg. 31.200’ N Latitude and 074 deg. 30.800’W Longitude, approximately 26 nautical miles southeast of Indian River Inlet.
The 165 foot vessel sank in 120 feet of water about one-half nautical mile from the 568-foot ex-destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford.
Prior to sinking, the vessel had served the Army and Navy before becoming a civilian ship. Shearwater had ended its working life in 2012 as a menhaden boat out of Reedville, Va.
The Del-Jersey-Land Reef, also known as Delaware Reef Site 13, is one of numerous artificial reef sites established by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Delaware has 14 permitted artificial reef sites in the Delaware Bay and coastal waters, with five of the sites located in federal (ocean) waters.
source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Sea Girt Reef Gets Additional Rubble
The Sea Girt Reef, located offshore of Monmouth County and part of the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Artificial Reef Program, will receive three additional loads of concrete rubble from a seawall project in New York City.
Approximately 926 cubic yards of material will be placed on the reef addition to 2,778 cubic yards which were recently deployed.
Once the concrete is deployed it will serve as an attachment surface for mussels, barnacles, hydroids, anemones, stony coral and other invertebrates.
Deployment locations for the Sea Girt Reef are:
1) 40 06.700' 73 57.200'
2) 40 07.250' 73 57.000'
3) 40 06.800' 73 57.000'
The Sea Girt Reef is a popular fishing location for anglers coming out of Manasquan Inlet.
For more information, visit the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Artificial Reef Deployments page.
source: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
Approximately 926 cubic yards of material will be placed on the reef addition to 2,778 cubic yards which were recently deployed.
Once the concrete is deployed it will serve as an attachment surface for mussels, barnacles, hydroids, anemones, stony coral and other invertebrates.
Deployment locations for the Sea Girt Reef are:
1) 40 06.700' 73 57.200'
2) 40 07.250' 73 57.000'
3) 40 06.800' 73 57.000'
The Sea Girt Reef is a popular fishing location for anglers coming out of Manasquan Inlet.
For more information, visit the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife Artificial Reef Deployments page.
source: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
Monday, September 14, 2015
New Jersey State Record Cobia - Spearfishing Category
In August, the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife certified the first entry of a cobia in the spearfishing category of the state record saltwater fish program.
William Maier of Medford, New Jersey, was off Cape May on July 17, 2015 when he speared the record cobia. The fish weighed in at 60 pounds, measuring 56" in length with a girth of 27".
For more information on the Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm.
William Maier of Medford, New Jersey, was off Cape May on July 17, 2015 when he speared the record cobia. The fish weighed in at 60 pounds, measuring 56" in length with a girth of 27".
For more information on the Record Fish Program, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Sea Girt - Axel Carlson Reef Enhancement (New Jersey)
The Sea Girt and Axel Carlson Reefs located offshore of Monmouth County and part of the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Artificial Reef Program, will receive 2,780 yards of clean bridge rubble. The Axel Carlson Reef will receive two loads totaling 1,853 cubic yards and the Sea Girt Reef will receive one load totaling 926 cubic yards.
By summer, the new reef could attract sea bass, tautog, scup, triggerfish and summer flounder. It will then become a target of anglers coming out of Manasquan Inlet.
The deployment schedule is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.
Reef Program
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 418
Port Republic, NJ 08241
For information on past and planned deployments see the NJDEP Artificial Reef Deployments page:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artreefdeployment.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
By summer, the new reef could attract sea bass, tautog, scup, triggerfish and summer flounder. It will then become a target of anglers coming out of Manasquan Inlet.
The deployment schedule is subject to weather and sea conditions. For further information contact Hugh Carberry at 609-748-2022.
Reef Program
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 418
Port Republic, NJ 08241
For information on past and planned deployments see the NJDEP Artificial Reef Deployments page:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artreefdeployment.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Friday, April 10, 2015
2015 New Jersey Free Fishing Days
New Jersey Free Fishing Days
June 13 and October 17, 2015
For 2015, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has split the Free Fishing Days. The first will be held on Saturday, June 13. The second Free Fishing Day will occur on Saturday, October 17, 2015.
The June Free Fishing Day will be held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week; the October date will allow the public to take advantage of the fall trout stocking. On free fishing days, fishing is allowed on the Garden State’s public waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect.
New Jersey's Free Fishing Days allow beginners, experts, residents, non-residents, and others to experience fishing without having to purchase a license. For those just starting out, the Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many programs and classes to advance from beginner to expert.
The Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County offers free fishing programs. Pequest offers a Natural Resource Education Center with a variety of exhibits and displays on wildlife, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and hiking trails. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing site along the Pequest River.
For those who enjoy group fishing, there are usually children's fishing derbies held on Free Fishing Days weekend. Derbies are organized by townships, service clubs and sportsmen’s groups, and are typically open to kids up to age 16.
source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
June 13 and October 17, 2015
For 2015, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has split the Free Fishing Days. The first will be held on Saturday, June 13. The second Free Fishing Day will occur on Saturday, October 17, 2015.
The June Free Fishing Day will be held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week; the October date will allow the public to take advantage of the fall trout stocking. On free fishing days, fishing is allowed on the Garden State’s public waters without a license or trout stamp. All other regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect.
New Jersey's Free Fishing Days allow beginners, experts, residents, non-residents, and others to experience fishing without having to purchase a license. For those just starting out, the Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many programs and classes to advance from beginner to expert.
The Pequest State Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County offers free fishing programs. Pequest offers a Natural Resource Education Center with a variety of exhibits and displays on wildlife, a butterfly garden, picnic areas and hiking trails. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing site along the Pequest River.
For those who enjoy group fishing, there are usually children's fishing derbies held on Free Fishing Days weekend. Derbies are organized by townships, service clubs and sportsmen’s groups, and are typically open to kids up to age 16.
source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
Friday, March 6, 2015
Fisherman’s Walkway at Island Beach State Park
In New Jersey, a popular and functional surf fishing access point at Island Beach State Park has been fully restored and is now reopened, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The structure, known as Fisherman’s Walkway, was completely destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.
Approximately 1,000 feet of wooden walkway, measuring about eight feet in width, has been constructed starting from Parking Area 7, providing fishing access for persons with disabilities and other anglers on foot who prefer more mobility in transporting their fishing equipment from the parking area to the ocean.
Work on the walkway began in late September and was completed in late December by GCS Contractors Corp. The walkway officially reopened this month after inspection. The $203,000 project was funded by Corporate Business Tax dollars. The DEP is seeking reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Fisherman’s Walkway has been a popular destination for people with disabilities, anglers, birdwatchers and other users since it was first constructed in 1995 with funds through the Americans With Disabilities Act. Its location within the park is south of lifeguarded swimming areas and north of mobile sport fishing access roads.
Since Superstorm Sandy hit in October, 2012, Island Beach State Park has seen the repair or restoration of the boardwalks and the lifeguard station at Ocean Bathing Area 1, the gatehouse and maintenance buildings within the park. A major repair of the Sandy-damaged north jetty at Barnegat Inlet, at the southern tip of the park, was completed in October.
For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html.
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Approximately 1,000 feet of wooden walkway, measuring about eight feet in width, has been constructed starting from Parking Area 7, providing fishing access for persons with disabilities and other anglers on foot who prefer more mobility in transporting their fishing equipment from the parking area to the ocean.
Work on the walkway began in late September and was completed in late December by GCS Contractors Corp. The walkway officially reopened this month after inspection. The $203,000 project was funded by Corporate Business Tax dollars. The DEP is seeking reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Fisherman’s Walkway has been a popular destination for people with disabilities, anglers, birdwatchers and other users since it was first constructed in 1995 with funds through the Americans With Disabilities Act. Its location within the park is south of lifeguarded swimming areas and north of mobile sport fishing access roads.
Since Superstorm Sandy hit in October, 2012, Island Beach State Park has seen the repair or restoration of the boardwalks and the lifeguard station at Ocean Bathing Area 1, the gatehouse and maintenance buildings within the park. A major repair of the Sandy-damaged north jetty at Barnegat Inlet, at the southern tip of the park, was completed in October.
For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html.
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Thursday, March 5, 2015
New Jersey Artificial Reef Access Rules Proposed
In February, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection proposed new rules that will fully implement a compromise between recreational and commercial fishing interests over access to artificial reefs off the coast of New Jersey.
The plan will allow commercial interests to have continued access to portions of two reefs in state waters and calls for the construction of a new reef for recreational fishing, also in state waters. The compromise, reached in 2013 with commercial and recreational fishing groups, is now being proposed as a formal rule change and amendments to Fish and Wildlife regulations. The proposal appears in the Feb. 2 New Jersey Register.
“Recreational and commercial fishing are vital to New Jersey’s economy, providing more than $2.5 billion in economic benefits each year,” Commissioner Bob Martin said. “This compromise will address the needs of commercial fishermen and recreational anglers, and will result in restoration of federal funding that is vital to the development of artificial reefs that provide tremendous commercial and recreational benefits.”
The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife holds permits for 15 artificial reef sites – 13 in federal waters and two in state waters. The reefs, encompassing a total of 25 square miles of ocean floor, are constructed from a variety of materials, such as rocks, concrete and steel, even old ships and barges. These materials provide surfaces for a wide diversity of marine organisms to grow, ultimately providing food and habitat for many species of fish and shellfish.
Under the rule proposal in the New Jersey Register, commercial and recreational fishermen utilizing lobster, fish and conch pots will be permitted to continue using portions of two existing reefs in state waters off Sandy Hook and Manasquan. State waters extend from the shoreline to three miles offshore. Recreational hook-and-line fishermen will continue to have access to all portions of these reefs.
Commercial and recreational fishermen will be allowed the use of lobster, fish and conch pots on the Sandy Hook and Axel Carlson Reefs in specific “full access zones” within each reef. Commercial and recreational anglers and sport/scuba divers will continue to have full access to all parts of the reefs including the full access zones.
In addition, commercial and recreational lobster potters setting and tending gear within the full access zones must do so only between the hours of sunrise and sunset, and they must call the Marine Law Enforcement Headquarters two hours prior to doing so. Individual pots set in these zones must be marked with a buoy and a string of pots must have a buoy attached to both ends.
A new reef, encompassing about a square mile of ocean floor, will be constructed in state waters in an area north of Barnegat Inlet to be used for recreational fishing. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is working with the DEP Division of Land Use Regulation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in securing the permit for this project.
The plan is expected to resolve federal concerns that commercial fishing is intruding on and hampering recreational fishing on artificial reefs in state waters, which are funded by excise taxes on recreational fishing gear and motor boat fuel. Costs to obtain, clean and deploy suitable material also is supported by private donations.
As the plan is implemented, the DEP will petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore nearly $250,000 in annual funding for artificial reef research, improvements and maintenance that has been withheld as a result of this issue.
Funding restored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be used to pay for a significant portion of this project. Donations from both the commercial and recreational fishing communities will also help pay for construction. The DEP, in consultation with stakeholders and the Army Corps of Engineers, will finalize a site for the new reef.
The DEP will also work with the federal Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for Special Management Zone designation which will allow the DEP to prohibit commercial gear on all 13 existing artificial reefs in federal waters. Federal waters begin three miles offshore.
A copy of the proposal is available at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices.html
Written comments may be submitted electronically by April 2, 2015 at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments
Written comments may be sent to:
Gary J. Brower, Esq.
ATTN: DEP Docket No. 14-14-12
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Legal Affairs
Mail Code 401-04L; PO Box 402
401 East State Street, 7th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
The plan will allow commercial interests to have continued access to portions of two reefs in state waters and calls for the construction of a new reef for recreational fishing, also in state waters. The compromise, reached in 2013 with commercial and recreational fishing groups, is now being proposed as a formal rule change and amendments to Fish and Wildlife regulations. The proposal appears in the Feb. 2 New Jersey Register.
“Recreational and commercial fishing are vital to New Jersey’s economy, providing more than $2.5 billion in economic benefits each year,” Commissioner Bob Martin said. “This compromise will address the needs of commercial fishermen and recreational anglers, and will result in restoration of federal funding that is vital to the development of artificial reefs that provide tremendous commercial and recreational benefits.”
The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife holds permits for 15 artificial reef sites – 13 in federal waters and two in state waters. The reefs, encompassing a total of 25 square miles of ocean floor, are constructed from a variety of materials, such as rocks, concrete and steel, even old ships and barges. These materials provide surfaces for a wide diversity of marine organisms to grow, ultimately providing food and habitat for many species of fish and shellfish.
Under the rule proposal in the New Jersey Register, commercial and recreational fishermen utilizing lobster, fish and conch pots will be permitted to continue using portions of two existing reefs in state waters off Sandy Hook and Manasquan. State waters extend from the shoreline to three miles offshore. Recreational hook-and-line fishermen will continue to have access to all portions of these reefs.
Commercial and recreational fishermen will be allowed the use of lobster, fish and conch pots on the Sandy Hook and Axel Carlson Reefs in specific “full access zones” within each reef. Commercial and recreational anglers and sport/scuba divers will continue to have full access to all parts of the reefs including the full access zones.
In addition, commercial and recreational lobster potters setting and tending gear within the full access zones must do so only between the hours of sunrise and sunset, and they must call the Marine Law Enforcement Headquarters two hours prior to doing so. Individual pots set in these zones must be marked with a buoy and a string of pots must have a buoy attached to both ends.
A new reef, encompassing about a square mile of ocean floor, will be constructed in state waters in an area north of Barnegat Inlet to be used for recreational fishing. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is working with the DEP Division of Land Use Regulation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in securing the permit for this project.
The plan is expected to resolve federal concerns that commercial fishing is intruding on and hampering recreational fishing on artificial reefs in state waters, which are funded by excise taxes on recreational fishing gear and motor boat fuel. Costs to obtain, clean and deploy suitable material also is supported by private donations.
As the plan is implemented, the DEP will petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore nearly $250,000 in annual funding for artificial reef research, improvements and maintenance that has been withheld as a result of this issue.
Funding restored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be used to pay for a significant portion of this project. Donations from both the commercial and recreational fishing communities will also help pay for construction. The DEP, in consultation with stakeholders and the Army Corps of Engineers, will finalize a site for the new reef.
The DEP will also work with the federal Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for Special Management Zone designation which will allow the DEP to prohibit commercial gear on all 13 existing artificial reefs in federal waters. Federal waters begin three miles offshore.
A copy of the proposal is available at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices.html
Written comments may be submitted electronically by April 2, 2015 at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/comments
Written comments may be sent to:
Gary J. Brower, Esq.
ATTN: DEP Docket No. 14-14-12
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Legal Affairs
Mail Code 401-04L; PO Box 402
401 East State Street, 7th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Friday, November 21, 2014
NJ State Record Fluke - Spearfishing Category
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified the first entry into the new Spearfishing category in the State Record Fish Program. Robert A. Davis of Bamber Lake, New Jersey, speared the state record fluke (summer flounder) on August 4, 2014.
The fish weighed in at 15 pounds 5 ounces which exceeded the set minimum weight of 12 pounds. The fluke is also being recognized as a World Record by the International Underwater Sprearfishing Association (IUSA).
The record-setting fluke was speared near Barnegat Lighthouse in 20 feet of water.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
The fish weighed in at 15 pounds 5 ounces which exceeded the set minimum weight of 12 pounds. The fluke is also being recognized as a World Record by the International Underwater Sprearfishing Association (IUSA).
The record-setting fluke was speared near Barnegat Lighthouse in 20 feet of water.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Island Beach State Park Shoreline Flounder Fishing
Shore-Based Enhanced Fishing Opportunity Program for Summer Flounder at Island Beach State Park Opens Saturday, June 14
June 13, 2014
On Thursday, June 12, 2014, NJ Department of Environmental Protection (Department) Commissioner Bob Martin signed a Notice of Administrative Change adjusting the size and possession limits for summer flounder (a.k.a "fluke") for anglers fishing from shore at Island Beach State Park (IBSP) during the 2014 open season.
The Shore Based Enhanced Fishing Opportunity Program (Program) for summer flounder at IBSP will begin Saturday, June 14, 2014. Summer flounder is New Jersey's most popular recreational saltwater species. Last year, New Jersey anglers caught an estimated 7.6 million summer flounder and kept 1.2 million of those fish.
Anglers participating in the IBSP Program may retain 2 fish greater than or equal to 16 inches (total length) only at IBSP during the current 2014 New Jersey summer flounder fishing season, which opened on May 23 and remains open until September 27. The Program will be available to "shore-based" anglers only, defined as fishing from a pier, jetty, beach, bank, or marsh. Anglers participating in this Program may NOT fish from a boat, kayak, canoe, personal water craft, or arrive to the shore by means of water craft.
In addition to monitoring the recreational summer flounder harvest at IBSP, the Department will be collecting data on other important recreational species as well by conducting a creel survey at the numerous beach access sites on IBSP. The interviewers will record number of anglers, number of hours fished, number of fish caught and take measurements of fish kept. This information will be utilized to determine the feasibility of the Program as well as provide important data for coastwide management of the species.
For additional information, anglers can contact the Department's Marine Fisheries Administration at 609-748-2020.
source: NJ DEP
June 13, 2014
On Thursday, June 12, 2014, NJ Department of Environmental Protection (Department) Commissioner Bob Martin signed a Notice of Administrative Change adjusting the size and possession limits for summer flounder (a.k.a "fluke") for anglers fishing from shore at Island Beach State Park (IBSP) during the 2014 open season.
The Shore Based Enhanced Fishing Opportunity Program (Program) for summer flounder at IBSP will begin Saturday, June 14, 2014. Summer flounder is New Jersey's most popular recreational saltwater species. Last year, New Jersey anglers caught an estimated 7.6 million summer flounder and kept 1.2 million of those fish.
Anglers participating in the IBSP Program may retain 2 fish greater than or equal to 16 inches (total length) only at IBSP during the current 2014 New Jersey summer flounder fishing season, which opened on May 23 and remains open until September 27. The Program will be available to "shore-based" anglers only, defined as fishing from a pier, jetty, beach, bank, or marsh. Anglers participating in this Program may NOT fish from a boat, kayak, canoe, personal water craft, or arrive to the shore by means of water craft.
In addition to monitoring the recreational summer flounder harvest at IBSP, the Department will be collecting data on other important recreational species as well by conducting a creel survey at the numerous beach access sites on IBSP. The interviewers will record number of anglers, number of hours fished, number of fish caught and take measurements of fish kept. This information will be utilized to determine the feasibility of the Program as well as provide important data for coastwide management of the species.
For additional information, anglers can contact the Department's Marine Fisheries Administration at 609-748-2020.
source: NJ DEP
Thursday, March 13, 2014
New York - New Jersey Fishermen to Receive Hurricane Sandy Relief
Commercial and recreational fisheries in New Jersey and New York will receive just over $3 million for relief effort to address the impacts following Hurricane/post-tropical cyclone Sandy.
NOAA Fisheries has already been working with the states of New York and New Jersey to distribute $5 million in economic assistance that was previously appropriated by Congress. It is expected that new funds will be used to augment existing efforts to assist impacted businesses in these two states.
According to NOAA Fisheries, recipients of the funding will have broad latitude to determine the best use of the funds to meet the unique needs of their local businesses and communities.
Funds can be used for activities that, “restore the fishery or prevent a similar failure in the future, and to assist a fishing community affected by such failure.”
There are a number of steps that have to take place before the money can be distributed. Funds are allocated out through the federal grant process. Once a spend plan is developed and the grant application is complete, there is generally a 2-3 month review process before the funds are made available to the recipient.
source: NOAA Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries has already been working with the states of New York and New Jersey to distribute $5 million in economic assistance that was previously appropriated by Congress. It is expected that new funds will be used to augment existing efforts to assist impacted businesses in these two states.
According to NOAA Fisheries, recipients of the funding will have broad latitude to determine the best use of the funds to meet the unique needs of their local businesses and communities.
Funds can be used for activities that, “restore the fishery or prevent a similar failure in the future, and to assist a fishing community affected by such failure.”
There are a number of steps that have to take place before the money can be distributed. Funds are allocated out through the federal grant process. Once a spend plan is developed and the grant application is complete, there is generally a 2-3 month review process before the funds are made available to the recipient.
source: NOAA Fisheries
Friday, February 14, 2014
2014 NJ Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that this year's Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be moving from October to May. In 2014 the tournament will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Island Beach State Park.
Anglers can feel great about the use of their registration fees, as all funds raised are used for very worthwhile purposes. These include the purchase of specialized wheelchairs that provide the disabled and elderly beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment, marine education and restoration efforts, and surf fishing access.
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award" and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in a variety of species and age group categories.
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should register early. Early registrants will save $5 on adult registration, and will be eligible to enter the early entry raffle for a surf rocket, www.surfrocketfishing.com. The early entry incentive ends April 21, 2014. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament.
The pre-registration fee for the tournament is $15 for ages 18 and up and the registration fee on tournament day is $20. The registration fee for ages 13-17 is $5 and registration is free for ages 12 and under.
NOTE: Tournament anglers may be asked to verify their compliance with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. If not already registered for 2014 please do so before hitting the beach the day of the tournament. Registration is quick, easy and free. Anglers simply need to log on to www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/ and follow the instructions on the page.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Anglers can feel great about the use of their registration fees, as all funds raised are used for very worthwhile purposes. These include the purchase of specialized wheelchairs that provide the disabled and elderly beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment, marine education and restoration efforts, and surf fishing access.
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award" and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in a variety of species and age group categories.
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should register early. Early registrants will save $5 on adult registration, and will be eligible to enter the early entry raffle for a surf rocket, www.surfrocketfishing.com. The early entry incentive ends April 21, 2014. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament.
The pre-registration fee for the tournament is $15 for ages 18 and up and the registration fee on tournament day is $20. The registration fee for ages 13-17 is $5 and registration is free for ages 12 and under.
NOTE: Tournament anglers may be asked to verify their compliance with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. If not already registered for 2014 please do so before hitting the beach the day of the tournament. Registration is quick, easy and free. Anglers simply need to log on to www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/ and follow the instructions on the page.
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Monday, November 11, 2013
New Jersey State Record Gray Tilefish
The New Jersey state record for gray tilefish was broken in September with an 18 pound, 14 ounce fish. The record-breaking tilefish measured 35 inches in length and had a girth of 23.5 inches.
Angler Richard Eglesbe caught the fish on September 2, while fishing aboard the party boat Voyager out of Point Pleasant. The boat was bottom fishing in the Wilmington Canyon when the catch was made.
For more information, see the Record Fish Program page at www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Angler Richard Eglesbe caught the fish on September 2, while fishing aboard the party boat Voyager out of Point Pleasant. The boat was bottom fishing in the Wilmington Canyon when the catch was made.
For more information, see the Record Fish Program page at www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
NJ Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
The 2013 New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, October 6. The annual tournament is held on the first Sunday in October at Island Beach State Park.
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements.,
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category.
The tournament is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.
For more information, visit the New Jersey DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
New Jersey American Shad Regulations - Delaware Bay, Delaware River
The New Jersey Fish and Game Council, in coordination with the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council, and the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, has modified the regulations for American shad in the state.
According to public notice, effective January 1, 2013, the regulations for American shad include
All American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), in both marine and fresh waters, with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, are closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries is 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
Commercial net regulations for American shad in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will remain the same.
According to NJ DEP, American shad regulations were taken to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring due to concerns about the significant coastwide decline of American shad stocks.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
source: NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Related Information
New Jersey American Shad Regulations (Freshwater)
American Shad Regulations-Atlantic Coast
How To Catch Shad And Herring
According to public notice, effective January 1, 2013, the regulations for American shad include
All American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), in both marine and fresh waters, with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, are closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries is 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
Commercial net regulations for American shad in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will remain the same.
According to NJ DEP, American shad regulations were taken to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring due to concerns about the significant coastwide decline of American shad stocks.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
source: NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Related Information
New Jersey American Shad Regulations (Freshwater)
American Shad Regulations-Atlantic Coast
How To Catch Shad And Herring
Friday, December 28, 2012
2013 New Jersey American Shad Regulations
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced new regulations regarding American shad fisheries.
Effective January 1, 2013, all American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, will be closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will now be 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
Commercial net regulations for American shad in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will remain the same.
The new regulations were implmented to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring.
Amendment 3 of the ASMFC fishery management plan for American shad prohibits both the recreational and commercial harvest of American shad in the waters of states that do not have an ASMFC-approved sustainable management plan.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
According to Division of Fish and Wildlife, insufficient information was available to develop sustainability plans for other American shad stocks along New Jersey's coast.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
Effective January 1, 2013, all American shad fisheries (both commercial and recreational), with the exception of the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries, will be closed (no possession, take or harvest).
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will now be 3 fish with no minimum size and an open season all year.
Commercial net regulations for American shad in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries will remain the same.
The new regulations were implmented to comply with Amendment 3 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) management plan for American shad and river herring.
Amendment 3 of the ASMFC fishery management plan for American shad prohibits both the recreational and commercial harvest of American shad in the waters of states that do not have an ASMFC-approved sustainable management plan.
Working in conjunction with state partners from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative (CO-OP), a sustainability plan for American shad was developed for the Delaware River estuary and subsequently approved by ASMFC's Shad and River Herring Board.
According to Division of Fish and Wildlife, insufficient information was available to develop sustainability plans for other American shad stocks along New Jersey's coast.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
2013 New Jersey Black Sea Bass Regulations
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced new black sea bass regulations which begin on January 1, 2013. The recreational black sea bass fishery will open from January 1 through February 28.
The minimum size limit remains at 12.5 inches and the possession limit will be 15 fish. These regulations pertain to both New Jersey state waters as well as Federal waters.
The Division also announced that recreational black sea bass measures are likely change from 2012 regulations later in 2013. Recreational anglers should look for new regulations on the division website.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
The minimum size limit remains at 12.5 inches and the possession limit will be 15 fish. These regulations pertain to both New Jersey state waters as well as Federal waters.
The Division also announced that recreational black sea bass measures are likely change from 2012 regulations later in 2013. Recreational anglers should look for new regulations on the division website.
source: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife
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