May 17, 2017 — The New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council will be meeting in Avalon tomorrow afternoon to select an option for the 2017 fluke season. The only thing sure is that lots of fisherman will be unhappy with whatever the council decides. DEP Commissioner Bob Martin is expected to quickly set whatever is decided into law — as the season could open as early as next week.
The meeting is open to the public at 4:00 p.m. in Avalon Town Hall, 3001 Avalon Avenue. The compromise plan approved by the ASMFC would maintain the 18-inch minimum, but with only three fish — and a shortened September season. We could also join N.Y. with a 19-inch minimum, or stay at status quo while being out of compliance.
The Golden Eagle from Belmar, Jamaica from Brielle, and Queen Mary from Point Pleasant all reported great bluefishing on jigs today — with limits for all and many releases of blues ranging up to 14 pounds.
Striper fishing was picky, but Art Berkman of Pompton Plains was delighted with the 46-inch, 45-pound striper he trolled as part of Tank Matraxia’s party with Capt. John Contello on the Sea Hunter out of Keyport. They had to run down to Asbury Park to find that bass, and the only other one was trolled by Marty Nowinski of Lyndhurst — a personal best 40-pounder.