February 14, 2015 — Last week’s meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission went very well for Delaware. At this point, it appears we will retain the same flounder and black sea bass regulations we had in 2014 for 2015.
On the flounder front, New Jersey introduced a motion that would have given it a smaller size limit in Delaware Bay, but would have raised the size limit in states to the north of it. As I understand the situation, New Jersey was crushed when no one would even second the motion. Exactly why they thought other states would be willing to restrict their catch so New Jersey anglers could catch more fish is something I really don’t understand.
There had been some concern that black sea bass would see a cut in recreational landings, but it seems what overfishing is occurring is to our north, so our regulations should remain unchanged. It has been my experience that there are plenty of sea bass in local waters; the problem is they have moved farther offshore. If you are willing to run 20 miles or more, catching black sea bass is a simple drop-and-crank process. Try fishing for them at the Old Grounds or over the inshore wrecks and you will be disappointed.
This is another example of how the sea is warming. Sea bass like cooler water and now must stay farther off in deeper areas to find the temperature they like. Fish we never saw before, like triggerfish and spadefish, have expanded their range north as the water has warmed. Last year we saw many more summer flounder at the Old Grounds than in any year past, while the warmer Delaware Bay saw fewer flounder than in previous years. I have no idea at this point if the warmer water is the cause of rockfish staying off the beach, but it is a subject that requires more study.
Read the full story at the Cape Gazette