The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association was well represented at last week’s meeting of the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council in Manahawkin. On hand were current captains John Lewis and Fran Verdi, past member Captain Adam Nowalsky, and BHCFA member Jim Hutchinson Sr. Verdi and Nowalsky spoke to the Council and audience in representing the recreational fishing industry in New Jersey.
An unusually large crowd of over 100 anglers and fishing professionals were in attendance seeking relief from the double hit of closed seasons for black sea bass and summer flounder. Their pleas were not able to gain any satisfaction, but they were urged to keep the pressure on and continue their efforts with other governmental agencies.
Captain Adam said there would be a joint meeting of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission December 14 and 15 in Annapolis, Maryland. He said that a large contingent of New Jersey anglers could help the cause for fishery regulations in 2018.
Captain Fran asked the New Jersey Council to make sure the New Jersey DEP renewed its efforts in support of anglers especially with black sea bass.
Following the meeting Captain John said that he is trying to make the best of a poor regulatory situation on the water. He is currently fishing for porgy, bluefish and Bonita as well as sharks, tuna and mahi offshore.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.