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While I did OK in 2022 off the yak in the backbay, 2023 was more of a struggle and I think with these regs I will be mainly catching (much needed, lol) exercise. The regs by an large and year after year support the people who can afford the larger ocean-going boats and the companies that run the party and commercial boats. I would have been completely happy with two at 18 1/2 or, better yet, a slot limit, but overall greed influences the non-scientific bureaucrat rules.I feel sorry for the people who have to fish inside on the south shore, These new regs. after last years poor showing of inside keepers are going to make it almost impossible for them to bring home filets. I struggled inside and I have 63 years of fishing Jones inlet to Ocean beach under my belt. I am able to go outside with my rig which allowed me to catch a few keepers on a regular basis. I'm based out of Lindenhurst and first day of the season you will see 7-12 Captree party boats mugging the area from Gilgo to Frank & Dicks sweeping the area till mid June with their A.M. trips covering bank to bank in the state channel. Even if you wanted to fish this area with the first group of fish coming in you're pushed out of the way by them. Then mid June to September you're dealing with them from fire island inlet to Kismet the litte guy doesn't stand a chance. My advise is try to get out before them 5:30AM=8am or after 5 at night. Finale thought in my opinion the fishing regulation board is comprised of a large group who believe it's wrong to catch and kill fish and want to make it so restrictive that we will just stop fishing altogether. Give us a minimum 16.5 in size limit 3 fish per person NO CULLING with mandatory no holding in live well with major enforcement. Just this old mans thoughts. Tight lines all
Great point - last year there was a narrow window around the top that produced the better fish.Yes party boats are definitely sweeping the state channel three trips a day. And no doubt have no regard for the little guys they will mow you over. Over the years there’s definitely a window of the tide that the bigger fish feed, put your time in zone in on that time and hopefully there’s a fish or two for dinner. Unfortunately us recreational guys will always pay the price, enjoy life enjoy wetting a line and be thankful we can still do it
Last year was my first with my boat. I did OK each trip putting together a catch for the table. It will just force me to stop fishing "memory" and think a little more out on the water. I few of my friends found limits in the bay on almost every trip. Put the time in, and take what is given.