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I read about this proposal and it about killed me. I love fishing for tog, but if we are only allowed one, there would be no point in targeting them. The system that is being used to determine recreational limits causes regulations to get more and more stringent while the populations get larger and healthier. Perfect examples are fluke and porgys. Meanwhile, flounder, whiting and cod are disappearing before our eyes and nothing is being done about it. This also leads to a viscious cycle. Think about it. If we can't keep tog, more guys will fish for sea bass. Sea bass landings will go way up which will lead to tighter regs on sea bass. Where does it end?
As for poachers, the lack of enforcement in our area is well known. DEC officers start out here, but move on to other locales (lower cost of living?) as soon as they can. And the demand for the poachers catch is huge (chinatown, flushing etc.) We need more enforcement officers, who are paid enough so they'll stick around and gain experience. And when poachers are caught, they need to have their gear confiscated so that they can't poach again. Poaching does happen on party boats as well. I was on a trip this year, on a north shore boat, where the captain caught a good 20 keeper tog, which were placed in a garbage pail that was set up as a crude livewell. I never did find out what happened to those fish, but my gut feeling is that they were sold. Now that it looks like were going to lose our tog fishery, I regret not calling the DEC on the little jerk.
Instead of just bitching about how the recreational fisherman is being regulated right off the water, do something. Join the RFA, CCA, NYFTTA. There are alot of groups out there who need fisherman funds, support and actions. Or at least write to your elected officials. That's free, and if enough of us do it, gets results.
As for poachers, the lack of enforcement in our area is well known. DEC officers start out here, but move on to other locales (lower cost of living?) as soon as they can. And the demand for the poachers catch is huge (chinatown, flushing etc.) We need more enforcement officers, who are paid enough so they'll stick around and gain experience. And when poachers are caught, they need to have their gear confiscated so that they can't poach again. Poaching does happen on party boats as well. I was on a trip this year, on a north shore boat, where the captain caught a good 20 keeper tog, which were placed in a garbage pail that was set up as a crude livewell. I never did find out what happened to those fish, but my gut feeling is that they were sold. Now that it looks like were going to lose our tog fishery, I regret not calling the DEC on the little jerk.
Instead of just bitching about how the recreational fisherman is being regulated right off the water, do something. Join the RFA, CCA, NYFTTA. There are alot of groups out there who need fisherman funds, support and actions. Or at least write to your elected officials. That's free, and if enough of us do it, gets results.
