Fish On
Summer flounder season is almost here
RON NUZZOLO
High winds and nasty weather keep most anglers at bay. Local reports of bass being picked from beaches on blood worms along the Jersey Shore but not much to discuss until water temperatures rise.

The 2008 summer flounder regulations are out with an eight-fish, 18-inch limit, starting May 24 through Sept. 7. The good news is you can keep one for bait but it must be 18 inches and has to count as one of the eight. Log onto NJSaltwaterfisherman.com to learn more about the 2008 fluke and winter flounder season regulations and what local anglers have to say about it.

Once again the Hi-Mar Striper Club had its annual awards dinner at The Salt Creek Grille in Rumson. The following are the awards given out for 2007:

Largest Striped Bass: Billy Rowan, 40 pounds; Largest Bluefish: Alan Beneroff, 11.56 pounds; LargestWeakfish: Carl Piccolo, 12.26 pounds; Largest Blackfish: Carl Piccolo, 5.1 pounds; Largest Fluke: Tony Santoro, 12.6 pounds; Largest Flounder: Carl Piccolo, 3.14 pounds.

Most tagged Striped Bass, Recreational Angler: Alan Beneroff; Most tagged Striped Bass: Capt. Jerry Beaver; Largest Tagged & Released Striped Bass: Len Fantasia, 40 pounds, 40 inches; Sportsperson of the Year: Pat Kamienski; Sportsman of the Year: Ron McClelland; Angler of the Year: Carl Piccolo.

The Hi-Mar will be holding its annual Charity Spring Bass Tournament. It's one of the premier striped bass tournaments in North Jersey. This year's spring tournament will run from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the Twin Lights Marina, Shrewsbury Avenue in Highlands. Following the tournament, Hi-Mar will host a picnic for all participants of the tournament.

The Hi-Mar Striper Club annual Bass Tournament will benefit Jason's Dreams for Kids. For more information, contact Bob Kamienski at robertk@us-ag.com or 732-495-9210.

Did you know? Some long lines span as much as 60 miles.

Pacific leatherback sea turtles are especially susceptible to long lines and have declined by 95 percent since 1980.

Globally, it is estimated that governments subsidize long line fishing at a rate of 20-25 cents for every dollar earned by fishermen totaling somewhere between $14-$20 billion.

The U.S. Atlantic long line fleet totals $1.65 million, or $10,000-$11,000 per vessel in subsidy per year.

The European Union and member states provide their fleet with an estimated $1.5 billion in annual subsidies, and Japan provides an estimated $3 billion in annual subsidies; a huge difference.

Good news, the North Atlantic swordfish stock is almost fully rebuilt.