More Time to Flounder

NJ extends flounder season 8 days

Fishermen in New Jersey will have an extra eight days to catch flounder this year.

The state Marine Fisheries Council on Thursday extended the season.

The council could have approved an additional 11 days. But there were concerns a longer season would lead to cutbacks in 2014.

The Press of Atlantic City reports a large number of people at the meeting in Galloway Township pressed for the longer extension. Many, like Paul Haertel of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, said fewer people are fishing because Superstorm Sandy damaged or destroyed 58,000 boats.

"We don't want a gap between fluke and sea bass. There really isn't much else to fish for," Haertel said, according to the paper.

Those opposed were concerned the federal fish counting method could lower the next catch.

New Jersey's flounder season will now end on Sept. 24.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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