Updates and additional information will be posted on the RFA/JCAA/SSFFF web sites~~~we will try to post updates here as well.

Additional Information:

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  NJ's 15 Artifical Reef Locations GPS/Loran (.pdf) (new window)

RFA News Release, May 4, 2010: BLACK SEA BASS SEASON TO DOUBLE IN LENGTH (.pdf file)

October 9, 2009 - The RFA has assembled an experienced legal team to take on the case to overturn the federal shutdown of the recreational black sea bass fishery. The attorneys involved are fishermen themselves who have fought these battles before so they know what it's going to take to wage this battle. While litigation is always an uncertainty with no way to guarantee a successful outcome, you can guarantee that if NMFS gets away with this closure, there will be more to come.
RFA News Alert: RFA & ALLIES WILL SUE TO REOPEN SEA BASS FISHERY

Go to:
RFA website to donate!

10/9/09: In my small circle of discussion, the RFA is actively working toward a law suit and feel that they have a shot at winning because the Feds did not follow the proper protocols and have also overstepped their boundaries with the 180 day closure PUNITIVE action into 2010. See info on that below.

Define winning: re-opening sea bass until the closure is properly formulated? Then, change 2010 regulations to something ridiculous to be a closure without actually being closed. I apologize for being so negative, but it is what I am reading between the lines as a pessimist. I have become that way due to the fraudulent methods that are being used to create our fisheries regulations. If you need to see what I mean, see Captain Adam Nowalski's report on the subject: CLICK TO VIEW.

Tom Paggs, a writer for one of the fisherman magazines called on Sunday. He had already talked to half a dozen shops and no one else seemed to care a whole lot about the sea bass issue. Folks just do not get it: If the feds fly by with this, then it sets a precedent for the future. On July 22, 2010 on a whim, the feds can say fluke season is closed do to the poor stock data compiled from a random botched fluke troll. It's exactly what they have done with the sea bass! Joe Zac says he's been calling for the SSBFF (Save the Sea Bass Fishery Fund) on the Bass Barn, but no one seems interested. How can any fishermen be complacent with this? /boggles my mind. ~Scott

See also the Sample Letter to state legislator

10/5/09: I would like to take a minute to thank Bob Beaton for pointing out that sea bass are not closed in state waters. You can still fish for sea bass in the bay and on the ocean out to the three mile limit.

In my frustrated state, I failed to mention this fact in my daily reports. I also was closed minded and thinking only of our local area related to my store, forgetting the far-reaching aspect of our website following. As most local folks know, it's a very rare opportunity to catch a legal sea bass in the Great Bay. This is not the case in other bays. An example of an inshore structure holding keeper size sea bass would be any large bridge crossing an inlet. Our local reefs are outside the three mile limit. Use the reef map above for reference on the two NJ reefs that are inside state waters.

Now, more bad news. In the event of an emergency closure such as this, it is usually necessary for the states to follow up with a closure as well. I do not have any facts at this time as to how or if the state of New Jersey is going to comply with the Federal mandated closure. Time will tell. ~Scott

Links to more info: