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The 2026 class represents a wide range of excellence across governance, conservation science, industry leadership, guiding and media. Roy Cronacher is recognized for transformative leadership within the IGFA and elite angling accomplishments. Tom Davidson is honored for founding Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and advancing science-based fisheries conservation worldwide. Patrick Healey, President and CEO of Viking Yacht Co., is celebrated for strengthening the sportfishing industry while advocating for sustainable fisheries and policy reform. Captain Ralph Delph is remembered as one of the most accomplished light-tackle guides in history. Jose Wejebe is honored posthumously for inspiring generations through fishing media, conservation and mentorship.

The 2026 IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Elected unanimously by the IGFA Board of Trustees, the 2025 class will join 162 legendary anglers, scientists, conservationists, writers, and industry leaders enshrined in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame.

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The forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for southeast winds at just 5-10 knots.

Paul Haertel of the JCAA reported that the reason party boats aren’t trying for cod is that NMFS closed federal waters to that species even though some states refused to do so in their waters. New York and New Jersey have open seasons now in their waters.

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NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey > NJFishing.com Salt Water Fishing Sea Bass Options Update and Surveyhttps://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-9084777611036281&output=html&h=15&slotname=4720368749&adk=1271580908&adf=546890593&pi=t.ma~as.4720368749&w=468&lmt=1771191598&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.njfishing.com%2Fforums%2Fshowthread.php%3Fp%3D592133%23post592133&aieuf=1&aicrs=1&uach=WyJXaW5kb3dzIiwiMTkuMC4wIiwieDg2IiwiIiwiMTQzLjAuMzY1MC45NiIsbnVsbCwwLG51bGwsIjY0IixbWyJNaWNyb3NvZnQgRWRnZSIsIjE0My4wLjM2NTAuOTYiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTQzLjAuNzQ5OS4xNDciXSxbIk5vdCBBKEJyYW5kIiwiMjQuMC4wLjAiXV0sMF0.&dt=1771191598417&bpp=48&bdt=44&idt=79&shv=r20260211&mjsv=m202602120101&ptt=5&saldr=sd&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3Dfeb59b2f46faedc2%3AT%3D1765220704%3ART%3D1768414896%3AS%3DALNI_MZvcOhhN7czr9evXHQ8hna6aOoYtg&gpic=UID%3D000012aa1045d3d3%3AT%3D1765220704%3ART%3D1768414896%3AS%3DALNI_MZ8fy9878mjccMDs-ZJ7x-TomfNHw&eo_id_str=ID%3Dee930bfa9cf2bf9b%3AT%3D1762197305%3ART%3D1771187705%3AS%3DAA-AfjZ_sF570fX2vnecTDT9EJrW&correlator=4378195337736&frm=20&pv=2&u_tz=-300&u_his=3&u_h=720&u_w=1280&u_ah=672&u_aw=1280&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.5&dmc=8&adx=42&ady=941&biw=539&bih=539&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=95378429%2C95382735%2C31096748%2C95381977%2C95340252%2C95340254&oid=2&pvsid=4985192563113000&tmod=376992594&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.njfishing.com%2Fforums%2F&fc=640&brdim=-6%2C0%2C-6%2C0%2C1280%2C0%2C614%2C678%2C554%2C554&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=1024&bc=31&bz=1.11&pgls=CAA.&ifi=1&uci=a!1&btvi=1&fsb=1&dtd=93

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NJFishing.com Salt Water Fishing Use this board to post all general salt water fishing information. Please use the appropriate boards below for all other information. General information about sailing times, charter availability and open boats trips can be found and should be posted in the open boat forum.

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#1  Yesterday, 12:32 AM

Angler Paul NJFishing.com Ambassador Join Date: Jul 2011Posts: 554

Sea Bass Options Update and SurveyJCAA ALERT – SEABASS REGULATORY UPDATE AND SURVEY by Paul HaertelThe bad news is that although New Jersey expected to receive a 20% liberalization, regarding our sea bass regulations, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) decided to give a 27% increase to states to our north and a 16.5 % increase to states to our south, leaving NJ with what is left over. Depending on exactly what regulations the other states develop, that should allow us to liberalize by 15-17%. The good news is that even a 15-17% increase will result in a very significant liberalization to our regulations. Our Bureau of Marine Fisheries (NJBMF) is working on a range of options that must first be approved by the ASMFC. Then they will be reviewed by the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council’s (NJMFC) sea bass advisors committee, which will whittle the options down to just a few which will be made available to the public. Finally, the public will have a chance to comment on these options at the NJMFC’s meeting on March 26th. Upon conclusion of the public comment period, the council will vote on which option will become law for both 2026 and 2027. In the meantime, the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and the NJMFC are interested in input from the public on possible sea bass measures for 2026. Those interested may take the survey below to provide general guidance regarding the regulations. The chart below includes samples of options that may be approved. However, they are likely to be tweaked or modified and a couple more similar options may be developed. Option 1A would allow the one fish limit to begin on 6/22 and run into September with the possibility of the ten fish bag limit season beginn

North winds at 5-10 knots which changes to east in the afternoon. Can’t ask for anything better in mid-winter!

Today’s report from Dunn Deal Sportfishing on the Outer Banks tuna fishery sums it up as follows:”Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel,f le albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, false

**** albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799Today was one of those days you will remeber forever. We went 33-38 on bluefin tuna kept or one slot fish at 72 1/2. We got into some king mackerel, fasle albacore and even caught a blackfin tuna. We have a few days will open next week so if you have ever wanted to catch a bluefin tuna now is the time. 252-305-0799″

The forecast for NJ/NY Bight is for northwest winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20 and warm air temperatures.

With northwest winds at only 10-15 knots, the NY/NJ area should enjoy a relatively nice winter day.

The New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo gets the winter show season underway with their Feb. 12-15 presentation at at the N.J. Expo Center in Edison. Many seminars are available, and info can be obtained by visiting jerseyboatexpo.com

A small craft advisory is up through Thursday. Northwest winds at 20-25 knots drop to 15-20 in the afternoon.

Vinny D’Anton reports from Sarasota that the recent air temperatures in the 30’s haven’t resulted in any big fish kills so far. He’s still catching sea trout and southern flounder by casting a DOA Ahrimp

ir

Codfishing used to be a popular winter sport in the N/NJ area, but no one seems to be interested in prospecting for the winter king any longer. That sport used to be best in early winter at the many large wrecks within easy reach of local party boats, but even a pick would bring out anglers willing to wait for one big fish. However, it appears there aren’t enough tough fishermen left to check out the possibilities.

Tuesday would be an ideal time to try that as the forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for just west winds at 5 knots.

The brutal winter in NY/NJ Bight continues as Capt. Chris DiStefano reports plenty of ice on Raritan Bay as well as the rivers. Nick Honachefsky noted that the Navesink River is so frozen that skaters are out in force, and Dave Lilly says even the strong currents at the Sandy Hook Bridge hasn’t prevented freezing there. There’s no relief in sight as a gale warning is up through Sunday.