NJ anglers in trouble as Gov. Murphy replaces Fote with commercial lobbyist

In a surprising move, N.J. Governor Phillip Murphy has replaced Tom Fote as the state’s governor’s appointee to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) with a lobbyist, Jeffry Kaelan, for Lund’s Fisheries in Cape May.

Fote has been serving in that voluntary position under governors of both parties almost continuously since 1990. He was in a position to provide the huge amount of time involved because he’s a disabled Vietnam veteran living on a pension that doesn’t permit any other working income. As a longtime officer of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, he’s been involved with fisheries conservation issues for decades. Furthermore, his long tenure at the ASMFC put N.J. in a strong position within the association as “knowing where the bodies are buried” is often the difference between success and failure during fisheries debates.

Worst of all, Fote’s replacement isn’t another strong conservationist, but rather a man on the pay roll of a powerful commercial fishing business. Kaelin would be well qualified to serve as the state’s commercial member on the delegation — but not as one representing the public,

Gov. Murphy had signaled his attitude toward marine conservation when he selected the Speaker of the Assembly to run with him as Lt. Governor after she had left no doubt where her interests where when she wouldn’t allow a bipartisan bill to prevent commercial gear on inshore reefs to be voted on despite the bill having more than enough sponsors to easily pass.

The forecast is for northwest winds at just 10-15 knots.

At Belmar, the Capt. Cal 2 starts blackfisihing daily at 7:30 Saturday. An Easter morning trip will be run from 6:30 to 12. Capt. Matt Sosnowski has been added to the crew of tog pros.

Miss Belmar Princess will be seeking stripers daily at 7:30 Saturday.

The Golden Eagle will be bottom fishing while hoping to find stripers as they did Sunday — though those bass wouldn’t hit.

The Misty Morn from Morgan gets started with a 7 a.m. trip for stripers on Saturday .

At Brielle, the Paramount will be running for tog and cod at 6:30 Saturday.

The Vitamin Sea from Keyport had bass up to 42.5 inches Wednesday, and may have open boat spots Friday and Saturday afternoons plus Easter morning.

Fisher Price IV from Highlands had a problem finding bass in low visibility until their screen lit up!

Will Hoffman released his largest striper so far this season– a 40-incher.