In a vote of five for and three against for Option 5, the 2012 summer flounder season will run from May 5th through September 28th, with a five (5) fish bag limit, a minimum size of 17.5 inches and be open for a total of 147 days. This is five more days than 2011.
The NJ Council voted unanimously for Option B for the 2012 black sea bass season which will be open from May 19th through October 14th and November 1st through December 31st with a twenty five (25) fish bag limit, a minimum size of 12.5" and is open for a total of 210 days. The option for a winter fishery in 2013 with a reduced bag limit of fifteen (15) fish was removed from the main motion so that it would not cause ASMFC to reject the NJ Councils proposed size, season and back limit for black sea bass for 2012. The Council will address the 2013 winter fishery at an upcoming meeting.
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