Fishing Boats Struggle in Slow Economy

Bobby Quinn, Captain of the Ocean Explorer, has seen the number of party boats in Belmar docked in Shark River reduced by half due to crushing fuel costs. Federal fishing data indicates people are taking fewer recreational saltwater fishing trips in New Jersey. Excursions decreased from 7 million in 2007 to over 5 million in 2011. For more New Jersey news, visit NJ Today online at www.njtvonline.org/njtoday/.

[@waynejones205]

I remember Fishermans' Den across the lot, a delightfully dinky building compared to the new operation. My first of Many trips from Belmar-STILL Headboat Central for me-was the Big Marie-S, Capt. Walt Siegler(Heeeere, Fluke, Flue Fluke Fluke! and a gold cup for First Fish aboard every trip)and my first all-day trip when Super Spray II was docked there!

[@cityfisherman89]

sad but true i was a regular down there but not now !!!

[@fishydubsfishing6516]

I run my own boat and if you catch a fish you can keep it averages out to hundreds if not thousands of dollars per fish

[@oliverdrayton8397]

The commission should see this today

[@ngma03]

Question. Who is going to travel 150 miles, pay for fuel, food and a boat fare of $ 200 to catch a bag limit of 15 seabass?
Increase the bag limit and problem solved !!!

[@alchemic85]

Good! overfishing has got to go!