It wasn't only directed fishing that hurt the winter flounder. The native shrimp fishery used to be a very "dirty" fishery, with lots of bycatch of unwanted juvenile fish. Baby flounder were especially vulnerable and were wasted by the ton. An answer was developed, the "Nordmore Grate", which filtered out the bycatch, and was made mandatory in the 1990's. Coupled with the fact that most people stopped fishing recreationally for flounder, they have been steadily returning in greater numbers every year. Finally, a minimum length of 12" and an eight fish bag limit (no more trash can full catches) insure continued improvement to the stock. Rejoice!
And buy more worms!
