DEP Commissioner Bob Martin will hold a press conference/rally in favor of status quo for fluke on Friday at 10 a.m. at Fisherman's Supply, 69 Channel Drive, Point Pleasant Beach. Martin has written to the ASMFC stating his position that proposed regulations that would pretty much wipe out most of the season while also imposing a 19-inch minimum are not justified -- and should be put aside pending a new baseline stock assessment. The public is urged to attend that rally. The northeaster created lots of problems for the Shore. Joe Melillo even lost his phone service at Castaways Tackle in Point Pleasant, but remains open during the winter. With west winds calming the ocean, the Ocean Explorer plans to fish Thursday for blackfish.