The following release from the DEP sets forth the proposed new rules for the state's artificial reefs -- and how to comment on them The Department of Environmental Protection this week proposed new rules that will fully implement a compromise between recreational and commercial fishing interests over access to artificial reefs off the coast of New Jersey, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. Under the rule proposal in the New Jersey Register, commercial and recreational fishermen utilizing lobster, fish and conch pots will be permitted to continue using portions of two existing reefs in state waters off Sandy Hook and Manasquan.

Muffley doesn't anticipate any problem there, and is also working on getting legislative sponsors for those regulations as striped bass regulations can only be changed in N. J. through the legislature. Fluke regulations will also be decided when the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board meets from 3 30 to 6 30 on Feb. 4.

The following release from the DEP provides good news for Island Beach State Park anglers without beach buggies -- and for the handicapped Fisherman's Walkway, a popular and functional surf fishing access point at Island Beach State Park that was completely destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, has been fully restored and is now reopened, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. Since Superstorm Sandy hit in October, 2012, Island Beach State Park has seen the repair or restoration of the boardwalks and the lifeguard station at Ocean Bathing Area 1, the gatehouse and maintenance buildings within the park.

The blizzard is really just getting started as I write this blog, but I'm already wondering what's going to happen to the millions of dollars worth of sand that was dumped on N. J. beaches last year and ,in many cases, covered productive fishing areas. I probably can't blame that for the historically bad surf fishing last fall, but it certainly didn't help.

It actually felt pretty nice along the Shore by the middle of Saturday afternoon, and the snow melted away quickly, but small craft warnings are up for Sunday -- and then it really gets bad late that night -- with gale warnings up for Monday's northeast winds. Friends of Hi-Mar Striper Club pro Bob Kamienski can pay their respects from 2-5 p. m. Sunday in John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Rd., Middletown.