Recreation

Nj Saltwater Fishing Regulations 2024

Yui
Nj Saltwater Fishing Regulations 2024

Fishing in New Jersey’s saltwater areas is a popular activity for both residents and visitors. To ensure the sustainability of marine life and provide fair opportunities for all anglers, the state has established specific regulations for 2024. This guide provides an overview of the key rules, including seasons, size limits, and possession limits for various species.

General Guidelines

Before heading out, anglers should be aware of the following general rules:

  • Licensing: While New Jersey does not require a license for recreational saltwater fishing, all anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration is free and can be completed online.​

  • Measuring Fish: Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. It’s essential to use an accurate measuring device to ensure compliance with size limits.​

  • Cleaning and Filleting: Cleaning or filleting fish with a minimum size limit while at sea is prohibited. This rule ensures that fish can be accurately measured by authorities if necessary.​

Species-Specific Regulations

Here are the regulations for some of the most commonly targeted saltwater species in New Jersey for 2024:

Summer Flounder (Fluke)

  • Open Season: May 4 – September 25​

  • Size and Bag Limits:

    • General Waters: 3 fish at 18 inches​

    • Delaware Bay & Tributaries: 3 fish at 17 inches​

    • Island Beach State Park: 2 fish at 16 inches​

Black Sea Bass

  • Seasons and Limits:

    • May 17-June 19: 10 fish at 12.5 inches​

    • July 1-August 31: 1 fish at 12.5 inches​

    • October 1-October 31: 10 fish at 12.5 inches​

    • November 1-December 31: 15 fish at 12.5 inches​

Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass

  • Size Limit: 1 fish between 28 inches and less than 31 inches​

  • Seasons:

    • Delaware River & Tributaries (Calhoun St. Bridge to Salem River & Tributaries):

      • March 1-March 31 and June 1-December 31

    • Atlantic Ocean (0-3 miles from shore):

      • No closed season

    • All Other Marine Waters:

      • March 1-December 31

  • Additional Notes: Refer to the Marine Digest for information on the Striped Bass Bonus Program, circle hook requirements, and gaff prohibition.​

Bluefish

  • Open Season: January 1 – December 31​

  • Bag Limits:

    • Private/Shore Angler: 3 fish​

    • For-Hire Vessel: 5 fish​

Tautog (Blackfish)

  • Size Limit: 15 inches​

  • Seasons and Bag Limits:

    • January 1-February 28: 4 fish​

    • April 1-April 30: 4 fish​

    • August 1-November 15: 1 fish​

    • November 16-December 31: 5 fish​

Weakfish

  • Open Season: January 1 – December 31​

  • Size Limit: 13 inches​

  • Bag Limit: 1 fish​

Winter Flounder

  • Open Season: March 1 – December 31​

  • Size Limit: 12 inches​

  • Bag Limit: 2 fish​

American Eel

  • Open Season: No closed season​

  • Size Limit: 9 inches​

  • Bag Limit: 25 per person (except 50 fish harvest/possession limit for party/charter boat employees)​

Cobia

  • Open Season: No closed season​

  • Size Limit: 37 inches​

  • Bag Limit: 1 fish per vessel​

Scup (Porgy)

  • Seasons and Limits:

    • January 1-June 30: 30 fish at 10 inches​

    • September 1-December 31: 30 fish at 10 inches​

Black Drum

  • Open Season: No closed season​

  • Size Limit: 16 inches​

  • Bag Limit: 3 fish​

Shellfish Regulations

For those interested in harvesting shellfish:

  • Hard Clam:

    • Size Limit: 1.5 inches​

    • Recreational Limit: 150 clams​

    • Harvesting: Prohibited on Sundays​

    • License: A shellfish license is required​

Additional Information

  • River Herring: There is no open season; possession is prohibited.​

  • Red Drum: Only fish between 18 inches and less than 27 inches may be kept; bag limit is 1 fish.​

  • Shad:

    • Delaware River & Tributaries: 6 fish (maximum of 2 American shad)​

    • All Other Marine Waters: 6 fish (no