NJ Fishing Regulations
Know the rules before you fish. New Jersey regulations protect fish populations for future generations. Size limits, bag limits, and seasons - stay legal and fish responsibly.
Important: Regulations change frequently. This page provides general guidance but is not a legal document. Always verify current regulations at the NJ Fish & Wildlife website before fishing. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.
License & Registration Requirements
Saltwater Fishing (Free)
- ✓NJ Saltwater Registry - FREE annual registration
- ✓Register online at NJFishandWildlife.com
- ✓Party/charter boat license covers passengers
- ✓Sandy Hook requires federal (not NJ) registration
Special Permits
- •HMS Permit: Required for sharks, tunas, swordfish (free from NOAA)
- •Beach Buggy: Required for 4WD beach access at IBSP
- •Crabbing: Recreational crabbing included in saltwater registry
- •Freshwater: Separate paid license required
Species Regulations Quick Reference
Common species size and bag limits. These are general guidelines - always verify current regulations before fishing.
| Species | Season | Size Limit | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Year-round | 28" - 31" slot | 1 fish | Circle hooks mandatory with natural bait. Bonus program may apply for fish over slot. |
| Fluke (Summer Flounder) | ~May - September | 18" (varies yearly) | 3-4 fish (varies) | Regulations set each spring. Check current year rules. |
| Winter Flounder | March 1 - December 31 | 12" minimum | 2 fish | Spring spawning closure may apply. |
| Bluefish | Year-round | No minimum | 3 fish (ocean), 5 fish (Delaware Bay) | Commercial regulations differ. |
| Black Sea Bass | May - December (varies) | 13" minimum | 10 fish (varies by season) | Seasons and limits change throughout year. |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Year-round with closures | 15" minimum | 1-5 fish (varies by season) | Spawning closures April-June typical. |
| Weakfish | Year-round | 13" minimum | 1 fish | Conservation measures in place. |
| Shortfin Mako Shark | Year-round | 71" male / 83" female (fork length) | 1 shark | HMS permit required. Many shark species prohibited. |
* Regulations shown are approximate and may have changed. Always verify at NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Circle Hook Requirement
New Jersey requires circle hooks when using natural bait to target striped bass. This regulation reduces gut-hooking and improves survival rates of released fish.
- • Applies to all striped bass fishing with natural bait
- • Inline circle hooks required (no offset)
- • J-hooks permitted with artificial lures only
- • Barbless hooks encouraged but not required
What is a Circle Hook?
Circle hooks have a point that curves back toward the shank, creating a circular shape. When a fish takes the bait and swims away, the hook rotates and typically catches in the corner of the mouth rather than the throat.
Prohibited & Protected Species
Some species must be immediately released if caught. Possession is illegal regardless of circumstances.
Sharks - Must Release
- • Great White Shark
- • Sand Tiger Shark
- • All Hammerhead Species
- • Whale Shark
- • Basking Shark
- • Dusky Shark
- • Sandbar Shark
Other Protected Species
- • Atlantic Sturgeon
- • Shortnose Sturgeon
- • All Sea Turtle Species
- • Marine Mammals (dolphins, whales, seals)
If you accidentally catch a protected species, remove the hook if possible and release immediately. Report sea turtle catches to 1-866-755-5355.
How to Measure Fish Properly
Total Length (Most Species)
Measure from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail with the mouth closed and the tail fin pinched together. This is the standard measurement for most NJ species.
Applies to: Striped bass, fluke, flounder, bluefish, sea bass, tautog
Fork Length (Sharks & Tuna)
Measure from the tip of the snout to the fork (center notch) of the tail. Used for species with deeply forked tails.
Applies to: Sharks, tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi
Pro Tip: Keep a waterproof measuring device on your boat or in your tackle bag. Many coolers have rulers built into the lid. When in doubt, release the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license in New Jersey?
Yes, you need a NJ Saltwater Registry (free) to fish in saltwater. Freshwater fishing requires a paid license. On party/charter boats, the boat's license covers passengers. Sandy Hook (federal land) requires free federal registry instead of NJ registration.
How do I get a NJ saltwater fishing license?
Register free online at the NJ Fish & Wildlife website (NJFishandWildlife.com). You can also register at tackle shops and marinas. Registration is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually.
What are the penalties for fishing violations in NJ?
Penalties range from fines of $50-500 per fish for size/limit violations to confiscation of gear and loss of license privileges for serious offenses. Repeat violations carry heavier penalties. Conservation officers actively patrol popular fishing areas.
Do regulations change during the year?
Yes, regulations can change throughout the year. Emergency orders may close fisheries or adjust limits based on stock assessments. Always check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website for current regulations before fishing.
What is a slot limit?
A slot limit means fish must fall within a specific size range to keep. For example, striped bass have a 28-31 inch slot - fish smaller than 28" or larger than 31" must be released. This protects both juveniles and large breeding fish.
Do children need a fishing license in NJ?
Children under 16 do not need a license for freshwater fishing. For saltwater, anyone who fishes must be registered in the NJ Saltwater Registry, regardless of age. Registration is free.
Official Resources
Start Fishing
Now that you know the rules, it's time to go fishing!