Providing a basis for New Jersey's tourism industry, saltwater fishing can be enjoyed from the surf, boat or pier. New Jersey's shores are brimming with saltwater fish, but you'll need to follow the rules and guidelines of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
Geography
From Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook to Cape May and Delaware Bay, New Jersey offers 83 miles of bay shores and 127 miles of coast along the Atlantic Ocean, according to NJDEP. Nine of New Jersey's 21 counties border the Atlantic Ocean and provide many saltwater fishing opportunities.
Licenses and Permits
New Jersey does not require anglers to obtain a saltwater fishing license for recreational surf, deep sea or bay fishing. If you fish for tuna, a permit is required, according to NJDEP. A shellfish license, formerly called a clamming license, is required for hard- and soft-shell clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops, mussels and other mollusks. A striped bass permit will allow the angler to catch and keep an additional regulation-sized striped bass per day.
Size
Measurements of fish are to be taken from the snout to the tip of the fin with the exception of sharks and black sea bass, according to NJDEP. Sharks should be measured from snout to the point where the fin splits and black sea bass from the jutting lower jaw to the tip of the fin.
If a fish is smaller than the minimum size required NJDEP, it must be thrown back. Tautog must measure 14 inches, summer flounder 18 inches, winter flounder 28 inches, weakfish 13 inches, black sea bass 12.5 inches and shark 12 inches. There is no size requirement for bluefish, according to NJDEP.
Seasons and Catches
Each species of fish has its own seasons and catch limits. All fish caught during these seasons must be regulation-sized. Tautog have three seasons. From January 1 through April 30, four fish may be taken daily, as of 2010. From July 16 through November 15, one fish may be taken and from November 16 through December 31, six fish may be taken. Summer flounder may be pursued from May 29 through September 6 with a six-fish limit, and winter flounder season lasts from March 23 through May 21 with a two-fish limit. With a 25-fish limit, black sea bass may be fished for during two seasons: May 22 through October 11 and November 1 through December 31. Weakfish, shark and bluefish have no specified seasons. Weakfish have a one-fish-per-day limit. Bluefish have a 15-fish limit and there is a one-shark-per-vessel limit, according to NJDEP.
Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is held annually on the first Sunday in October at Island Beach State Park, according to NJDEP. Anglers may enter any number of the variety of species that can be caught from the Jersey shore line. Known as a family day, the tournament has an early incentive registration, which will allow anglers to save on adult registration fees, become eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park on the day of the tournament. The early registration deadline is roughly three to four weeks prior to the event. All others wishing to participate must wait until the day of the event to register. Registration is required.
References
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Department of Fish and Wildlife--Saltwater Fishing, Crabbing and Clamming
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Department of Fish and Wildlife-- 2010 NJ Recreational Minimum Size, Possession Limits and Seasons
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Department of Fish and Wildlife--Marine Licenses and Permits
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Department of Fish and Wildlife--Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
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