Your Guide To New Jersey Salt Water Fishing

New Jersey Salt Water Fishing Regulations

New Jersey has a comprehensive set of fishing regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of its fish populations and to protect the state's aquatic resources. These regulations cover various aspects of recreational fishing, including bag limits, size limits, and fishing seasons.

Bag limits refer to the maximum number of fish that an angler can keep in a single day. The bag limits vary depending on the fish species and the fishing location. It is important for anglers to be aware of the bag limits for the specific fish they are targeting to avoid any violations. This helps to prevent overfishing and allows fish populations to replenish.

Size limits are another essential aspect of fishing regulations. These limits specify the minimum size that a fish must be in order to be legally harvested. By implementing size limits, New Jersey aims to protect juvenile fish and allow them to reach reproductive maturity before being caught. This ensures that fish have the opportunity to reproduce and maintain healthy populations.

Fishing seasons are also regulated to ensure the sustainability of fish populations. Different species have different spawning seasons, and fishing during these times can have a detrimental impact on their populations. By implementing fishing seasons, New Jersey aims to protect spawning fish and allow them to reproduce successfully. This helps to maintain the overall health and the abundance of fish populations.

It is crucial for anglers to familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations in New Jersey before heading out on the water. Violating these regulations can result in fines and penalties. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, make sure to check the fishing regulations to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable fishing experience in New Jersey.

New Jersey Salt Water Non - Commercial Fishing Registration

A saltwater fishing license is not required for anglers who engage in saltwater non-commercial fishing. However, in New Jersey registration is required for for anglers age sixteen and older. There is no fee for registration. To register, anglers need to fill out a form with their personal information..

In addition to the registration requirement, anglers engaging in saltwater non-commercial fishing must also adhere to specific regulations regarding gear and catch limits. These regulations are in place to protect the sustainability of saltwater fish populations and ensure fair and responsible fishing practices.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, it is essential to understand and comply with the non-commercial fishing requirements in New Jersey. By doing so, you can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience while also playing a role in the conservation and sustainability of the state's saltwater resources.

New Jersey Recreational Saltwater Fish:
Size Limits, Possession Limits, and Seasons

To ensure the sustainability of saltwater fish populations and promote responsible fishing practices, New Jersey has established size limits, possession limits, and seasons for recreational fishing. These regulations help maintain healthy fish populations and protect the ecosystem.

Size limits refer to the minimum size a fish must be in order to be legally kept. It is important to measure your catch accurately to ensure compliance with these regulations. Possession limits, on the other hand, specify the maximum number of fish you can keep in a single day or trip. These limits prevent overfishing and allow fish populations to replenish.

Additionally, New Jersey has designated specific seasons for certain fish species. These seasons indicate the time when fishing for a particular species is allowed. It is crucial to be aware of these seasons to avoid fishing during closed periods and to respect the natural breeding cycles of the fish.

To stay up to date with the latest size limits, possession limits, and seasons, anglers can refer to the official New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website

New Jersey's Popular Saltwater Fishing Piers

New Jersey's Popular Saltwater Fishing Piers offer anglers convenient access to the abundant saltwater fishing opportunities along the state's coastline.

These piers are strategically located in various coastal towns, providing easy access for both locals and visitors.

Monmouth County

Bayshore Waterfront Park
Located at 719 Port Monmouth Rd. in Port Monmouth.
This park has a 500-foot pier with free parking and entry and wheelchair access.

Keansburg Fishing Pier
located at 275 Beachway Ave. in Keansburg, NJ
This wooden pier extends 2,000 feet into Raritan Bay. There is a fee of $8 for adult fishermen and $5 for children.

Keyport Fishing Pier
Located at 1 American Legion Dr. in Keyport NJ.
Access is free complete with a wheelchair accessible entrance and a covered shelter

Ocean County

Beach Haven Pier
Located at the west end of 2nd St. and the bay.
This is a large public dock with free access that extends into Barnegat Bay , with plenty of parking.

Harvey Cedars Bayside Pier
Located at Sunset Park near the Harvey Cedars Water Tower.
The entrance to the park is at West Salem Ave.

John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park
Located at 399 Brennan Concourse in Bayville, NJ
This new pier, restored after Hurricane Sandy extends 100 feet into Barnegat Bay, has free access 9/11 Memorial Bridge Fishing Pier Located on Route 70 and River Ave, Point Pleasant. The pier is on the northwest side of the bridge. It extends over the Manasquan River.

Seaside Park Municipal Piers
Two fishing piers are located on South Bayview and 5th Avenues and on South Bayview and 14 Avenues. Both piers have free access and extend into Barnegat Bay.

Atlantic County

The Margate Fishing Pier
Located at 121 S Exeter Ave Margate City, NJ.
The pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean, has restricted private Membership, is owned by The Angler's Club of Absecon Island. New membership is welcomed.

Ventnor City Fishing Pier
Located at Cambridge Avenue & the Boardwalk in Ventnor City.
It extends 1,000 feet and is the longest of the state's ocean fishing piers! It is the only public fishing pier in New Jersey that goes out into the open Atlantic. The fishing pier charges seasonal fees

Cape May County

Ocean City Fishing Club Pier
Located at 14th Street and the Boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ.
It extends 635 feet from the public Boardwalk over the sand and into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a private fishing pier owned by the Ocean City Fishing Club and is open to new members.

Grassy Sound Marina Pier
Located at 13 N Wildwood Blvd, North Wildwood, NJ This wooden pier is set in the Grassy Sound, bay area and extends 285 feet in length. Public access is provided by the Grassy Sound Marina Pier which charges a small fee for access.