🎣 NJ Striper Season Started March 1

Make sure you're up to date on local regulations before your first cast

The coronavirus pandemic disrupted almost every part of our lives. Maybe you haven't been fishing in a while. Maybe you're looking for a new outdoor hobby. Time to brush up on some regulatory basics to minimize the chance that an interaction with the game warden results in an expensive ticket.

📍NJ does not have a salt water fishing license, but individual anglers over the age of 16 are required to register with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) via the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program in certain circumstances. See the criteria and find out how to register here.

📍’In accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) interstate fishery management plan (FMP) for striped bass, NJ adopted regulation that requires anglers to use non-offset (inline) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This shall not apply to any artificial lure with bait attached. Striped bass caught on any unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.’

***View the NJDEP fact sheet about circle hooks here.

📍"Fishing is open throughout New Jersey marine waters from the back bays, rivers and streams, inlets, surf and out in the ocean to the 3-mile limit. We are allowed a one-fish daily possession measuring from 28 inches to less than 38 inches."

📍Striped bass season starts March 1, but duration for rivers vs. coastal/ocean waters is a little different. View the NJ marine recreational finfish season chart here.

WANJ hopes that you enjoy the water and catch the big one this striper season.