| As with many states where there are strict limits on | | | | There are some species that are prohibited from |
| the hunting and fishing of endangered species, there | | | | being taken in New Jersey. Saltwater fishing |
| are a number of regulations imposed on New Jersey | | | | regulations state that it is against the law to take, |
| saltwater fishing. There are limitations on the way | | | | possess, land, purchase, or sell Atlantic or shortnosed |
| that people are allowed to fish, what they are | | | | sturgeon, as well as several types of shark, including |
| allowed to fish for, and the size limits of those | | | | whale sharks, sand tiger sharks and big eye sand |
| particular species that are allowed to be caught. | | | | tiger sharks, basking sharks, and white sharks. |
| There are even rules in regards to fish preparation | | | | It is also strictly prohibited to intentionally hurt or kill |
| fishing in New Jersey. | | | | sea turtles (an endangered species) or any marine |
| The first rule of thumb to remember is that fishing in | | | | mammals, as well as to possess them, as though |
| New Jersey is limited to angling - the act of using | | | | keeping them as pets. |
| hand line or rod and line to take, catch, or kill any fish | | | | While you are limited on the types of fish you can |
| - unless otherwise noted by state law. An exception | | | | angle for, that doesn't mean there is any shortage of |
| is spear fishing, though this must be done with the | | | | species for which you can fish. Black sea bass are |
| spear or harpoon completely submerged below the | | | | open for fishing year round, and the only limit is that |
| water, and the fisherman is responsible for assuring | | | | they must measure at least 12 inches from the snout |
| that the target fish is within size regulations. | | | | to the central portion of the tail, not including the tail |
| Anyone fishing in New Jersey by any other means is | | | | filaments. |
| in violation of the law. It is also illegal to filet any fish | | | | Bluefish are also legal to catch in Jersey, if you fish |
| while at sea, unless a Special Filet Permit has been | | | | only between June 16 and August 7 and do not take |
| acquired by a party boat or similar vessel. This helps | | | | more than 15 bluefish per day. Should you carry a |
| to assure that size limitations are adhered to in | | | | commercial bluefish permit, the 15-fish catch limit |
| proper order. | | | | doesn't apply. |