New Jersey state waters, out to 3 miles
Zero American shad may be harvested or possessed outside the Delaware River & tributaries, where up to 2 count toward the 6-fish combined shad limit.
NJ DEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
New Jersey state record
NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife State Record Saltwater Fish · checked 2026-09-04
How to tell it
Deeper body, jaws even; the classic spring run. More on the American shad page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
American shad in other states14 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for American shad in New Jersey?
No size limit.
How many American shad can you keep in New Jersey?
0 in all marine waters except Delaware River & tributaries (max 2, within 6-shad aggregate). Counts toward the Shad (6 combined) aggregate.
When is American shad season in New Jersey?
Open year-round.
What is the New Jersey record American shad?
7 lb, Great Bay (1967).
How current is this New Jersey American shad rule?
Source: NJ DEP 2026, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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