New Jersey state waters, out to 3 miles
Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
NJ DEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Dusky sharkTaller first dorsal, shorter pectorals. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkVery tall first dorsal set forward. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Slim, dark gray-bronze with long pectoral fins and a low first dorsal set behind the pectorals; smooth-feeling skin, an interdorsal ridge. More on the silky shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep silky shark in New Jersey?
No. Harvest is prohibited in New Jersey. Release it in the water where you can. Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
How current is this New Jersey silky shark 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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