Federal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) · New Jersey lists none of its own
No limits for private anglers; party/charter vessels with federal permits must follow commercial rules.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 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
White spots on gray, a spine before each dorsal, no anal fin. More on the spiny dogfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Spiny dogfish in other states16 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for spiny dogfish in New Jersey?
No size limit.
How many spiny dogfish can you keep in New Jersey?
No bag limit.
When is spiny dogfish season in New Jersey?
Open all year.
What is the New Jersey record spiny dogfish?
15 lb 12 oz, Off Cape May (1990).
How current is this New Jersey spiny dogfish rule?
Source: NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 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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