New Jersey state waters, out to 3 miles
Most marine waters Mar 1-Dec 31; Atlantic Ocean 0-3 mi open year-round; federal waters closed. Bonus Program permit allows 1 extra fish 24 to <28 in May 15-Dec 31; circle hooks required with bait.
NJ DEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
No recreational fishing for striped bass in any federal waters (EEZ) coastwide; transit with legally caught fish allowed only in the Block Island Transit Zone.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
How to tell it
7–8 unbroken dark stripes on silver; two separated dorsal fins. More on the striped bass page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for striped bass in New Jersey?
28 to less than 31 in slot. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many striped bass can you keep in New Jersey?
1.
When is striped bass season in New Jersey?
Most marine waters Mar 1-Dec 31; Atlantic Ocean 0-3 mi open year-round; federal waters (3-200 mi) closed.
How current is this New Jersey striped bass 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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