Striped Bass (also known as Striper, Rockfish, Linesider) in New Jersey. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the NJ Fish & Wildlife guide, 2026.
In New Jersey, the minimum legal size for Striped Bass is 28 in and the daily bag limit is 1. A slot limit applies: 1 fish in a 28-inch to 31-inch slot (must be >=28" and <=31"; release anything smaller or larger). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current New Jersey rules before keeping fish.
1 fish in a 28-inch to 31-inch slot (must be >=28" and <=31"; release anything smaller or larger)
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current New Jersey rules before keeping fish.
Same 28"-31" slot statewide; only the open-season window differs by water body (Atlantic Ocean 0-3mi no closed season; Delaware River split season Mar 1-31 + Jun 1-Dec 31; all other marine waters Mar 1-Dec 31). STATE WATERS value. In the Atlantic Ocean 0-3 nautical miles from shore there is no closed season; greater than 3 miles from shore (federal EEZ) striped bass harvest/possession is CLOSED (federal moratorium / prohibited). All other marine waters open Mar 1 - Dec 31; the Delaware River reach (Calhoun St/Trenton bridge to Salem River & tributaries) is open Mar 1-31 and Jun 1 - Dec 31. Non-offset circle hooks required when fishing with bait; gaff prohibited.
These limits are pulled from the NJ Fish & Wildlife marine recreational fishing regulations. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
New Jersey requires no paid saltwater licence, but anglers aged 16 or older must enrol (free) in the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. NJ saltwater registry.
Olli-Mikael Vaittinen has fished his whole life. Fifteen years of fly fishing, guiding seasons on Norway's Lakselva — his favourite Atlantic salmon river — and a blue marlin landed in Vava'u, Tonga. Founder of Fishare — the app that puts the data behind the decisions every angler makes on the water.
Fishare tracks your home spots and pings you when the next 3-hour peak window opens. Log catches and blanks to teach the model your local patterns. Free forever for everyone who joins now.
Open Fishare