NJ Saltwater License Requirements
When it comes to saltwater angling – which includes fishing in a bay, in the ocean, or from the surf – New Jersey does not require residents or nonresidents to have a recreational saltwater license.
How much does a NJ saltwater fishing license cost?
2023 Fishing License Cost by State
| State |
Annual Resident License |
Annual Non-Resident License |
| New Jersey |
$22 |
$34 |
| New Mexico |
$25 |
$56 |
| New York |
$25 |
$50 |
| North Carolina |
$25.00 (Freshwater) $16.00 (Saltwater) |
$45.00 (Freshwater) $32.00 (Saltwater) |
What saltwater fishing season is it in NJ?
May and June are the best months for these fish. Black sea bass: There are four distinct open seasons for sea bass and each has a different set of regulations. The fish are usually in New Jersey found between May and November.
Where can I fish for saltwater in NJ?
Try saltwater fishing from the docks at John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park on Berkeley Island or from the Ventnor Fishing Pier in Ventnor City, New Jersey. Use the places to fish and boat map to locate additional spots within NJ.
Do you need a license to surf fish in New Jersey? – Related Questions
Can you fish for free in NJ?
New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife offers spring and fall Free Fishing Days.
Can you fish on the beach in New Jersey?
During the summer months, fisherman may be required to obtain a beach badge, and surf fishing may only be allowed during non-guarded hours or in areas outside the bathing area depending on the town. Some towns rent beach wheelchairs for those in need.
Is saltwater fishing in NJ free?
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection established its own registry program, the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, to exempt saltwater recreational anglers fishing in New Jersey’s marine and tidal waters from the federal registry and the $15.00 federal registration fee imposed in 2011.
Where is the best place for saltwater fishing?
10 of the World’s Best Saltwater Fishing Spots
- Panama. Panama has some of the best saltwater fishing in the world.
- The Bahamas. The Bahamas is a great location for sports fishing.
- Florida Keys.
- Papua New Guinea.
- Costa Rica.
- Belize.
- San Diego.
- Montauk.
What kind of fish are they catching at the New Jersey shore?
Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, weakfish and kingfish are all common catches in the summer months. While you’re there, take in the wildlife and more than 400 species of plants.
Where is the best fishing in NJ?
Top Fishing Spots in New Jersey
- Merrill Creek Reservoir. If you’re looking for a prolific freshwater fishery in the Garden State, look no further.
- Lake Hopatcong.
- Brigantine.
- Barnegat Light.
- Belmar/Lake Como.
- Sandy Hook.
- Cape May.
- Atlantic City.
What is the biggest fish in NJ?
New Jersey State Record Freshwater Sport Fish
| Species |
Lbs. |
Where Caught |
| Carp (archery) |
45 |
Greenwood Lake |
| Carp, grass |
55 |
Curlis Lake |
| Carp, grass (archery) |
76 |
Delaware River |
| Catfish, channel |
33 |
Lake Hopatcong |
How many Poles can you fish with in NJ?
When fishing from the shoreline, no more than three fishing rods, handlines or combination thereof may be used (except on the Delaware River. There is no rod limit when fishing from a boat except for the Delaware River.)
What is the most common fish in NJ?
The sunfish is one of the most widespread and abundant freshwater fish in New Jersey. The most commonly sought species are bluegill, pumpkinseed and redbreast sunfish. Sunfish are found in most freshwaters throughout the state.
What is the best time to fish in New Jersey?
North Jersey lakes with superb musky fishing include Mountain Lake, Echo Lake, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong as well as the Delaware River. Fishing is relatively consistent from late spring to mid-fall, with September and October considered two of the best months.
What is the apex predator of New Jersey?
Sharks of New Jersey
New Jersey’s back bays and coastal salt marshes are some of the state’s most productive habitat and act as nurseries for everyone’s favorite apex predator, sharks!
What is the most common shark in NJ?
Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay are prime nursery areas for this species. Fun Fact: Sandbar sharks are the most commonly seen toothed shark in New Jersey’s coastal bays.
What month are shark attacks most common?
Shark attacks are most likely to occur in September.
Data shows there were 103 attacks in September—significantly more than in other months of the year. Although it’s commonly believed that sharks hunt during dusk and dawn, research indicates that the most dangerous time to be in the water is from 2–3 pm.
What seafood is NJ most known for?
New Jersey is one of the leading suppliers of surf clams and ocean quahogs to both the nation and the world. Ocean quahogs and surf clams are used in processed products such as chowders, sauces, dips and breaded clam strips.
Are there great whites in New Jersey?
Believe it or not, not only can you find great white sharks in New Jersey, but they’re actually quite common! In fact, one was spotted just in May 2022. This shark, Tancook, was first tagged in Nova Scotia. However, he recently made his way down shore to show up in New Jersey.
When was the last shark sighting in NJ?
Some sharks that can be sighted off Ocean County’s coastlines are the sand tiger shark and the great white shark. The latest sighting of a sand tiger shark on Seaside shore was in August 2022. Most New Jersey shark attacks occurred when the victims were swimming.