Can I Keep?Bluefish Regulations in New Jersey (2026)
Recreational bluefish rules in New Jersey saltwater, as published by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Bag limit
Private/Shore Angler – 5 fish; For-Hire Vessel – 7 fish
Season
Jan 1 – Dec 31
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Bluefish rules in New Jersey
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Private/Shore Angler – 5 fish; For-Hire Vessel – 7 fish
- Season
- Jan 1 – Dec 31
- Fish are measured from tip of snout to tip of tail (except Black Sea Bass and Sharks).
- Cleaning or filleting of fish with a minimum size limit while at sea is prohibited.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 9" min size
- Season
- Closed to H&L from January 1 - June 15 and August 8 - December 31
- Values from the ASMFC Bluefish FMP Review (Table 6, commercial trip and size limit / open season) (2025 measures as reported in New Jersey's compliance report); NJDEP commercial rules (N.J.A.C. 7:25A) are not accessible to us, so confirm current-year trip limits with NJDEP.
- 2026 initial New Jersey commercial quota: 658,379 lbs (14.26% of federal quota).
- Season text is verbatim from the ASMFC table (hook-and-line closure periods); not parsed into windows.
Quick answers
How many bluefish can I keep in New Jersey?
Private/Shore Angler – 5 fish; For-Hire Vessel – 7 fish.
When is bluefish season in New Jersey?
Jan 1 – Dec 31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Bluefish limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in New Jersey
All New Jersey saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife. Most anglers need a New Jersey saltwater license or registry: get one here.