Can I Keep?Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass Regulations in New Jersey (2026)
Recreational striped bass or hybrid striped bass rules in New Jersey saltwater, as published by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass rules in New Jersey
- Where
- Delaware River & Tributaries Calhoun St Bridge, Trenton to Salem River & Tributaries (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Bag limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Season
- Open Mar 1 – Mar 31 and June 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.
- See Marine Digest for Striped Bass Bonus Program, circle hook requirements and gaff prohibition.
- Where
- Atlantic Ocean (ocean)
- Size limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Bag limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Season
- 0-3 miles from shore, no closed season Greater than 3 miles from shore, closed
- 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.
- See Marine Digest for Striped Bass Bonus Program, circle hook requirements and gaff prohibition.
- Where
- All Other Marine Waters
- Size limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Bag limit
- 1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches
- Season
- Open Mar 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.
- See Marine Digest for Striped Bass Bonus Program, circle hook requirements and gaff prohibition.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Commercial fishing prohibited
- Values from the ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass FMP Review (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.
- Bonus program: 1 fish/permit at 24” to <28”; Addendum II quota 200,798 lbs.*; open season 5.15 – 12.31 (permit required)
- *NJ commercial quota reallocated to recreational bonus fish program.
Quick answers
What is the striped bass or hybrid striped bass size limit in New Jersey?
1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many striped bass or hybrid striped bass can I keep in New Jersey?
1 fish at 28 inches to 31 inches (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is striped bass or hybrid striped bass season in New Jersey?
Open Mar 1 – Mar 31 and June 1 – Dec 31. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More inshore 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.