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NJ Saltwater Fishing Regulations Overview 2021

name Season Bag Limit Size Limit Notes
Bluefish Closed
Bonito Closed
Cod Closed
Fluke Closed
Ling Open No Bag Limit No Size Limit
Mackerel Open No Bag Limit No Size Limit
Porgy Open 50 9.00
Sea Bass Closed
Sea Robin Open No Bag Limit No Size Limit
Shark Open 1 54.00
Skate Closed
Striped Bass Closed
Tog Closed
Tuna Closed
Weakfish Open 1 13.00
Winter Flounder Closed

2017 Fluke Regulations Status Update

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Update May 23 2017

Guess what fishermen, the NJ Fluke Regs for 2017 are STILL in flux.   The ASMFC has rejected the NJMFC proposal for 3 fish at 18".  NJ will now officially be out of compliance when the season opens on May 25.  If the Feds act strongly they can shut down the fishery for the year.  This is going to get ugly.

According to the Burlington County Times

The commission's rejection means the state is "out of compliance," a designation that could prompt federal regulators to shut down the entire flounder fishery for recreational and commercial anglers.

 

Update May 18 2017

The NJMFC has determined the NJ Fluke season will begin on 5/25 and extend through 9/5 with a 3 fish bag limit at 18". Those fishing Delaware Bay will be allowed 3 fish at 17" while those fishing Island Beach will be allowed 2 fish at 16" with the same season.

The ASMFC must still formally approve the NJMFC decision though the expecation is that NJMFC's plan will be approved.

The ASMFC released a press release about the same.

http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/591cbab3pr23SFlounderScupBSBBoardConfCall_NJproposal.pdf

 

Update May 17 2017

NJ Fluke Regulations to be decided today

The next New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council meeting will be at 4 PM on Wednesday, 5/17 at the Avalon Community Center locate at 3001 Avalon Rd., Avalon, NJ 08202.

The Council will either support or reject Commissioner Martin’s recommended 2017 fluke regulations at that time as that is the only action available to them to put a regulation in place at this meeting. The option that will be recommended by Commissioner Martin after lengthy negotiations with the National Marine Fisheries service is a 3 fish bag limit at 18 inch with a 104 day season that will begin on 5/25 and extend through 9/5. This option includes a 17 inch size limit for Delaware Bay and a 16 inch size limit for the shore based anglers at Island Beach State Park with the same seasons. These negotiations were entered into after the ASMFC voted for a 19 inch size limit with a 3 fish bag limit and a 128 day season that could have begun on 5/20 and ended on 9/24. 

 

The chronology of the Fluke Regulations decision for 2017

According to a letter drafted by the The ASMFC Commissioners of New Jersey (March 24, 2017) - The New Jersey Commissioners of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) hereby formally appeal the February 2, 2017 approval by the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) of Addendum XXVIII (Addendum) to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

The FMP proposed would require NJ to increase the minimum landing size to 19" and decrease the bag limit to 3.

The AFSC Commisioners of New Jeresey reject this proposal for several reasons not limited to;

  • Increase in Fishery Resource Waste
  • Disproportionate Removal of Larger Breeding Females
  • Unfairness & Inequity Among Member States
  • Failure to Consider Economic and Social Impacts
  • Compliance and Data Collection Issues

 

 On March 28, 2017, Bob Martin,  NJ Commisioner of Environment Protection drafted a letter to The US Department of Commerce asking in  part that 

'New Jersey is requesting that you stop these new regulations from going into effect and that NOAA fisheries maintain the status quo of the 2016 Recreational Harvest Limit for summer flounder.'

 

On February 2, 2017, the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board, part of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), approved changes to this coming year's summer flounder quota for New Jersey.  It mandated a one-inch size increase to New Jersey's current recreational summer flounder minimum size limit (raising it from 18-inches to 19-inches) and decreased the possession limit from 5 fish to 3 fish.  New Jersey is appealing this change.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is considering New Jersey Conservation Equivalency Proposal for 2017 Summer Flounder Recreational Fishery.

The ASMFC is scheduled to have a conference call before the Fluke season opening on May 21 to either approve NJ's proposal or to rule NJ out of compliance.

Read the update here

 

address description owner Nearest Cam
Margate Fish Pier
121 S Exeter Ave,
Margate City NJ
08402
(609) 823-9846
Atlantic Ocean

Must be a member of Angler's Club to use the pier.
Angler's club has one time initiation fee and per year fee which includes a locker.


The Angler’s Club
Ventnor City Fishing Pier
Cambridge Avenue & the Boardwalk
Ventnor City NJ
08406
609-823-7944
Atlantic Ocean



Ventnor City
Ocean City Fishing Club Pier
14th and Boardwalk
Ocean City NJ
08226
609-398-9800
Atlantic Ocean



Ocean City Fishing Club
Keansburg Fishing Pier
275 Beachway
Keansburg NJ
07734
732-495-8842
Raritan Bay

The Pier is approximately 2000 feet long. You have an amazing panoramic view of New York City, along with awesome sunrises and sunsets.


Private
Lavallette Pier
Magee Avenue
Lavallette NJ
08735

Barnegat Bay


Lavallette
Keyport Fishing Pier
1 American Legion Drive
Keyport NJ
07735
(732) 739-3900
Raritan Bay



Wildwood crest
Sweet Briar Rd. and Park Boulevard.
Wildwood crest NJ
08260

Atlantic Ocean



Mantolooking Bridge Fishing Pier
30 Mantoloking Road
Brick NJ
08723
1-877-OC PARKS
Barnegat Bay

With great views of the Barnegat Bay, this is sure to be one of the best fishing or crabbing spots in all of Ocean County.


Ocean County Parks
Berkley Island County Park
399 Brennan Concourse
Berkeley Township NJ
08721
1-877-627-2757)
Barnegat Bay

Park is Open


Improved
The Pier is 285‘ long x 24’ wide. We provide landing nets, a fish cleaning station, picnic area, and toilet facilities. It is well-lit at night, family-friendly, and produces some of the finest catches of Flounder, Striper, Bluefish, Weakfish, Croakers, Kingfish and Blue Claw Crabs!!! Also the occasional Trigger Fish, Sheepshead, Drum Fish, & Almaco Jack. The Crabbing is Excellent!


Ocean Count Department of Parks and Recreation
Grassy Sound Marina Pier
13 Old N Wildwood Blvd
Wildwood NJ
08260
(609) 846-1400
Grassy Sound
The Pier is 285‘ long x 24’ wide. We provide landing nets, a fish cleaning station, picnic area, and toilet facilities. It is well-lit at night, family-friendly, and produces some of the finest catches of Flounder, Striper, Bluefish, Weakfish, Croakers, Kingfish and Blue Claw Crabs!!! Also the occasional Trigger Fish, Sheepshead, Drum Fish, & Almaco Jack. The Crabbing is Excellent!


Grassy Sound Marina
Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth NJ
07758
732-787-3033
Sandy Hook Bay

Enjoy the maritime shrublands, tidal creeks, salt marshes, dunes, mile of beach and scenic views across the water. The park offers a fishing pier, access to Raritan Bay, and beautiful views of the NY skyline


Monmouth County Parks
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Fitness Trail
Carteret NJ
07008
732-541-3885
Arthur Kill
Carteret Municipal Government

Pier Fishing Tackle Reccomendations

 

If you are new to Pier fishing, then there are a few things to keep in mind with regards to having the correct tackle. If you are on an Ocean or open bay fishing pier where Bluefish and Striped Bass are known to run, your not going to get by on light tackle. Still, you don't want anything too heavy to slow you down from casting and retrieving is in order.

 

Fishing Rod/Reel Requirements for NJ Pier Fishing

 

  • Fishing Rod Must Be At least 7.5 ft tall

Additional length means better casting and leverage. You want a pole longer than you typically would use on a boat. Don't go too tall though because taller rods are also clunkier to operate so you really want to stay in 7.5 – 9 ft range with your pier fishing rod.  This size rod will allow you to handle almost all types of fishing opportunities that will avail themselves while you are pier fishing.

Rod Must Have Plenty of Backbone

In addition to the possibility of big fish, the ocean is a challenge on your equipment as well. You need something that will handle dropping several ounces of lead as required on occasion.  You do NOT want a light action rod for pier fishing.   A rod with a MH (Medium-Heavy) designation is best to get started with.

 Spinning Variety

It just makes so much more sense to use a spinning rod for pier fishing. They are easier to cast and operate for experienced fishermen and newcomers alike. If you are looking specifically for a rod to fish on piers with, make it a spinning rod.

Quality Matters

It is worth noting that saltwater is really unforgiving. Whatever you can afford, buy the best spinning reel you can. If you take care of a good reel, it can last you for you years. However, some of the lower end models will last you 1 year and you will need to replace it. The quality of the rod is important also, but even the low end rods will last you a while, unlike the low end reels.

Our Best Pier Fishing Combination Value Reccomendation

Penn Pursuit II 6000-2 Piece Spinning Combo, 8-Feet/Medium-Heavy

Penn has been a well known name in saltwater fishing for decades.  This combination is a great starter outfit for pier fishing and can also be used for surf fishing.  And it won't break the bank.  You can get this for less than $75.

 

Additional Tackle You Will Need for Pier Fishing

 

Telescoping Landing Net

You should make sure you have a long handle or telescoping landing net when you are pier fishing. Most fish of any size will be lost as you try to land it on a pier if you don't net the fish.  Telescoping nets make it easier to travel. 

 

 

 

Quality Aluminum Fishing Pliers

No fisherman can go without fishing pliers. It pays to have a decent pair of pliers in your box for your pier fishing adventure. Remember, saltwater is unforgiving so make sure you get a pair of pliers made for saltwater use.

 

Stainless Steel Fishing Hooks

Of course you will need to have a variety of hooks and swivels at your disposal. You can save some money over the course of a fishing season by buying hooks in bulk, but be careful because if they are not Stainless steel they will rust quickly just being exposed to salt air. So, either buy small packs of hooks and leave packs closed until ready to use or buy stainless steel hooks. In either case you will need a a variety of sizes.

Saltwater Leader Spool 40lb Test

You need to have a just a few different sizes of leader spools here. You MAY want to also add some flouo to your mix but it is pricey

 

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Curly Tail Swimming Mullet

If you are a saltwater fisherman, you need Gulp. They make many varieties and most are quite qood. For pier fishing, 2 most haves are Curly tails and Shrimp.

3 Way Swivels

Nothing complicated here, just make sure you have 2 way, 3 way, and snap swivels in a few different sizes. Most pier fishing is done with a very simple set up of a 3 way swivel, a leadered hook with bait and a sinker.

Bank Sinkers

You will need an assortment of lead sinkers with most in the 2-5 oz range. You will save much money by buying in advance online as mark up on sinkers at piers and other tackle shops is high.

 

Diamond Jigs

You need bucktails, diamond jigs, and swimmers. Your set.

Marine Cooler

Much like surf fisherman, many pier fisherman get coolers on wheels. 

Fillet Knife

This is another area where you want to buy the best you can afford. Cheap knives loose there edge quickly, rust and will not give you satisfactory value for your money over the long haul. Handles of something other than wood is preferable as wood never really comes clean and it acts as a germ hangout on your knife.

 

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