SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Lobster regulations in New Jersey
· Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season
American Lobster size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ marine waters | Open year-round | 3.375–5.25 inch slot | 6 per person per day |
Notes
- Closed LMA 4 Apr 30 – May 31 and LMA 5 Feb 1 – Mar 31. No egg-bearing or v-notched females.
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Closed LMA 4 April 30–May 31; LMA 5 February 1–March 31
- Size
- not less than 3⅜ inches nor greater than 5¼ inches carapace
- Limit
- six lobsters per person
- statewide — as printed
- “The legal possession size limit of whole lobsters … shall be not less than 3⅜ inches nor greater than 5¼ inches … The possession limit is six lobsters per person.”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the american lobster
Lobster of the western North Atlantic
The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It is sometimes called the true lobster or common lobster, but those names are ambiguous. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.
Read more about American lobster on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
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Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Lobster in New Jersey?
3.375–5.25 inch slot in New Jersey state waters.
How many American Lobster can you keep per day in New Jersey?
6 per person per day.
When is American Lobster season in New Jersey?
Open year-round.
Is my American Lobster a keeper today?
A american lobster is a keeper today if it measures between 3.375 and 5.25 inches, with a daily limit of 6.