SlotGaugeCheck a catchBlack Sea Bass regulations in New Jersey
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Black Sea Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ marine waters | May 15 – December 31 | 12.5 inch minimum | 10 (May 15 – Jun 21); 1 (Jun 22 – Sep 22); 10 (Sep 23 – Oct 31); 15 (Nov 1 – Dec 31) |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' zones. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/saltwater/state-size-possession-limits
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- May 15–June 21; June 22–Sept 22; Sept 23–Oct 31; Nov 1–Dec 31
- Size
- 12.5"
- Limit
- 10 (May 15–June 21); 1 (June 22–Sept 22); 10 (Sept 23–Oct 31); 15 (Nov 1–Dec 31)
- statewide — as printed
- “BLACK SEA BASS | May 15–June 21 12.5" 10 | June 22–Sept 22 12.5" 1 | Sept 23–Oct 31 12.5" 10 | Nov 1–Dec 31 12.5" 15 | measured not to include the tail filament”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the black sea bass
Species of fish
The black sea bass is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sea bass from the subfamily Serraninae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the groupers and anthias. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, where it is an important species for commercial and recreational fisheries.
Read more about Black sea bass on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
All 62 New Jersey species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Black Sea Bass in New Jersey?
12.5 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.
How many Black Sea Bass can you keep per day in New Jersey?
10 (May 15 – Jun 21); 1 (Jun 22 – Sep 22); 10 (Sep 23 – Oct 31); 15 (Nov 1 – Dec 31).
When is Black Sea Bass season in New Jersey?
May 15 – December 31.
Is my Black Sea Bass a keeper today?
A black sea bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 12.5 inches, with a daily limit of 10.