SlotGaugeCheck a catchRed Drum regulations in New Jersey
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Red Drum size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ marine waters | Open year-round | 18–27 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 18" to less than 27"
- Limit
- 1
- statewide — as printed
- “RED DRUM | No Closed Season | 18" to less than 27" | 1”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the red drum
Species of fish
The red drum, also known as redfish, channel bass, puppy drum, spottail bass, or simply red, is a game fish found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to northern Mexico. It is the only species in the genus Sciaenops.
Read more about Red drum 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 Red Drum in New Jersey?
18–27 inch slot in New Jersey state waters.
How many Red Drum can you keep per day in New Jersey?
1 per person per day.
When is Red Drum season in New Jersey?
Open year-round.
Is my Red Drum a keeper today?
A red drum is a keeper today if it measures between 18 and 27 inches, with a daily limit of 1.