SlotGaugeCheck a catchStriped Bass regulations in New Jersey
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Striped Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nm) | Open year-round | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
| All other marine waters (bays, rivers) | March 1 – December 31 | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
| Delaware River, Calhoun St. Bridge to Salem River | March 1 – March 31, June 1 – December 31 | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
| Delaware River above Calhoun St. Bridge | March 1 – December 31 | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
| Federal waters (3–200 nm) | Closed to harvest | — | — |
| New Jersey fresh waters (landlocked) | March 1 – December 31 | 28–31 inch slot | 1 per person per day |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' zones and aliases. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/saltwater/state-size-possession-limits
- Striped Bass Bonus Program: one 24 in to under 28 in fish per permit, May 15 – Dec 31.
- Gaffing prohibited. Non-offset circle hooks required with bait. Hybrids count as striped bass.
- Freshwater striped bass: 1 fish, 28–31 in, March 1 – Dec 31, circle hooks with bait.
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 28"–31"
- Limit
- 1
- Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles) — as printed
- “STRIPED BASS OR HYBRID STRIPED BASS | Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) | No Closed Season | 28"–31" | 1”
- All other marine waters — as printed
- “All other marine waters | March 1–Dec 31 | 28"–31" | 1”
- Delaware River & tributaries (Calhoun St. Bridge to Salem River) — as printed
- “Delaware River & tributaries (Calhoun St. Bridge to Salem River & tributaries) | March 1–March 31 and June 1–Dec 31 | 28"–31" | 1”
- Delaware River upstream of Calhoun St. Bridge — as printed
- “Delaware River & tributaries (upstream of Calhoun St. Bridge) | March 1–Dec 31 | 28"–31" | 1”
- Federal waters (3–200 nm) — as printed
- “3–200 nautical miles (Federal waters) | Prohibited | X | 0”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the striped bass
Species of fish
The striped bass, also called the Atlantic striped bass, striper, linesider, rock, or rockfish, is an anadromous perciform fish of the family Moronidae found primarily along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has also been widely introduced into inland recreational fisheries across the United States. Striped bass found in the Gulf of Mexico are a separate strain referred to as Gulf Coast striped bass.
Read more about Striped 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 Striped Bass in New Jersey?
28–31 inch slot in New Jersey state waters.
How many Striped Bass can you keep per day in New Jersey?
1 per person per day.
When is Striped Bass season in New Jersey?
March 1 – December 31.
Is my Striped Bass a keeper today?
A striped bass is a keeper today if it measures between 28 and 31 inches, with a daily limit of 1.