By: Tracie Carter
On Sunday, May 2, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Striped Bass Board (Board) voted to take emergency action to support stock rebuilding by implementing one fish @ 28” to 31” size slot limit on the recreational striped bass fishery coastwide.
State officials said on June 20, 2023, the NJ Marine Fisheries Council (MFC) voted to implement the new slot to stay in compliance with ASFMC.
The new striped bass regulations will be effective on July 2, 2023, as follows: - 1 fish @ 28” to 31” in all state waters
- Atlantic Ocean, 0 to 3 miles from shore, no closed season
- All other marine waters open from March 1 to December 31
- Delaware River and tributaries from Calhoun St. Bridge, Trenton, to Salem River and tributaries are closed from April 1 until May 31
The emergency action will not affect the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP). The SBBP regulations will remain:
- One fish @ 24” to less than 28.”
- Open season: May 15 to December 31
State officials said the 2023 striped bass regulations on the NJ Recreational Regulation Cards and printed Marine Digests are incorrect. Please check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website and online 2023 Marine Digest for current updates to the regulations.
Please visit the Striped Bass Emergency Action FAQ page for more information about the emergency action and new slot regulations.