New Jersey regulations
Black Sea Bass Regulations in New Jersey 2026
New Jersey black sea bass 2026 open seasons vary by 4 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (9)
- Season opens
- Nov 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 15 fish/person
- Min size
- 12.5"
Other New Jersey fish regulations
Other regulated species in New Jersey with current rule pages — same DEP Fish & Wildlife source, same verification cadence.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)40 rules
- Largemouth Bass32 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)17 rules
- Channel Catfish15 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)13 rules
- Weakfish12 rules
- Bluefish11 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)11 rules
- Black Drum9 rules
- Tog (Tautog / Blackfish)8 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)7 rules
- Yellow Perch7 rules
- White Perch7 rules
- Spanish Mackerel6 rules
Also known as
Black Sea Bass is also called sea bass. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Sea Bass season in New Jersey?
Black Sea Bass season in New Jersey runs from May 1 to Nov 30 per DEP Fish & Wildlife.
What is the size limit for Black Sea Bass in New Jersey?
Minimum size for Black Sea Bass in New Jersey is 12.5 inches in Marine Waters, per DEP Fish & Wildlife. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Black Sea Bass in New Jersey?
Daily bag limit for Black Sea Bass in New Jersey is 15 fish/person in Marine Waters, per DEP Fish & Wildlife.