Waterbody · New Jersey
Barnegat Bay Fishing Regulations 2026
Barnegat Bay fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are fluke, striped bass, bluefish. 72 current rules across 7 species from DEP Fish & Wildlife.
Rules (72)
DEP Fish & Wildlife regulates 72 rules across 7 species at this water.
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
All Marine Waters Except Those Noted Below:
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
All Other Marine WatersIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
May 4–Sept 25 3 18"
All Waters Except Those Mentioned BelowIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Possession
- 3
- Min size
- 18"
Delaware Bay & TributariesIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Possession
- 3
- Min size
- 17"
Delaware Bay & Tributaries:In season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
Delaware Bay And TributariesIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
west of COLREGS line delineating Delaware Bay from Atlantic Ocean but does not include waters of Cape May Canal east of Cape May Ferry Terminal. Transport of summer flounder caught in Delaware Bay, greater than or equal to 17" but less than 18", may occur in waters east of Cape May Ferry Terminal to George Redding Bridge (Route 47) located at entrance of Wildwood provided all fishing gear aboard the vessel is stowed with rigs removed; vessel may not stop to fish for any species.
Delaware River & Tributaries Calhoun St Bridge, Trenton To Salem River & Tributaries:In season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 17"
Island Beach State Park, Shore FishingIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Possession
- 2
- Min size
- 16"
Island Beach State Park:In season
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 16"
Open Mar 1 – Mar 31 and June 1 – Dec 31
Marine WatersIn season
- Season opens
- May 4
- Season closes
- Sep 25
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
- Min size
- 18"
May 4–Sept 25 3 18"
Striped Bass
Atlantic Ocean
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Gear
- Gaff Prohibited
1 fish bag limit for Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) 28"-31" size requirement for Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) 28"-31" size range specified for 0–3 nautical miles zone It is illegal to gaff or attempt to gaff, any striped bass at any time
Great Egg Harbor RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 51 lbs. 0 oz.
New Jersey's Marine Waters
- Season opens
- May 15
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/permit
- Min size
- 24"
- Max size
- 28"
- Gear
- Artificial Only
Bonus permit program Only one fish can be harvested per permit Bonus permit required; less than 28 inches Bonus permit required; 24 inches to less than 28 inches Does not apply to artificial lures with bait attached
New Jersey statewideIn season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Circle Hook
Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with bait.
Bluefish
Marine WatersOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/person
5 fish per person for all other anglers
Shark River Reef, Uss AlgolOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New Jersey State Record Marine Fish — Spearfishing Category
Blue Crab
Barnegat BayOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- Oct 31
Crabbing season runs from late spring through late fall, roughly May to October, when water temperatures are optimal (60–80°F). Crabs are most active and feeding during this period.
Fluke
Off Barnegat LighthouseOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New Jersey State Record Marine Fish — Spearfishing Category
Summer Flounder
Northern Kingfish
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Barnegat Bay?
DEP Fish & Wildlife regulates fishing on Barnegat Bay.
What species can I target on Barnegat Bay?
Barnegat Bay is best known for fluke, striped bass, bluefish. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DEP Fish & Wildlife's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.