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Salt Water Fishing In New Jersey
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By Adrian McElroyOct 11, 20242 minute read
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Updated: October 11, 2024
You Only Need To Register For Saltwater Fishing In New Jersey. No Need for a Fishing License.
Marine | Recreational | Fish & Wildlife frequently asked questions. Do I need a saltwater fishing license? No, but you must register with NJ's Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, which can only be done online. Click here for more information.
Who Needs to Register?
NOTE: Anglers with a valid registration with the National Saltwater Angler Registry or those with a valid license from another exempted state must register (for free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration with NJ will exempt you from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
Individual saltwater anglers ages 16 and older MUST register if ANY of the following criteria are met:
Recreationally fish with a hand line or rod and line, spearfish or fish by hand
Recreationally fish in the marine and fresh tidal waters of the State of New Jersey
Recreationally fish in marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but land the catch in New Jersey
Individual saltwater anglers are EXEMPT from registering if either of the following apply:
Under the age of 16.
Solely fish on for-hire (party and charter) vessels that are registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program
For-hire vessel owners/operators MUST register if:
Carry individuals who engage in recreational fishing in the marine and fresh tidal waters of the State of New Jersey
OR
Carry individuals who engage in recreational fishing in the marine waters outside the State of New Jersey but land their catch in New Jersey
More Information On Fishing In New Jersey
The registry is an important tool that will help fishermen and policymakers work together to better account for the contributions and impacts of saltwater anglers on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies. It is part of a national overhaul of the way NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data. The goal of the initiative – known as the Marine Recreational Information Program, or MRIP – is to provide the most accurate information possible that can be used to determine the health of fish stocks. Reliable, universally trusted data will in turn aid anglers, fisheries managers, and other stakeholders in their combined efforts to effectively and fairly set the rules that will ensure the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing. For more information, visit www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.