Size and Possession Limits Page 21

2019 Marine Fishing Season Dates and Limits • FREE

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May 2019 Size and Possession Limits page 21

A Summary of Recreational Regulations and Marine Fish and Shellfish Management Information NJFishandWildlife.com Unforgettable Adventures.

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO Contents 10 Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament 14 Marine Fish Regulations — Finfish 18 Marine Species Identification 20 Marine Regulations — Mollusks and Crustaceans 21 State Seasons, Minimum Size and Possession Limits Chart 22 Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations 23 Shellfish and Non-Commercial Crab Pot License Information 26 Skillful Angler Recognition Program 28 New Jersey State Record Marine Sport Fish 30 Health Advisories Black Sea Bass hotlines 6 Management New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Report Marine, Shellfish and Finfish Violations (609) 748-2050 or call the 24-hour DEP Hotline: 877-WARNDEP Violators of the Marine Fisheries laws are subject to a $30 per fish or $300 to $3,000 fine. Federal Marine Fisheries Contacts NOAA Fisheries NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Federal Fisheries Law Enforcement Hotline Enforcement — Northeast Enforcement Field Offices 24-hour non-emergency tipline Enforcement Division HQ Wall: (732) 280-6490 (800) 853-1964 (978) 281-9249 Northfield: (609) 415-2941

This DIGEST is available photocopied in an enlarged format for the visually impaired. Write to: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Large Format Marine Digest, MC501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625-0420 Blueline Tilefish: 12 A Profile Scan this QR code with your mobile device for instant access to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's website: NJFishandWildlife.com.

This is not the full law. Consult the Division of Fish and Wildlife for further details. All persons are reminded that the statutes, code and regulations are the legal authorities. New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and thus prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age and sex pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or service, contact New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, MC501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08626-0420. The telephone number is (609) 292-9410. You may also write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Ocean Trawl Mail Stop: WSFR-4020, Arlington, VA, 22203. 24 Technology Director's Message DAVE GOLDEN

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About This Guide

This high-quality guide is offered to you by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Any visitor to the New Jersey coast can’t help but to be awestruck by its beauty, wildlife and abundant Wildlife through its unique partnership fishing opportunities. With 120 miles of ocean coastline from Cape May through Barnegat Bay and with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. up to Sandy Hook, along with an equally inspiring coastline along the Delaware Bay, New Jersey has The revenue generated through ad sales something to offer for anyone looking for an exciting day of fishing. Whether you are fishing in the significantly lowers production costs and surf, back-bays or open ocean, New Jersey boasts one of the most active and productive recreational generates savings. These savings translate fisheries on the Atlantic Coast. into additional funds for other important If you’re lucky enough to set out for some offshore fishing this year, take the opportunity to drop a agency programs. line deep for some tilefish. I caught my first tilefish last year after closing out a slow day of tuna -fish ing. Once we found “the spot,” the bite was on and the action was non-stop. The strong fight of this If you have any feedback or are inter- species was accentuated by the fact the we were catching them at depths of over 500 feet. To top off ested in advertising, please contact us at a fun day of fishing, tilefish makes for a delicious meal with its sweet flavor and white meat. For tips 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com on catching a few tilefish for yourself, enjoy the blueline tilefish profile on page 12. New Jersey is one of the highest-ranking states on the Atlantic coast for summer flounder and blue- Graphic Design: fish recreational harvest. Black sea bass is another very popular recreational species fished for in the Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, marine waters of New Jersey. This species, with its unusual life-history, has experienced impressive Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski population growth over the past several years (page 6). New Jersey’s marine anglers are having no trouble catching their limit of this plentiful species and the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s marine fisheries staff continues to work with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure responsible management of our valuable fisheries. Managing a multi-species fishery is complex work. Our dedicated staff are constantly advancing their angler survey and stock assessment methodologies to make sound management decisions for New Jersey’s marine species. A variety of surveys are used to target different species and life stages in both estuarine and marine waters. You can find Division of Fish of Wildlife employees out in the field conducting this important work 11 months of the year. These surveys are used to monitor long- term trends in population abundance and collect biological information, such as growth rates and age distribution. Technological advances aid our biologists in completing this valuable research (page 24). Our staff are among the best, but proper management of the state’s marine resources requires everyone’s participation. You can help the Division of Fish and Wildlife by participating in our Rec- reational Saltwater Angler Survey (https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/marinesurvey.htm), signing up for the saltwater registry, reducing fish mortality by releasing them unharmed (see tips on page 15) and by adhering to all marine regulations. Together we can keep New Jersey’s fishery as one of the most productive along the Atlantic coast. Speaking of productive fisheries, I think it’s time to get out there and go fishing. Enjoy!

Dave Golden is the Acting Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. This guide is also Every time you purchase a ﬁ shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving available online at our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come.

Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Every time you purchase a ﬁ shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come.

Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM New Jersey Take a friend fishing! State of New Jersey The memories will last a lifetime. Philip D. Murphy, Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor Department of Environmental Protection Catherine R. McCabe, Commissioner Division of Fish and Wildlife Dave Golden, Acting Director Paulette Nelson, Assistant Director Joe Cimino, Administrator, Marine Fisheries Administration Vacant, Chief, Marine Fisheries Jeff Brust, Research Scientist, Marine Fisheries Russ Babb, Chief, Shellfisheries Al Ivany, Chief, Information and Education Sean Cianciulli, Chief, Law Enforcement Lisa Barno, Chief, Freshwater Fisheries Jason Hearon, Chief, Land Management Carole Stanko, Chief, Wildlife Management John Heilferty, Chief, Endangered and Nongame Species Cindy Kuenstner, Editor

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is a professional, environmental organization dedicated to the protection, management and wise use of the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The Digest is available at coastal license agents, bait and tackle shops and Fish and Wildlife offices. Information may be reprinted with permission. Subscriptions are not available. FREE Freshwater Fishing Days This Digest is designed and produced by J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC; www.jfgriffin.com. — June 8 and Oct. 19, 2019 — Partial funding for the Digest is provided by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. Cover photo: Black sea bass (photo courtesy of Captain Corey Pietraszek). On these two days, residents and non-residents may fish New Jersey’s public fresh waters without a license or trout stamp. All other New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Councils regulations, including size and daily catch limits, remain in effect. Marine Fisheries Council Atlantic Coast Shellfish Council Waterfowl Stamp Richard N. Herb, Acting Chair John J. Maxwell, Chair Advisory Committee James Alexis Walter L. Johnson, III, Vice Chair Robert VonSuskil, Chair Dr. Eleanor Ann Bochenek Peter Bacinski Delaware Bay Shellfish Council Warren Hollinger Joseph DeMartino See video in action at cleanwayfuelfill.com Warren Hollinger, Chair John J. Maxwell Mike Kantor Stephen J. Fleetwood, Vice Chair Sergio Radossi Scott Paterson Richard Malinowski Joe Rizzo Mike Shanahan KEEP FUEL IN THE TANK Robert R. Rush, Jr. Wildlife Rehabilitators Jim A. Shissias Advisory Committee Dr. Lenore Tedesco Fish and Game Council Diane Nickerson, Chair Ken Whildin Frank Virgillio, Acting Chair AND OUT OF OUR WATERS Phillip Brodhecker Phillip Brodhecker Endangered and Nongame Giselle Chazotte-Smisko Joe DeMartino Species Advisory Committee Carol Dragland Jim DeStephano Dr. Rick Lathrop, Chair Heather Freeman Agust Gudmundsson Dr. James Applegate Tracy Leaver Dr. Rick Lathrop Dr. Barbara Brummer So easy! no more splashes Dr. Nicole Lewis Jeffrey A. Link Dr. Joanna Burger Dr. Erica Miller or fuel-soaked rags Robert Pollack Dr. Emile DeVito Dr. Jennifer Norton Loren Robinson Howard Geduldig Michael O'Malley Ken Whildin Dr. Erica Miller Dr. David Mizrahi Jane Morton-Galetto Dr. Howard Reinert James Shissias

Where to Write Us • BURPED fUEl New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife ovERfill DRains MC 501-03 • P.O. Box 420 • Trenton, NJ 08625-0420 • NJFishandWildlife.com Back into tank • aDaPtERs inclUDED New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Our Mission • PatEntED, hEavy-DUty To protect and manage the state’s fish and wildlife to maximize their long-termbiological, • sPill-fREE REfUElinG recreational and economic value for all New Jerseyans. 95 95 Our Goals 10" - 12" - • To maintain New Jersey’s rich variety of fish and wildlife species at stable, healthy levels $39 $44 and to protect and enhance the many habitats on which they depend. • To educate New Jerseyans on the values and needs of our fish and wildlife and to foster a 772-460-6670 10% off with coupon code NJMD19 positive human/wildlife co-existence. • To maximize the recreational and commercial use of New Jersey’s fish and wildlife for both 4 order direct at cleanwayfuelfill.com present and future generations. WELDING & FABRICATION FLOATING DOCKS PIERS GANGWAYS RAILINGS TOWERS T TOPS LADDER RACKS MARINE ACCESSORIES

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By Peter Clarke, Senior Fisheries Biologist Andrew Nichols

6 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Arguably one of the most popular recreational fish pursued by anglers along the New Jersey coast is the black sea bass. Anchoring the spring and fall fishery for boat fishermen and providing shore-based anglers the opportunity to bring fine table fare back from a day of fishing, black sea bass are abundantly available from the coastal jetties and beaches to offshore reefs, wrecks and rock piles.

Having a unique life-history strategy, black sea initiated two new addenda (31 and 32) to the Black bass are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. These two that most individual fish begin their life as females addenda follow many others that have similarly but can switch their gender to male when the num- attempted to address management of the black sea ber of males in the population declines. While it bass fisheries. is unknown what proportion of females make this Draft Addendum 31 is aimed at allowing gender shift, it is certain that this strategy helps to “conservation equivalency,” meaning that states safeguard the population by securing the future would have increased flexibility when crafting reproductive success of the species. measures that still constrain that state to recreational With an extensive distributional range, recent harvest limits, but do not require following closely years find black sea bass from the Gulf of Mexico to established federal regulations. Draft Addendum up through Maine, although they are most abun- 32 addresses management strategies based on dant in the mid-Atlantic region—particularly off distribution of the resource stemming from coastal our Jersey coast where they provide anglers with changes of black sea bass abundance and distribution. countless opportunities for success. Recent stock Options included in this addendum would allow the assessments place black sea bass at the top of their fisheries management boards and Council to act in population abundance curve, with their spawning a more progressive nature based on biomass and

stock biomass at its 30-year peak. fishery performance. Peter Clarke/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife Management efforts naturally lag behind popula- Through these addenda, New Jersey is opti- tion abundance for this species. As the black sea mistic that as biomass increases within the black Henry Clarke enjoys fishing for black sea bass, bass population doubled and tripled, regulatory con- sea bass population, coastwide management will along with his brother Jack Clarke shown on the straints tightened, largely due to angler success. It can not fall behind, but instead will use real-time and Contents page. be difficultnot to catch a black sea bass when a baited accurate indicators of the stock and the fishery to hook is dropped in the water—they are just that craft sensible measures for both the fishermen and plentiful. The result: because angling success is so the fish. high, harvest regulations are now quite conservative. The cause of this abundance is the extremely large 2011 year-class that entered the fishery as 12- to 14-inch fish over the past several years. When a year class of baby fish is spawned at record numbers, within four or five years those fish “recruit” into the recreational and commercial fisheries, meaning they grow to a size that makes them available to harvest. To compound this sea bass management dilemma, the 2011 year-class is now part of the overall spawning stock biomass and has provided an equally—or possi- bly stronger—2015 year-class as detected in fisheries survey data like the New Jersey Ocean Trawl Survey and the National Marine Fisheries Service Bottom Trawl Survey. As the available black sea bass biomass and size of fish from the 2015 year-class increases, anglers will continue to see regulations that prevent surpassing the recreational harvest limit. To address this dilemma, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council), National Marine Fisheries Service and partner states like New Jersey

Sonar is used to detect what lies beneath the water's surface. This display reveals the prevalence

of sea bass in New Jersey’s waters. Pete Clarke/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife

2019 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 7 APAIS MARINE REGULATIONS

Marine Fisheries: Access Point Angler Intercept Survey Totals 2018 Intercepts Site Headboat Month Private/ Recreational Surveys Assignments Assignments Charter Shore Headboat Total Rental March 54 3 0 1 26 23 50 Be Counted April 60 3 5 55 82 39 181 The Access Point Angler Intercept Survey (APAIS) has been May 121 8 36 251 139 80 506 conducted by New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Marine June 120 12 46 369 229 149 793 Fisheries staff since 2016. You may see our interviewers at marine public access fishing sites throughout New Jersey. The July 124 13 41 433 192 203 869 survey targets marine recreational anglers to obtain information August 146 13 97 497 356 183 1,133 about fishing effort, catch and participation. The more fishing September 130 12 46 216 137 151 550 catch data collected, the more successful this survey becomes October 127 11 37 261 119 121 538 for estimating overall catch, a crucial data component on which November 107 5 35 198 83 66 382 fisheries managers depend. December 97 3 9 64 35 42 150 Along with increased outreach at public events, our Marine 1,086 83 352 2,345 1,398 1,057 5,152 Fisheries staff are interested in talking with fishing clubs/ groups about the importance of the APAIS. We rely heavily on our valued anglers, creating a joint venture to preserve New Jersey’s natural resources. Contact Maryellen Gordon at (609) 748-2020 for us to come to your meeting or event. We look forward to meeting you! If you’re not “intercepted” for an interview while fishing or contacted through the Saltwater Registry, you can still participate by submitting a fishing report after each saltwater trip to the New Jersey Volunteer Angler Survey. Your reports have a real impact on how New Jersey’s ocean resources are managed. Submit online reports at www.NJFishandWildlife.com/marinesurvey.htm. Maryellen Gordon/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife

Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament GET OUTSIDE & ENJOY A DAY OF FISHING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Join us for the 28th Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament! HOME OF THE AIRRANGER bluefish during the 2018 tournament. Ms. Mauger received two-rod and reel May 19, 2019 combinations, a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses, a plaque and will have Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ her name engraved on the Governor's Cup. Also, congratulations to Toms River High School South for winning first place 20’x8’ New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, along with our co-sponsors— in the High School Team Category with a 35 1/2-inch bluefish. Toms River AirRanger New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey State Federation High School South had their name engraved on the new High School Team Bowfishing of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and New Jersey Cup and received a 1st place plaque. Edition Beach Buggy Association—congratulate Keri Mauger of Mohonton, PA who took the grand prize and NJ Governor's Cup by catching a 36-inch All participants who mailed their registration were entered into an early entry raffle for a Coastline Surf System. Prizes are awarded in different species and age categories. For more information and to register, visit NJFishandWildlife.com/gsft.htm A special thanks to our 2018 donors: • American Angler • NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife’s Hooked on Fishing—Not on Drugs • Chestnut Neck Boat Yard Program • Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle • World Jeep • Jersey Coast Surfcasters A special thanks to our 2018 High School Team Category donors: • The Fisherman • Shark River Surf Anglers • The Reel Seat 18’x8’ AirRanger Law Enforcement Edition 1st Place in the High School Team Category, Toms River High School South, with Acting Commissioner Catherine McCabe at the Governor’s Register now for the 28th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Surf Fishing Tournament. Tournament to be held on May 19, 2019! Over 54 Years of Airboat Experience!

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WORLD’S FINEST AND SAFEST AIRBOATS www.americanairboats.com 800.241.6390 fax:409.883.0100 108 E. Lutcher Drive Orange, TX Common Name: Blueline tilefish, gray tilefish Scientific Name:Caulolatilus microps Background Blueline Blueline tilefish are frequently caught as bycatch by long-liners and charter/party boats fishing for golden tilefish. Tilefish are relied upon on to "save a trip," meaning that the catch of a tilefish by anglers fishing for species like tuna can still make the trip worthwhile, even if the original target species is Tilefish: not biting. Management Tilefish are non-migratory, making them highly A PROFILE susceptible to the pressures of overfishing. Previ- ously, blueline tilefish had no regular federal regulations for fish caught north of Virginia, because the fishery is data-deficient in the mid-Atlantic region. For this reason, along with the increasing number of catches, an interim fishery management plan went into effect in June 2016 to limit the number of tilefish caught and to prevent overfishing while data is gathered and the stock is further assessed. New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife cooper- ated with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to collect gonads (reproductive organs) and otoliths (bone-like structures within the head used to age fish) in hopes of gaining a better understand- ing of the population, age and reproduction rates of blueline tilefish off New Jersey's coast. Biological Characteristics Blueline tilefish are dull-olive gray, gradually turning white moving toward their underside. They lack a fleshy structure behind their head which visually separates them from the popular golden tilefish. Blueline tilefish have a long snout, a narrow gold stripe underlined in fluorescent blue from the snout to the tip of the eye and a strong, flat spine on their gill cover. These fish also have an elongated, continu- ous dorsal and anal fin that is roughly half the length of the body. Males tend to be larger than females, can

Dale Dirks, courtesy of Maryland DNR grow up to 32 inches long and live for up to 15 years. Range Western mid-Atlantic Ocean south to Florida; northern and eastern Gulf of Mexico. Habitat Bluelines live in deep water around the continental shelf and upper slope. Their preferred water temperature range is 59°–73°F, with a depth range from 240–780 feet in a mud and rubble substrate, allowing them to construct and inhabit burrows that are shared with other fish. In New Jersey, blueline tilefish are most commonly found near golden tilefish, and in shallower waters, near black sea bass.

By Tom Sanfilippo, Hourly Fisheries Technician

12 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Food and Feeding Being a bottom dwelling fish, blueline tilefish are opportunistic feeders that prey mainly on benthic invertebrates associated with the seafloor substrate that they inhabit. These invertebrates include portunid crabs, mollusks, polychaete worms and brittle stars, although bluelines occasionally feed on smaller fish. Spawning Blueline tilefish typically begin to spawn at 4–5 years old when they reach 17–18 inches in length for females and 23.5 inches for males. Spawning Mark Milici retains the N.J. State Record occurs April–October. blueline (gray) tilefish from 2015 at 23 During this time, females pounds, 4 ounces. can release upwards of four million free-floating eggs into the water column. It is speculated that blueline tilefish are hermaphroditic—able to reverse gender. Migration Bluelines are not known to migrate, however, they will move if the constant deep-water temperature they prefer drops to below their minimum survival threshold. How to Catch Because blueline tilefish live at depths of up to 780 feet, a reel packed with lots of line (multifilament preferred) is essential, along with a rod stout enough to handle a one-pound weight. A multi-hook rig is the most common set-up with a maximum of five hooks per rod. This allows the angler—when fishing in 700 feet of water—to keep fishing if a bite is missed rather than serving as an attempt to hook multiple fish per drop. A variety of baits are used—from crabs to clams to cut fish—but the bait must be fresh to stay on the hook and entice the bite. While many avid fisherman use tricks such as glow beads or lights, the key to catching tilefish is location, location, location.

References: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:Caulolatilus microps www.iucnredlist.org/details/190191/0 South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council: Blueline Tilefish https://safmc.net/regulations/regulations-by-species/blueline-tilefish/ Reproductive Biology of The Blueline Tilefish, Caulolatilus Microps, off North Carolina and South Carolina https://archive.org/stream/cbarchive_54318_reproductivebiolo- gyoftheblueli1971/reproductivebiologyoftheblueli1971#page/n15/ mode/2up Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, Life History and Habitat Characteristics (NOAA) www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/publications/tm/tm152/tm152.pdf

2019 Marine Issue 13 Finfish MARINE REGULATIONS

Regulations in red are new this year. Methods of Recreational Fishing No person shall take, catch, kill or attempt to take, Be the First to Know! Regulations remain in effect until changed. catch or kill any fish within the marine waters of the For the most current regulations, go to state by any means except in the manner commonly Get on the List NJFishandWildlife.com/njregs.htm#marine known as angling with hand line or rod and line unless or call the marine fish "listen-only" informa- specifically provided for by statute or regulation. The Marine Fisheries and Shellfish tion line at (609) 292-2083. Visit our website at e-mail list, that is. This free service NJFishandWildlife.com. Delaware Fishing License Requirement provides the latest information about • The recreational summer flounder open season is A Delaware fishing license is required for all non- Fish and Wildlife events, public hearings and May 24 to Sept. 21. For Delaware Bay and tribu- resident anglers aged 16 and over fishing either other matters related to marine resources. taries, west of the COLREGS line which delin- fresh or tidal waters of Delaware. Delaware fishing There are six other lists to help you get the eates Delaware Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, the license information can be found at http://www. most out of New Jersey’s fish and wildlife size limit remains 17 inches and the possession fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Pages/NewFishingLi- resources. Sign up today. limit is still three fish. The 17-inch minimum size cense.aspx. Visit Fish and Wildlife’s website: limit applicable to Delaware Bay does not include NJFishandWildlife.com/lstsub.htm the waters of the Cape May Canal east of the New York Fishing Registry Requirement Cape May Ferry Terminal. Transport of summer New York offers a free registry to all marine anglers flounder caught in Delaware Bay, greater than fishing in New York. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/ or equal to 17 inches but less than the 18 inches, permits/54950.html. may occur in waters east of the Cape May Ferry Fish Measurement Terminal to the George Redding Bridge (Rt. 47) Bait Fish located at the entrance of Wildwood provided No license is required for the taking of baitfish for all fishing gear aboard the vessel is stowed with personal use with the following gear: rigs removed and the vessel may not stop to fish 1. Dip nets 24 inches diameter or less for the tak- for any species. In all other waters, the size limit ing of Atlantic herring only (does not include remains 18 inches, the possession limit is still river herring — alewife and blueback herring) three fish and transportation of summer floun- for live bait. The taking or possession of river der less than 18 inches is prohibited. herring is prohibited. 2. Bait seines 50 feet long or less. New Jersey remains in compliance with the Atlantic 3. Cast nets 20 feet in diameter or less. States Marine Fisheries Commission’s management 4. Lift or umbrella nets four feet square or less. plans for summer flounder. The rules are aimed at 5. Not more than five killipots. providing adequate protection to these fish stocks 6. Not more than two miniature fykes or pots for while allowing New Jersey’s saltwater recreational the taking of eels for bait. anglers to participate to the fullest extent possible in these various fisheries. Fish taken in this manner may not be sold or used 1. Lay fish flat on top of, or alongside a New Jersey recreational marine regulations apply for barter unless the angler is in possession of a measuring rule, not measured over the body. to all fish species when they are possessed in state commercial bait net license. waters or landed in New Jersey regardless of where No person shall take or attempt to take fish by any 2. Fish are measured from the tip of the snout they are caught. Saltwater anglers must comply means from the Deal Lake flume, Lake Takanasse (mouth closed) to the longest part of the tail. with the requirements of the New Jersey Saltwater spillway or Wreck Pond spillway on any Monday, Recreational Registry Program. See page 17. Wednesday or Friday during the months of April and May. Resource Information Prohibited Species Anyone who takes fisheries resources may be Wanton Waste Prohibited It is illegal to take, possess, land, purchase, or sell required to provide information on the species, Fish of any species which are purposely killed shall any of the following species: number, weight or other information pertinent to become part of the angler’s daily possession limit • Atlantic sturgeon management of resources. Anglers are encouraged and shall not be returned to the water from which • basking shark to report all fishing activity after each trip. Visit they were taken. This does not apply to fish which • big eye sand tiger shark Fish and Wildlife's Volunteer Angler Survey at are released alive and subsequently die, but does • diamondback terrapin NJFishandWildlife.com/marinesurvey.htm. apply even to species without size/possession limits. • sand tiger shark • sandbar shark Spearfishing • shortnose sturgeon Spearfishing may be conducted by means of a spear, • whale shark Accessible harpoon or other missile while completely sub- • white shark Fishing Sites merged in the marine waters of the state for any • river herring (alewife and blueback herring; see species, except lobster. herring illustrations, page 18) Persons who fish with a spear for species with size • See (page 16) for the full list of pro- For people with disabilities, visit: Sharks limits are reminded that it is their responsibility hibited shark species www.NJFishandWildlife.com/sites.htm to ensure the fish meets the minimum size limits An Accessible Fishing Sites list is available to before being killed or injured. assist anglers whose mobility is impaired. Sea Turtles & Marine All sites are wheelchair- Mammals accessible except for the Musconetcong River in Morris It is illegal to intentionally molest, kill or possess sea County, where vehicle access turtles, including terrapins, or marine mammals, is to the shoreline. or to possess any part thereof.

14 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue

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size limit. For the most current regulations, go to River Herring Finfish NJFishandWildlife.com/njregs.htm#marine or call The taking or possession of any river herring (alewife Regulations for most finfish are listed in the table the marine fish "listen only" information line at and blueback herring) in New Jersey is prohibited. on page 21. (609) 292-2083. See the fish ID illustrations on page 18 for herring species identification. Filleting The filleting at sea of all fish with a size limit,or any species of flatfish, is prohibited except for summer flounder; seeSummer Flounder, page 16. Anglers Top 8 Tips for Releasing Fish Unharmed shall possess no parts of any fish caught on a previous fishing trip. Party boats may fillet fish at sea if Proper handling and releasing techniques reduce fish mortality. they obtain a Special Fillet Permit. Applications may be obtained from Fish and Wildlife’s Bureau • Land fish as quickly as possible, except not tool to cut the leader at the hook. Cut this line of Marine Fisheries. when retrieving from depths of 40-feet or close to the hook’s eyelet. more. Fighting a fish to exhaustion increases • To bring a fish out of the water momentarily, mortality as does rapidly bringing up a fish Black Sea Bass use a neoprene net or one of knotless nylon. through the changing water pressure and Black sea bass are measured along the midline from Handle the fish carefully using wet hands, wet temperature gradients. the snout to the end of the central portion of the tail, cotton gloves or similar material to minimize not to include the tail filaments. (See fish measuring • Keep fish to be released in the water as much loss of the fish’s protective slime layer. example on page 14.) The recreational regula- as possible. Plan ahead with tools and camera. • To revive lethargic fish, hold in a normal, tions for black sea bass remain the same as last year • Minimize physical injury. Do not touch gills or upright position. Move the fish forward in an including an open season of May 15–June 22 with allow fish to flop around on deck. “S” or figure-8 pattern so that water flows a 10 fish possession limit and 12.5-inch minimum over the gills only from front to back. size limit; an open season of July 1–Aug. 31 with a 2 • Carefully remove hooks using a dehooker or fish possession limit and a 12.5-inch minimum size needle-nose pliers. • Use circle hooks (not offset) for species that bite and flee, such as striped bass, weakfish limit; an open season of Oct. 8–Oct. 31 with a 10 • Use plain hooks, not stainless, which will or sea bass. Consider pinching hook barbs fish possession limit and 12.5-inch minimum size rust away quickly if one must be left in a gut- with pliers. limit; and an open season of Nov. 1–Dec. 31 with hooked fish. Be prepared with a long-reach a 15 fish possession limit and a 13-inch minimum

2019 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 15 Finfish MARINE REGULATIONS

Regulations in red are new this year. It is illegal to take, catch or kill any striped delineates Delaware Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, bass from or in any marine waters of this state, the size limit is 17 inches and the possession limit Sharks by means of a net of any description, or by any is three fish. The 17 inch minimum size limit Recreational size limits for shark are specified in the methods other than angling with a hook and line applicable to Delaware Bay does not include the state and federal regulation charts on pages 21 and or by spear fishing. waters of the Cape May Canal east of the Cape 22. Refer to the illustration, below, for the fork length. It is illegal to possess any striped bass which is less May Ferry Terminal. Transport of summer than the legal minimum size of 28 inches unless in flounder caught in Delaware Bay, greater than Shark possession of a Striped Bass Bonus Permit. or equal to 17 inches but less than the 18 inches Harvest and possession of striped bass from may occur in waters east of the Cape May federal waters (outside three miles) is prohibited. Ferry Terminal to the George Redding Bridge Sale of striped bass in New Jersey is prohibited. (Route 47) located at the entrance of Wildwood provided all fishing gear aboard the vessel is Striped Bass Closed Seasons stowed with rigs removed and the vessel may not Fork Length No person may take, attempt to take, or have in stop to fish for any species.In all other waters, possession any striped bass from the following the size limit is 18 inches, the possession limit is The 2019 shark regulations complement closed waters: three fish and transportation of summer flounder existing federal shark regulations (see less than 18 inches is prohibited. 2019 Jan. 1–Feb. 28: All waters closed except the table, page 22). Anglers may fillet one legal-sized summer Federal Recreational Regulations Atlantic Ocean from zero to three miles offshore. However, the following additional measures are flounder from their daily possession limit catch All inlets and bays are delineated from ocean required for state waters: for use as bait. This carcass, commonly known as waters by a Colregs Demarcation line. • In state waters, there is no minimum size limit the rack, shall be kept intact so it can be measured for non-blacknose small coastal sharks and blac- April 1–May 31: Delaware River and its tributar- for compliance with the minimum size limit. knose sharks* in the recreational fishery, but ies closed from the upstream side of the Calhoun Anglers shall not be in possession of any parts of federal regulations include a 54-inch minimum St. bridge downstream to and including the Salem any summer flounder caught on a previous fishing size limit for blacknose and finetooth small River and its tributaries. trip; only fish just caught on the current outing. coastal sharks. Shore-based anglers fishing at Island Beach State Note: Non-offset circle hooks are required to • All sharks within the Aggregate Large Coastal Park (IBSP) may retain 2 fish greater than or equal reduce striped bass bycatch mortality while and Hammerhead groups* will have a closed to 16 inches (total length) only at IBSP during the fishing with natural bait during the striped bass season within state waters from May 15 through current open summer flounder fishing season. springtime spawning area closure within the Del- July 15 to protect spawning female sharks during Shore-based fishing is defined as fishing from a aware River and its tributaries. This restriction the pupping season. pier, jetty, beach, bank, or marsh. does not apply to hook sizes smaller than size 2. * See page 22 footnote for species list defining Additional Marine Fishing Regulations shark groupings. Summer Flounder (Fluke) See pages 18–19 for the fish ID pages and The recreational summer flounder open season is All sharks harvested by recreational fishermen must pages 21–22 for the regulation charts. May 24 to September 21. For Delaware Bay and have heads, tails and fins attached naturally to the tributaries, west of the COLREGS line, which carcass until landed. Anglers may still gut and bleed the carcass as long as the tail is not removed. Fillet- ing sharks at sea is prohibited. Recreational anglers should access the following National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/ Striped Bass Bonus Program outreach-and-education/shark-identification-placard to download the NOAA Fisheries Shark Identifica- At press time, the Striped Bass Bonus Program tion Placard, an excellent pictorial guide to identify- will continue in 2019, where anglers possessing ing sharks that are legal to harvest. a bonus permit may keep a striper at 24 inches These shark species are prohibited from posses- to less than 28 inches. The open season for sion: Atlantic angel, basking, bigeye sixgill, bigeye this program will be September 1 through thresher, bigeye tiger, bignose, Caribbean reef, Carib- December 31. bean sharpnose, dusky, Galapagos, longfin mako, narrowtooth, night, sandbar, sandtiger, sevengill, The current allocation from the Atlantic States silky, sixgill, smalltail, whale and white sharks. Marine Fisheries Commission is 215,912 pounds. Note: To differentiate sharks from dogfish— Should New Jersey exceed this quota, any the smooth dogfish has flat, tiny teeth; the spiny overage would be subtracted from the following year’s quota. dogfish has strong, dorsal spines, shorter than, and in front of, the dorsal fins along the topline Application Process: Striped Bass Bonus Program permits are issued via mail only. Go

of the shark's back. Neither are present in sharks. Heather Corbett/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife to NJFishandWildlife.com/bonusbas.htm to Striped Bass download the application and for regulation or Jim Stives caught this striped bass on the (includes Hybrid Striped Bass) program updates. The permit is non-transferable Queen Mary out of Point Pleasant. The possession limit for striped bass/hybrid striped and valid for the current calendar year. Only one bass is two fish. The size limits are one fish at 28 permit can be used per day and harvest reporting is mandatory. inches to less than 43 inches and one fish equal to or Striped Bass Bonus Permit Harvest Reporting: The Striped Bass Bonus Permit must be securely greater than 43 inches. Anglers participating in the attached to the fish through the mouth and gill immediately upon capture and prior to transportation. Striped Bass Bonus Program may possess a striped Harvest reporting is mandatory and must be reported online or by leaving a message at bass at 24 inches to less than 28 inches in length. (609) 748-2074. Fish may be harvested in any order.

16 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) ATTENTION: New Jersey Saltwater Anglers REGISTER. You make a difference! It’s still free, still easy and still required. The saltwater registry acts as a current contact registered from all 50 U.S. states, four U.S. list for mail and telephone surveys of anglers. territories and 48 other countries. The pie chart Participation in the New Jersey Saltwater below shows the 15 states with the greatest Recreational Registry Program (NJSRRP) is number of participants (totaling 155,083 vital in achieving accurate recreational fishing individuals) in the NJSRRP. estimates, helping to ensure healthy fisheries Anglers must renew annually; registrations for future generations. expire at the end of each calendar year. Do your part to help maintain sustainable For more information on the NJ Saltwater fisheries and join the thousands of other anglers Recreational Registry Program and to register, who have already registered with the New Jersey visit www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. In 2018, the NJSRRP had 158,489 individual registrants, with just over 69 percent (109,817) being New Jersey residents. Individuals Maryellen Gordon/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife

Motor Boat Registration & Title Requirements NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Registration Title Most boats must be registered to operate on New Jersey waterways. For use on New Jersey waterways, all boats more than 12 feet in length must be titled, with the exception of ship’s lifeboat, canoe, kayak, • All titled boats must be registered also. inflatable, surfboard, rowing scull, racing shell, tender/dinghy used for • Any boat (including jet skis and non-titled watercraft), direct transportation between a vessel and shore for no other purposes. mechanically propelled (incl. electric motors), regardless of length, must be registered. Boat Operator License (MVC) • Boats greater than 12 feet in length, regardless of propulsion means, An operator license is required to operate power vessels on fresh, must be titled and registered at an MVC office. non-tidal waters such as lakes, creeks and rivers. (Minimum age Boats and marine equipment which need not be registered: 16 years; with certain exceptions.) • Those not based in New Jersey or operating here less than 180 For More Information: consecutive days that are operating under a federally approved numbering system from another state New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (888) 486-3339 toll free in NJ or (609) 292-6500 from out-of-state • Ship’s lifeboats www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/boating.htm. • Non-motorized vessels used exclusively on small lakes and ponds on Boat Safety Certificate (NJSP) private property A boat safety certificate (from an approved boat safety course; see • Racing vessels with New Jersey State Marine Police permit NJSP website, below) is required to operate a personal watercraft or power vessel, including electric motors, in NJ waters (tidal and non-tidal). • Non-motorized inflatable device, surfboard, racing shell, dinghy, canoe or kayak New Jersey State Police (NJSP) (609) 882-2000 • Non-motorized vessel less than 12 feet in length http://www.njsp.org/marine-services

2019 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 17 Marine Species Identification MARINE REGULATIONS Herring Long, filamentous projection Dorsal fin forward of midlength Teeth on roof Dorsal fin at midlength Round snout from last ray of dorsal fin Eye diameter greater of mouth overhangs than snout length closed mouth

Deep Narrow body body

No teeth on roof of mouth Alewife (a river herring) Atlantic Herring Gizzard Shad

May have a line Eye diameter less Dorsal fin forward of midlength Large mouth of spots than snout length

No teeth on Lower jaw projects Upper jaw Largest in the roof of mouth well beyond upper jaw close to rear herring family when mouth closed edge of eye American Shad Blueback Herring (a river herring) Hickory Shad

Alewife, American Shad, Blueback Herring and Hickory Shad illustrations ©Duane Raver; Atlantic Herring illustration ©Victor Young/NH. Fish and Game Department; Gizzard Shad illustration courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ©2012.

Striped Bass Weakfish Bluefish (Snapper)

Black Sea Bass Atlantic Croaker Winter Flounder

Tautog Black Drum Summer Flounder (Blackfish) (Fluke)

Red Drum Blue Crab Hard Clam

18 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Spot Scup White Perch (Porgy)

Northern Searobin Northern Kingfish

Atlantic Bonito Cobia Northern Puffer

Spanish Oyster Toadfish Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel Atlantic Cod

Smooth Dogfish Spiny Dogfish

Sand Tiger Shark Sandbar Shark

2019 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest | 19 Mollusks & Crustaceans MARINE REGULATIONS

Regulations in red are new this year. 4. All female crabs with eggs attached and all undersized crabs shall be returned to the water Horseshoe Crabs immediately. The harvest of horseshoe crabs is prohibited. Pos- Crustaceans 5. Recreational trot lines shall not exceed 150 feet session of horseshoe crabs is also prohibited except American Lobster in length with a maximum of 25 baits. for those individuals holding a scientific collecting The legal possession size limit of whole lobsters, 6. All pots and trot lines shall be marked with the permit for research and education and those fish- measured from the rear of the eye socket along a identification number of the owner. ermen that can provide suitable documentation line parallel to the center line of the body shell to 7. All crab pots must be tended at least once every that the horseshoe crabs in their possession were the rear of the body shell, shall be not less than 3⅜ 72 hours. harvested outside of New Jersey. inches nor greater than 5¼ inches. Lobster parts 8. No floating line may be used on any crab pot may not be possessed at sea or landed. There is no or crab pot buoy. harvest or possession of lobster in Lobster Manage- 9. No crab pot shall be placed in any area that Mollusks ment Area 4 from April 30 – May 31 and Lobster would obstruct or impede navigation or in any 1. All persons must be licensed to harvest any Management Area 5 from February 1 – March 31. creek less than 50 feet wide. shellfish. See license information, page 23. The possession limit is six lobsters per person. No 10. Only the owner or a law enforcement officer Shellfish means any species of benthic mollusks person shall possess any lobster with eggs attached may raise or remove contents of a legally set (except conch) including hard and soft clams, or from which eggs have been removed or any female fishing device. oysters, surf clams, bay scallops and mussels. lobster with a v-notched tail, as illustrated below. 11. Crabs taken with a bait seine may be retained 2. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from condemned Special Lobster Restrictions: No person shall for personal use only if the angler possesses a waters, even for bait purposes. It is also illegal use, leave, deploy, or tend any lobster, fish or conch bait net license, and may not be bartered or sold to harvest shellfish including surf clams from pot within an artificial reef located in state waters unless the fisherman possesses a commercial beaches adjacent to water classified as con- except in areas designated as a full access zones. crab license. demned. Shellfish water classification charts are Within these designated full access zones lobster, 12. No crabs may be harvested from the Newark available from license agents or any state shellfish and conch pots shall be used, left, deployed or Bay Complex. For more information, see Health fish office. See page 23 for shellfish license tended only between sunrise and sunset. Advisory on page 30. information. Charts are updated annually. For information about lobster pot deployment and 13. Crab Pot/Trot Line seasons: Delaware Bay 3. Shellfish harvesting is prohibited before sun- New Jersey Reef Full Access Zone Locations, scan and tributaries: April 6 – Dec. 4. All other rise and after sunset. Shellfish harvest is also this QR code or go to NJFishandWildlife.com/ waters: March 15 – Nov. 30. The following prohibited on Sundays except in the seasonally pdf/2016/marlet-reefgear02-11-16.pdf. waters, and their tributaries, are closed to the approved areas of the Navesink and Shrewsbury use of crab pots and trot lines: Cumberland Co.: rivers, when harvesting is permitted between Lobster Cohansey River and creeks named Back, Cedar, Nov. 1 and April 30. Nantuxent, Fortescue, Oranoken and Dividing; 4. Harvesting shellfish on public grounds is Cape May Co.: West and Bidwell Creeks and restricted to the use of hand implements. the Cape May Canal; Atlantic Co.: Hammock 5. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from leased Cove (Dry Bay); Ocean Co.: on east shore of grounds. These grounds are delineated by stakes V notch Barnegat Bay, that area of Sedge Islands Wild- or buoys set by the lease holder. Charts of the The use of spears, gigs, gaffs or other penetrating life Management Area enclosed by a line drawn leases may be examined at Fish and Wildlife’s devices as a method of capture for lobsters is prohib- from the northern bank of Fishing Creek on Nacote Creek or Delaware Bay shellfish offices ited. A recreational lobster pot license is required Island Beach State Park to the northern tip of during regular business hours. Invasion onto to use pots or traps to capture lobsters. For details the Sedge Islands (Hensler Island), then south leased grounds is punishable by penalties up call (609) 748-2020. Lobsters taken recreationally from point to point along the western side of to $3,000 and loss of all equipment. may not be sold or offered for sale. the Sedge Islands WMA and terminating on the most southwestern point of Island Beach Recreational Shellfishing Crabs State Park. 1. No holder of any recreational shellfish license 1. Crabs may be taken recreationally with hand 14. Crab Dredge Seasons: Delaware Bay and may take more than a total of 150 shellfish (in lines, manually operated collapsible traps or tributaries: Jan. 1 through April 15 and aggregate) per day. See Shellfish License Informa- scoop nets without a license. A non-commercial Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. All other waters: Jan. tion, page 23. crab pot license is required for the use of not 1 through March 31, Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. 2. It is illegal to dredge shellfish on public grounds. more than two non-collapsible Chesapeake-style Fish and Wildlife will issue a non-commercial Use of hand implements are the only legal har- crab pots (see illustration on page 23) or two crab dredge license for the harvest of not more vest methods. trot lines to harvest crabs. See page 23 for the that one bushel of crabs per day during the crab 3. The minimum size of non-commercial crab pot license information. dredge season. Crabs so taken may not be sold hard clams that may be 2. It is illegal to harvest or possess more than one or offered for barter. There is a fee of $15 for harvested is 1½ inches in bushel of crabs per day per person or offer for this non-commercial crab dredge license. See length. Clams less than sale any crabs without page 23 for details on purchasing a non- 1½ inches in length must 1½" having in your posses- Measure crabs commercial crab dredge license. immediately be returned sion a valid commer- point to point. to the bottom from which they were taken. Notice: All non-collapsible Chesapeake-style crab cial crabbing license. Specific seasons, regulations and size limits pots (see illustration on page 23) must be con- 3. Minimum size for exist for oyster beds in Great Bay, Delaware structed to include a biodegradable panel designed crabs that may be har- Bay, plus the Mullica, Great Egg Harbor and to create an opening to allow crabs and other organ- vested (measured from Tuckahoe rivers. Check with the nearest shell- isms to escape if the pot is lost or abandoned. All point to point of shell) fish office (Nacote Creek or Delaware Bay) for non-collapsible Chesapeake-style crab pots set in are as follows: these detailed regulations. any manmade lagoon or any water body less than a) Peeler or shedder 4. Shells taken in the process of harvesting oys- 150 feet wide must also include a turtle excluder crab: 3 inches ters must be culled from the live oysters and device inside all pot entrance funnels. b) Soft crab: 3½ inches returned immediately to the area from where c) Hard crab: 4½ inches they were taken.

20 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Mollusks & Crustaceans State Size and Possession Limits MARINE REGULATIONS MARINE REGULATIONS

2019 New Jersey Recreational Fishing Seasons, Minimum Size and Possession Limits Regulations remain in effect until changed. For the most current regulations, go to NJFishandWildlife.com or call the marine fish “listen-only” information line at (609) 292-2083. Regulations in red are new this year. See page 14 for how to measure fish. Note: No species of fish with a minimum size limit listed below may be filleted or cleaned at sea. Party boats licensed to carry 15 or more passengers may apply for a permit to fillet the these species. See alsoSummer Flounder, page 16. Species Open Season Minimum Length Harvest & Possession Limit (per person unless noted) American Eela No Closed Season 9" 25 Black Drum No Closed Season 16" 3 May 15 - June 22 12.5" 10 Black Sea Bass July 1 - Aug. 31 12.5" 2 (Min. length excludes tail filament; see page 14.) Oct. 8 - Oct. 31 12.5" 10 Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 13" 15 Bluefish (Snapper) No Closed Season None 15 Cobia June 1–Sept. 30 40" 1 fish per person; no more than 3 fish per vessel Cod No Closed Season 21" No Limit Haddock No Closed Season 18" No Limit Pollock No Closed Season 19" No Limit Red Drum No Closed Season 18" 1 not greater than 27" River Herring No Open Season None 0 Scup (Porgy) No Closed Season 9" 50 Shad Delaware River & tributaries No Closed Season None 6 (maximum of 3 American shad) All Other Marine Waters No Closed Season None 6 (no American shad may be harvested or possessed) Sharkb, c, † Aggregate large coastal group† Jan. 1–May 14 and Aggregate Large Coastal and Pelagic: Hammerhead group† July 16–Dec. 31 Shortfin Mako: Non-blacknose small coastal group† One shark (of any species, except prohibited species) No Closed Season Male: 71" fork length Blacknose group† per vessel per trip; plus one Atlantic sharpnose shark Female: 83" fork length per person per trip (no minimum size); plus one All others 54" fork length bonnethead shark per person per trip (no minimum Pelagic group† No Closed Season Hammerheads: size). 78" fork length Other listed sharks: None Spanish Mackerel No Closed Season 14" 10 Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass Delaware River & tributaries** March 1–March 31 (Calhoun St. bridge to Salem River & tributaries) and June 1–Dec. 31 Delaware River & tributaries** one @ 28" to < 43" and one March 1–Dec. 31 2 (upstream of Calhoun St. bridge) ≥ 43" Atlantic Ocean (0–3 nautical miles from shore) No Closed Season Rivers, bay and estuaries March 1–Dec. 31 3–200 nautical miles (federal waters) Prohibited – 0 Summer Flounder (Fluke) Delaware Bay and tributariese May 24–Sept. 21 17" 3 Island Beach State Park, shore fishing May 24–Sept. 21 16" 2 All water except as above May 24–Sept. 21 18" 3 Jan. 1–Feb. 28 15" 4 April 1–April 30 15" 4 Tautog (Blackfish) Aug. 1–Nov. 15 15" 1 Nov. 16–Dec. 31 15" 5 Weakfish No Closed Season 13" 1 Winter Flounder March 1–Dec. 31 12" 2 Blue Crab peeler or shedder No Closed Seasond 3" soft No Closed Seasond 3½" 1 bushel hard No Closed Seasond 4½"

See closed seasons on page 3 Lobster (carapace length) 3 ⁄8" 6 20 Hard Clam (license required) No Closed Season‡ 1½" 150 clams a Except 50 fish harvest/possession limit for party/charter boat employees. b Not including dogfish; see description on page 16 underSharks . c See page 14 for a list of Prohibited Species. d Unless using non-collapsible, Chesapeake-style crab pots, trot lines or crab dredges. See pages 20 and 23. e Applies to Delaware Bay and tributaries, 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 in. but less than 18 in., may occur in waters east of Cape May Ferry Terminal to George Redding Br. (Rt. 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. ** See Closed Seasons (page 16) for specifics of springtime non-offset circle hook requirements. † See page 22 for Federal Recreational Regulations. ‡ Non-resident license valid only June – Sept. See water classification chart information on page 23. 21 Federal Limits MARINE REGULATIONS

Regulations in red are new this year. 2019 Federal Recreational Fishing Regulations for Minimum Size, Possession Limits and Seasons See page 14 for how to measure fish. See Recreational Minimum Size, Possession Limits and Seasons (page 21) for state waters listings of species not included in these federal waters regulations (from 3–200nm). For federal regulation questions, please contact the National Marine Fisheries Service at (978) 281-9260, or go to www.nmfs.noaa.gov. Possession Limit Species Season Minimum Size (number per angler per day Notes unless otherwise specified) Cod Year round 23" 10 per person per day Striped Bass NA NA No possession allowed in EEZ Possession prohibited in federal waters (3–200 nm). 10 per day, not to exceed 60 per vessel, Dolphin For current federal waters regulations (3–200nm), refer to Year round None which ever is less — except on a charter or (Mahi mahi) www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ or call (727) 824-5326. headboat, then 10 per paying passenger. 66" lower jaw– Billfish require Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit when Marlin, White Year round None fork length fishing in federal waters (3–200 nm). For permits refer to https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call (888) 872-8862. 99" lower jaw– Marlin, Blue Year round None fork length During any sanctioned billfish tournaments offering prize money, non-offset circle hooks are required for lures with Roundscale 66" lower jaw– Year round None natural bait or natural/artificial bait combos. Spearfish fork length All non-tournament billfish landings must be 63" lower jaw– Sailfish Year round None reported to NMFS within 24 hours, either online at fork length https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling (800) 894-5528.

Spearfish, Longbill None None Prohibited For current regulations refer to www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ or call (727) 824-5399. Private boat: 3 fish per person, per trip USCG uninspected for-hire vessel: Tilefish, Blueline May 1–Oct. 31 None 5 fish per person, per trip In effect from the Virginia/North Carolina border north. USCG inspected for-hire vessel: 7 fish per person, per trip Tilefish, Golden Year round None 8 per angler per trip Swordfish, tuna and sharks require an HMS permit when 47" lower jaw– For anglers: 1 per person, no more than fishing in federal waters (3–200 nm). For permits, refer to fork length if the head 4 per vessel per trip. https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call (888) 872-8862. is naturally attached or For charter vessels: 1 per paying passen- Swordfish Year round 25" cleithrum to caudal ger, no more than 6 per vessel per trip. All non-tournament swordfish landings must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours either online at keel if the head has been For headboat vessels: 1 per paying pas- https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling (800) 894-5528. removed. senger, no more than 15 per vessel per trip. †Bluefin tuna are managed in two regions; Northern, Tuna, Albacore (Longfin) Year round None None extending north from the Great Egg Inlet and Southern Tuna, Bigeye Year round 27" curved fork length None extending south from Great Egg Inlet. Bluefin tuna 27" to <73" Limits can change during the season. retention limits may change throughout the season. Visit Jan. 1–Dec. 31 curved fork length and Prior to departure, check https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call (888) 872-8862 or Tuna, Bluefin† or until season one trophy fish ≥ 73" https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or (978) 281-9260 for current information. is closed. curved fork length per 888-USA-TUNA for up-to-date limits. vessel per year All recreational bluefin tuna landings must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours either online at Tuna, Skipjack Year round None None https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or by calling (888) 872-8862. For current federal waters regulations (3–200nm), refer to Tuna, Yellowfin Year round 27" curved fork length 3 per person per trip www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ or call (301) 713-2347 for swordfish/sharks or (978) 281-9260 for tunas. Sharks* Aggregate Large Coastal and Pelagic: Aggregate Large See below for list of shark groups which MAY be kept or Shortfin Mako: MUST be released. Swordfish, tuna and sharks require an Coastal Group For non prohibited species: Male: 71" fork length HMS permit when fishing in federal waters (3–200 nm). Pelagic Group 1 authorized* shark/vessel/trip Year round Female: 83" fork length For permits, refer to https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call Non-blacknose plus 1 Atlantic sharpnose and All others 54" fork length (888) 872-8862. Recreational fishermen (those that do not Small Coastal Group 1 bonnethead shark/person/trip Hammerheads: have a limited access commercial shark permit) can not Hammerhead Group 78" fork length sell, barter or trade any Atlantic shark or shark pieces. Blacknose Group Other listed sharks: None Wahoo Year round None 2 per person per day For more information, contact the South Atlantic Fisheries Wreckfish July 1–Aug. 31 None 1 per vessel per day Management Council at (843) 571-4366. *Shark Species That May Be Kept (Authorized Species): Aggregate Large Coastal Shark—blacktip, bull, lemon, nurse, tiger, spinner; Hammerhead Shark—scalloped hammerhead, smooth hammerhead, great hammerhead; Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Shark—Atlantic sharpnose, bonnethead, finetooth; Blacknose Shark—blacknose; Pelagic Shark—Shortfin mako, blue, porbeagle, oceanic whitetip and common thresher.Shark Species That MUST Be Released (Prohibited Species): Atlantic angel, basking, bigeye sand tiger, bigeye sixgill, bigeye thresher, bignose, Caribbean reef, Caribbean sharpnose, dusky, Galapagos, longfin mako, narrowtooth, night, sandbar, sand tiger, sevengill, silky, sixgill, smalltail, whale and white.

22 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Shellfish & Crab Information LICENSE AND AGENTS

Shellfish License Fees • Recreational crab pot/trot line license: $2 Shellfish License Information • Resident recreational shellfish: $10 Harvest limit: one bushel per day. Refer to the A shellfish license (formerly called clamming Harvest limit: 150 shellfish (in aggregate) per shellfish regulations on page 20 for all recre- license) is required for harvesting all species of day. Sale of catch prohibited. ational crabbing regulations. benthic mollusks (except conchs, addressed in the • Non-resident recreational shellfish: $20 • Non-commercial crab dredge license: $15 commercial marine fisheries regulations), including, Harvest limit: 150 shellfish (in aggregate) per Harvest limit: one bushel per day during the crab but not limited to, hard and soft clams, surf clams, day. Sale of catch prohibited. License valid dredge season. See page 20 for recreational oysters, bay scallops and mussels. Other specific only during June, July, August and September. crab regulations. commercial shellfish licenses exist such as surf clam • Juvenile recreational shellfish: $2 dredge, Delaware Bay oyster dredge boat and Dela- For persons under 14 years of age. Subject to Terrapin Excluders and Biodegradable Panels ware Bay licenses to harvest in Areas 1, 2 and 3. same restrictions as resident or nonresident Are Required on Chesapeake-Style Crab Pots Anyone engaged in any shellfish harvesting activ- adult recreational license holders. NOTE: It is illegal to catch or take diamondback ity with someone holding a commercial shellfish • Resident commercial shellfish: $50 terrapins in New Jersey. Users of non-collapsible, license must also possess their own commercial Unlimited harvest. Shellfish may be sold only Chesapeake-style crab pots note: all pots set in any shellfish license. to certified dealers. body of water less than 150-feet wide at mean low For shellfishing regulations, see page 20.Prior to • Non-resident Commercial Shellfish: $250 tide or in any manmade lagoon MUST include harvesting any shellfish, you must consult the Shell- Unlimited harvest. Shellfish may be sold only diamondback terrapin excluder devices. Non- fish Growing Water Classification Charts published to certified dealers. collapsible, Chesapeake-style crab pots set in any by DEP’s Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring, avail- • Resident senior citizen recreational shellfish body of water MUST include biodegradable panels. able at shellfish license agents, state shellfish offices, license: FREE lifetime license ($2 application These crab pot modifications will help reduce the online at https://www.nj.gov/dep/bmw/nssphome. fee). NJ residents age 62 years or older. Harvest unintentional drowning of terrapins allowing these html#charts or call Marine Water Monitoring at limit: 150 shellfish (in aggregate) per day. Sale of and other species to escape in the event that pots are (609) 748-2000. Purchase shellfish licenses online at shellfish prohibited. lost or abandoned. Terrapin excluder devices must www.NJ.WildlifeLicense.com. • Disabled veterans: Fish and Wildlife-certified be no larger than 2-inch high by 6-inch wide and disabled veterans are eligible for free shellfish securely fastened inside each funnel entrance. Biode- license at any shellfish license agent location. To gradable panels must measure at least 6½-inch wide Chesapeake-Style Crab Pot become certified, call (609) 984-6213. by 5-inch high and be located in the upper section of the crab pot. The panel must be constructed of, or fastened to the pot with, wood lath, cotton, hemp, Crab Pot License Information 3 sisal or jute twine not greater than ⁄16" diameter, Recreational Crab Pot/Trot Line Licenses and Non- or non-stainless steel, uncoated ferrous metal not 3 Commercial Crab Dredge Licenses are available greater than ⁄32" diameter. The door or a side of the for purchase online at: www.NJ.WildlifeLicense. pot may serve as the biodegradable panel ONLY com or at any Fish and Wildlife-certified license if it is fastened to the pot with any of the material agent including those license agents listed below. specified above. Crabbers should note: ALL non- For the most current list of Fish and Wildlife- collapsible, Chesapeake-style crab pots MUST be certified license agents, go to NJFishandWildlife. licensed and marked with the gear identification com/agentlst.htm. number of the owner. For crab pot license information and regulations, see page 20.

Shellfish and Non-Commercial GLOUCESTER COUNTY Crab Pot License Agents Sportsman’s Outpost, 2517 Fries Mill Rd., Williamstown...... (856) 881-3244 (For over-the-counter sales only. Call first to be sure the agents licensing system is active.) HUDSON COUNTY Caso’s Gun-A-Rama, 176 Danforth Ave., Jersey City...... (201) 435-5099 ATLANTIC COUNTY HUNTERDON COUNTY Bass Pro Outdoor World, 30 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Atlantic City..... (609) 449-4500 The Sporting Life, 653 Highway 22E, Whitehouse Station...... (908) 923-4332 Buck Tails Outfitters, 6390 Harding Hwy, Mays Landing...... (609) 829-2229 MIDDLESEX COUNTY Butterhof’s Farm & Home Supply, 5715 White Horse Pike, Egg Harbor City....(609) 965-1198 Auto Parts of Woodbridge, 108 Main St., Woodbridge...... (732) 634-6264 Lynkris Hometown Hardware, 208 N. Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City.....(609) 965-0815 Sayreville Sportsman Shop, 52 Washington Ave., Sayreville...... (732) 238-2060 Lynkris Hometown Hardware, 127, Bellvue Ave, Hammonton...... (609) 561-1592 MONMOUTH COUNTY CAMDEN COUNTY Brielle Bait & Tackle, 800 Ashley Ave., Brielle...... (732) 528-5720 Atco Sports 2209 Atco Ave, Atco...... (856) 767-9446 OCEAN COUNTY CAPE MAY COUNTY BHW Marine Center, Manahawkin...... (609) 705-5424 Avalon Hodge Podge, 2389 Ocean Dr., Avalon...... (609) 967-3274 Creekside Outfitters, 403 Rt. 9, Waretown...... (609) 242-1812 Belleplain Supply, 346 Handsmill Rd., Belleplain...... (609) 861-2345 Downes Marina, 287 Brennan Concourse, Bayville...... (732) 269-0137 City of Ocean City, 861 Asbury Ave., Ocean City...... (609) 525-9328 Garden State Yacht & Sales, 101 Route 35 South, Pt. Pleasant Beach.... (732) 892-4222 Leisure Travel & Ticket Office, 1 Munroe Ave, Cape May...... (609) 898-6804 Grizz’s B & T, 103 Lacey Rd., Forked River...... (609) 693-9298 Sea Gear Outfitters, Ocean City...... (609) 884-0330 Lacey Marine, Forked River...... (609) 693-0151 Sea Isle Bait & Tackle, 4200 Park Rd., Sea Isle City...... (609) 263-6540 Pell’s Fish & Sport Shop, 335 Mantoloking Rd., Bricktown...... (732) 477-2121 United Uniforms, 1050 RT. 47, Rio Grande...... (609) 849-9347 Pineland Sporting Goods, 959 W. Veterans Hwy., Jackson...... (732) 961-7248 Upper Township, 2100 Tuckahoe Rd., Tuckahoe...... (609) 628-2805 Shooter’s Sporting Center, 1535 Route 539, Little Egg Harbor...... (609) 296-4080 Wal*Mart, 3159 Rt. 9S, Rio Grande...... (609) 465-7760 Surf City Bait & Tackle, 317 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City...... (609) 494-2333 CUMBERLAND COUNTY Wal*Mart, 631 Rt. 9 So., Little Egg Harbor...... (609) 296-2430 Greenhorn Outdoors, 1135 Shiloh Pk, Bridgeton...... (856) 451-0971 23 Trawl-tech: Chasing the Future of Fisheries Research www.Thyboron-Trawldoor.dk By Greg Hinks, Principal Biologist Thyboron brand steel trawl doors provide the hydro- dynamic lift required to expand the dimensions of a trawl net being pulled through the ocean.

The Tackle Box Today, this equipment has been transformed by entirely on the experience of the captain behind the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Ocean applying the science of hydrodynamics—which uti- wheel. Deployment complications could result in Stock Assessment Survey samples fish in near-shore lizes the forces of fluids, like seawater—to achieve the an incomplete opening of the net or perhaps the ocean waters from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Sam- same result as the old doors, but at half the weight. weighted “footrope” intended to dredge the ocean pling is conducted with a 30-meter wide bottom The functioning of these advanced-style otter floor might not be making contact. otter-trawl, a net designed to drag along the seabed. trawl doors resembles an airplane wing by using Scientists now use wireless net-monitoring sys- An otter-trawl includes components referred to the redirection of water as it flows over the gear to tems to reveal how a net is performing in the water. as doors. provide lift. Not only do modern trawl doors weigh Special sensors attached to the fishing gear relay Historically, an otter door was merely a slab of significantly less—making them more fuel-efficient information back to the boat via a hydrophone, wood held in a steel frame. At nearly 1,200 pounds because of the decreased mass—they are made providing virtually any imaginable measurement of dead weight per door, they were essential for the entirely of steel resulting in sturdier equipment. one may desire to know about the net. Wingspan trawl net to function. Two otter doors maintain the Like a fisherman’s hook in the water, trawl nets (the distance from one side of the net to the other) trawl net opening by providing resistance against are nearly invisible once deployed. In the past, is constantly monitored, informing the captain if water as they are pulled by the vessel. knowledge of how a net was performing was based the net is fully open, while a bottom-contact sensor

Marine biologists use rugged, waterproof, dustproof handheld computers like Juniper Systems’

Allegro 2, below, that perform under rough and wet conditions during trawl surveys. Jamie Darrow/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife

24 Technological advances in the field of fisheries research continually enhance and improve the way data is collected, making it faster, easier and more efficient to count fish. While these advancements may come with a hefty price tag, the

payoff is immense, often We specialize in matching rods, reels, line, leader resulting in new data that Allegro 3, and lures to catch your favorite fish, whether your courtesy of passion is for saltwater or freshwater fishing. JuniperSys.com was previously unobtainable. We are a DAIWA warranty center and have an extensive stock of Daiwa rods and reels. Brands are too numerous to name all. indicates whether the footrope is on the ground as unit aboard the ship. Measurements of water Here are some of our hottest sellers: it should be. Additional data, such as temperature depth, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen DAIWA - ST. CROIX - TSUNAMI - PENN and depth, are constantly recorded—information and pH are recorded every half-second during SHIMANO - AVET -ACCURATE that was previously difficult to monitor over the the device’s voyage to the bottom of the sea and GAMAKATSU - MUSTAD - EAGLE CLAW - VMC course of a 20-minute sampling tow. back. What used to take hours and resulted in one set of measurements each at the bottom and BLUE WATER CANDY MOJOS surface of the water column, now takes only min- SHADS - GULP - SPRO - MAJA SPOONS The Thermometer We stock over 400 Do-It molds utes and provides a complete chemical profile of Check website for hours Since its first launch in 1989, the New Jersey Stock depths approaching 90 feet. Assessment Survey has always monitored water 101 ROUTE 46 EAST quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and The Fishing Log PINE BROOK, NJ 07058 salinity, but the measurement techniques have 973-575-1972 changed dramatically. Traditionally, fisheries sci- The bulk of the information gathered by the [email protected] entists would collect water samples from various Ocean Stock Assessment Survey is biological ocean depths and transport them back to their data on the fish species sampled. Most of this laboratory. Hours would be spent performing data is length and weight collected from thou- Winkler titrations—a chemically-based analysis sands of fish every year. Paper data-sheets used to determine the amount of oxygen contained in a to be the only way to record the large amount water sample. Although tried and true, the method of information obtained from each drag of the required glass laboratory components, chemicals net. A biologist would record the weight of each and a skilled scientist familiar with this method- basket loaded with a particular fish species, then ology along with the ability to interpret measure the length of every fish in that basket. the results. And this analysis only deter- All this data could fill many double-sided data mines the water’s dissolved oxygen level! sheets. Once a survey was completed, each data Numerous additional complex tests would sheet would be checked for errors, entered into be required to obtain other water qual- a computer database and then verified to be ity parameters important to evaluating error-free. Repeating this process for nearly 200 the conditions from where the fish were samples annually required several staff members sampled. numerous weeks to complete. Fisheries scientists now use electronic Miniaturization of electronic components has devices to obtain this data. A “SONDE” expanded and simplified fisheries data collec- device (Shipboard Oceanographic Net- tion by means of hand-held computers, much worked Data Environment) now records like a smartphone. The former steps for data- everything scientists need to know in one recording, entry and error-checking are reduced convenient unit. Think of it as an environ- to a single step of data-entry, followed by a quick mental Swiss Army knife. Multiparam- check for erroneous or missing information. One eter SONDEs, such as those used for person can handle updating the database in only the Stock Assessment Survey, a few days. are lowered to the ocean Advances in technology have proven invalu- floor by a data cable able to fisheries research scientists. It’s difficult connected to a to imagine what might be the next big leap hand-held forward in marine fisheries research—but it is display eagerly awaited.

With a YSI/Xylem brand SONDE instrument, surveyors measure water quality parameters important for monitoring environmental trends. Courtesy of Xylem.com

2019 Marine Issue NJFishandWildlife.com 25 Skillful Angler Recognition Program RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

The Skillful Angler Program is designed both to divisions: Adult (for anglers age 16 and older), supplement the New Jersey Record Fish Program Junior (under age 16) and Catch and Release New! and to acknowledge that many anglers catch fresh- (based on length). A clear, side-view photo that water and marine fish that are not record size but allows accurate species identification must be are still worthy of recognition because the size and included with each application. Additional good Email your entry and weight of the fish sufficiently tested the angler’s skill. quality (and high resolution) photos with the angler Open to resident and non-resident anglers. All fish are welcome and appreciated. photo from any device! must be caught in New Jersey waters using hook The Skillful Angler Program recognizes different https://njfishandwildlife.com/skflang.htm and line during legally open seasons. levels of fishing expertise. An angler who submits Saltwater species taken from a boat must have five applications of qualifying size for the same spe- been caught from a boat that left from, and cies will receive a Specialist Certificate and patch. returned to, a New Jersey port during the same trip. An angler who submits five applications of quali- There are also four “Slam” categories — an Inshore Anglers can now submit their application and fying fish of different species will receive a Master Slam 1, Inshore Slam 2, Offshore Pelagics Slam photo(s) electronically! Program rules and steps Certificate and patch. Catch 10 or more qualifying and Marlin Slam. For the Inshore Slam 1, an angler to enter are found here https://njfishandwild- species of fish within the year, and the angler will must submit qualifying applications for a striped life.com/skflang.htm. Anglers qualifying for a earn an Elite Angler Certificate and patch. bass, bluefish and fluke. For the Inshore Slam 2, Skillful Angler award receive a certificatealong For new anglers, the Program also recognizes an angler must submit qualifying applications for with a Skillful Angler patch as a testament to your first fish caughtno matter the age of the angler. black sea bass, tautog, and weakfish. The Offshore their achievement. The Program has three main Qualified anglers will receive a First Fish certificate. Pelagics Slam will be obtained if an angler submits qualifying applications for bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, Minimum Entry Requirements: yellowfin tuna and dolphin. For the Marlin Slam, an angler must submit qualifying applications for Species Adult Weight (lbs., oz.) Junior Weight (lbs., oz.) Catch & Release (inches) a white marlin and a blue marlin. Black Sea Bass 4 3 20 Each month, the leaders of each category and Striped Bass 40 36 42 species will be posted on our Skillful Angler Leader Black Drum 70 63 46 Board web page. At the end of the year, special Bluefish 18 16 33 recognition is given to anglers who catch the largest Cod 30 27 42 fish in each species category. The winner of each Dolphin 30 27 n/a category is sent a special certificate recognizing his/ Winter Flounder 2 1 lb., 8 oz. 16 her accomplishment along with a winner’s patch as Fluke 8 7 27 the best of New Jersey’s Skillful Anglers. Kingfish 1 8 oz. 13 Fish must be measured from the tip of the nose Mako Shark 250 225 n/a (with mouth closed) to the tip of the tail. For catch Blue Marlin 400 360 n/a and release categories, the fish must be measured White Marlin 60 54 n/a and photographed alongside a ruler. For Adult/ Pollock 25 22 lbs., 8 oz. 41 Junior Division, fish must be weighed and measured Tautog 8 7 22 by a fishing license agent, tackle shop or authorized Albacore Tuna 50 45 n/a Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist. Anglers must submit a photograph of the fish Big Eye Tuna 200 180 n/a caught, alongside a ruler for clear identification Bluefin Tuna 500 450 n/a and measurement verification. Be sure the rule Yellowfin Tuna 120 108 n/a markings are legible. All photos become the Tuna (other) 250 225 n/a property of the NJDFW and may be used for Weakfish 10 9 30 promotional purposes. The New Jersey State Record Fish Program requires a separate application and is based on weight alone. Scale certificationdocumentation and a weighmaster’s signature are necessary. Other rules apply. Visit Fish and Wildlife’s To apply, go to: website at NJFishandWildlife.com for a complete list of current state records. See also page 28. NJFishandWildlife.com/pdf/skflangapp-salt.pdf. Maryellen Gordon/NJ Div. Fish and Wildlife

26 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue REEL LIFE

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2019 Marine Issue 27 State Record Marine Sport Fish RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Record is now mandatory that a marine biologist inspect Fish Program honors anglers who catch the largest any potential record fish, as identification solely by of select species of freshwater and saltwater fish. photo is not always accurate. Anglers must call Fish Record size is based on weight alone; there are no and Wildlife’s Nacote Creek Research Station at line classes. Currently there are 76 marine species (609) 748-2020 to make arrangements for inspec- eligible for entry into the program which includes a tion. In most instances, the fish must be transported new spearfishing category with 17 additional species. to this office in Port Republic. However, in the Anglers are reminded that the objective of the case of extremely large fish (i.e., shark and tuna), a Record Fish Program is to increase awareness of biologist should be available to travel for dockside fishing opportunities for species that are regularly inspection. Note that all scale certification require- sought and routinely found on or off the coast of ments still apply, including a valid Certificate of New Jersey. The original list of 72 species was pared Inspection/Test Report and current Registration down with that objective in mind. Certificate issued by the County Office of Weights Twelve species are now retired from the list of and Measures. program-eligible fish, but remain on a separate list The entry deadline is now no later than one month Brian Cassidy of Red Bank made his way onto the state posted on Fish and Wildlife’s website. One histori- after the date of catch. record fish list recently by landing a gray triggerfish cal catch is also retired and posted on the list. For a complete list of state record fish or to print while spearfishing. Brian was free diving off the shore Anglers should be aware of the procedure in effect an application with complete program rules, visit of Monmouth Beach when he landed the 3-pound, for entering the Record Fish Program. First, sepa- the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website at 13-ounce fish. The new record gray triggerfish/ rate applications are required for freshwater and NJFishandWildlife.com/fishing.htm. spearfishing measured 16 1/8 inches in fork length. saltwater species. Second, for saltwater entries, it

New Jersey State Record Marine Fish Species Lbs. Oz. Year Angler Where Caught Species Lbs. Oz. Year Angler Where Caught Amberjack, greater 85 0 1993 Edwin Metzner Off Cape May Shark, blue 366 0 1996 William Young, Jr. Mud Hole Bass, black sea 9 0 2015 Steve Singler Atlantic Ocean Shark, bull Vacant (Minimum Weight 150 lbs.) Bluefish 27 1 1997 Roger Kastorsky 5 Fathom Bank Shark, dusky 530 0 1987 Brian Dunlevy Off Great Egg Inlet Bonito, Atlantic 13 8 1945 Frank Lykes, Jr. Off Sandy Hook Shark, hammerhead 365 0 1985 Walter Thackara Mud Hole Cobia 87 0 1999 John Shanchuk Off Sea Bright Shark, porbeagle Vacant (Minimum Weight 100 lbs.) Cod 81 0 1967 Joseph Chesla Off Brielle Shark, s-fin mako 856 0 1994 Christopher Palmer Wilmington Canyon Crab, blue 8¾" pt. to pt. 2008 Raymond Ponik Bayonne Shark, thresher 683 0 2009 Bennett Fogelberg Fingers Croaker, Atlantic 5 8 1981 Frederick Brown Delaware Bay Shark, tiger 880 0 1988 Billy DeJohn Off Cape May *Cunner 3 2.4 2015 Jorge Antonio Costa Mud Hole Sheepshead 19 3 2014 William Catino Longport Dogfish, smooth 19 11.2 2013 Michael J. LaTorre, Jr. Sculls Bay Spadefish 11 6 1998 Cliff Low Delaware Bay Dogfish, spiny 15 12 1990 Jeff Pennick Off Cape May 42 0 1989 George Algard Poor Man’s Canyon Spearfish, longbill Dolphin 63 3 1974 Scott Smith, Jr. Baltimore Canyon 42 0 1997 Joseph Natoli Hudson Canyon Little Sheepshead Drum, black 109 0 2008 Nick Henry Delaware Bay Spot 0 13 2003 Robert Belsky, Jr. Creek Drum, red 55 0 1985 Daniel Yanino Great Bay *Striped bass 78 8 1982 Al McReynolds Atlantic City Eel, American 9 13 1988 Warren Campbell Atlantic City Swordfish 530 0 1964 Edmund Levitt Wilmington Canyon Fluke 19 12 1953 Walter Lubin Off Cape May *Tautog 25 5.92 2015 Frank LaMorte Atlantic Ocean Flounder, winter 5 11 1993 Jimmy Swanson Off Barnegat Light Tilefish, golden 63 8 2009 Dennis Muhlenforth Lindenkohl Canyon Hake, red (Ling) 12 13 2010 Billy Watson Off Manasquan Tilefish, gray 23 4 2015 Mark Milici Lindenkohl Canyon Hake, white 41 7 1989 Wayne Eble Off Barnegat Light Triggerfish, gray 6 11 2016 James Massimino Sea Girt Reef Kingfish, Northern 2 8 2004 Chester Urbanski Barnegat Bay Tuna, albacore 77 15 1984 Dr. S. Scannapiego Spencer Canyon Mackerel, Atlantic 4 1 1983 Abe Elkin Manasquan Ridge Tuna, big-eye 364 14 1984 George Krenick Hudson Canyon Mackerel, king 54 0 1998 Fernando Alfaiate Off Cape May Tuna, bluefin 1,030 6 1981 Royal Parsons Off Pt. Pleasant *Mackerel, Spanish 9 12 1990 Donald Kohler Off Cape May Tuna, skipjack 13 4 1999 Craig Eberbach Wilmington Canyon Marlin, blue 1,046 0 1986 Phil Infantolino Hudson Canyon Tuna, yellowfin 290 0 1980 Wayne Brinkerhoff Hudson Canyon Marlin, white 137 8 1980 Mike Marchell Hudson Canyon Tunny, little 24 15 1977 Mark Niemczyk Off Sea Bright Perch, white 2 12 1998 Michael King Little Beach Creek Wahoo 123 12 1992 Robert Carr 28-Mile Wreck *Pollock 46 7 1975 John Holton Off Brielle Weakfish 18 8 1986 Karl Jones Delaware Bay Porgy 5 14 1976 Victor Rone Delaware Bay Whiting (silver hake) Vacant (Minimum Weight 2.5 lbs.) Sailfish 43 4 2006 Dr. John Tallia Linden Kohl Canyon * Fish was previously certified by the IGFA as a world record. Seatrout, spotted 11 2 1974 Bert Harper Holgate Surf For information concerning the New Jersey State Record Fish or Skillful Angler programs, Shad, American 7 0 1967 Rodger West Great Bay visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website at NJFishandWildlife.com. Shad, hickory 2 13 2011 Robert Macejka Mantoloking

28 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue New Jersey State Record Marine Fish — Spearfishing Category In 2014, the NJ Record Fish Program expanded with the addition of a Spearfishing category for saltwater. Seventeen (17) species commonly sought after by spearfishers are part of the Program. Spearfishers now have a unique opportunity to be recognized in New Jersey's Record Fish Program. Anglers are reminded that the objective of the Record Fish Program is to increase the awareness of fishing opportunities for species that are regularly sought and routinely found in or off the coast of New Jersey.

Species Lbs. Oz. Year Angler Where Caught Amberjack, greater Min. Wt. 60 pounds VACANT Bass, black sea Min. Wt. 5 pounds VACANT Bluefish 22 2 2017 Igor Kotov Shark River Reef, USS Algol Cobia 60 0 2015 William Maier Off Cape May Cod Min. Wt. 50 pounds VACANT Dolphin Min. Wt. 40 pounds VACANT *Fluke 15 5 2014 Robert A. Davis Off Barnegat Lighthouse Flounder, winter 3 pounds 7 2018 Jim Oriscak Shark River "back bay" Hake, red (ling) Min. Wt. 9 pounds VACANT Pollock Min. Wt. 30 pounds VACANT Porgy Min. Wt. 4 pounds VACANT Sheepshead Min. Wt. 12 pounds VACANT Spadefish Min. Wt. 9 pounds VACANT Striped bass Min. Wt. 55 pounds VACANT *Tautog 23 14 2007 Luke Dylan Hickey Off Cape May Triggerfish, gray 3 pounds 13 2018 Brian Cassidy Off Monmouth Beach Weakfish 11.8 n/a 2009 Tai Menz Off Cape May * Fish was recognized by the International Underwater Spearfishing Association as a world record.

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Missed the printed edition? Ask about year-round digital opportunities. 29 Health Advisory FISH SMART, EAT SMART Eating Fish And Crabs Caught In New Jersey Waters Special Management Zones for 13 Artificial Reef Sites Fishing provides enjoyable and relaxing recreation. Fish are an excellent source of protein and other off New Jersey nutrients and play a role in maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet. Many anglers enjoy cooking and eating their own catch. However, elevated levels of NOAA Fisheries has established 13 artificial reef sites as special potentially harmful chemical contaminants such as management zones. Fishing is allowed year-round with handline, rod dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides and reel, or spear (including the taking of fish by hand). All other

gears are prohibited. !

! !

and mercury have been found in certain fish and crabs in some New Jersey !

! !

waters. Fish consumption advisories have been adopted to guide citizens on !

! !

safe consumption practices. MIDDLESEX !

NY !

MERCER ! To reduce exposure to harmful chemical contaminants when preparing and !

! !

PA MONMOUTH !

! BUCKS ! !

eating the fish species taken from the identified waters, it is essential to follow !

NJ ! the guidelines provided. The DEP encourages you to consult the Fish Smart- ! ! Sea Girt

! ! Shark River

Eat Smart Fish Advisory Guide or, for a complete list of state and federal !

DE ! MD !

marine fish consumption advisories visitwww.FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org for !

Area of !

Detail !

making decisions about eating recreationally caught fish and crabs. !

OCEAN ! BURLINGTON !

CAMDEN !

! !

! Barnegat Light !

Try the Interactive Map! !

GLOUCESTER !

! ! Garden State North !

! !

! Garden State South

! One click on the waterbody where you fish !

! ATLANTIC ! !

! ! Little Egg takes you to any current health advisories. !

! www.FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org !! ! CUMBERLAND ! !

! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! Atlantic City ! ! Great Egg !

CAPE MAY !

! ! ! Ocean City

! ! ! Towsends !

! ! !

! Deepwater ! ! !! Wildwood !

! ! s ! e ! l! ! ! i! ! m! !

l! a! c ! i ! t ! Cape May ! u ! ! a ! ! n! ! !

! !

! FAQs! As a recreational fisherman, can I continue fishing on these September 7 & 8, 2019 reefs with rod and reel gear? Yes, anyone may fish on the reefs year-round using rod and reel gear. 10 am - 5 pm daily Is commercial fishing allowed in these areas? Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area Yes, commercial fishing with handline, rod and Jackson Township, NJ reel, or spearfishing is allowed, if you have the proper state and federal permits. However, Fishing Hunting/Trapping Instruction all other fixed and mobile gears are banned, including pots/traps and pelagic longlines. Kayaking Fish and Wildlife Exhibits Birding https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/ Outdoor Supply Flea Market noaa-designates-13-artificial-reef-sites- Rock Climbing Trap Shooting special-management-zones Archery Camping Skills Hiking Air Rifle Range And much more FREE family fun! For more information, visit WildOutdoorExpo.com

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30 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Law Enforcement Center Programs — Summer 2019 and Regulation Information • Sedge Island Fishing Experience: A 4-day 3-night marine fishing intensive program. Open to students going into Contact a New Jersey grades 8 and 9 in the fall of 2019. Division of Fish & Wildlife Law • Barnegat Bay Field and Research Enforcement office that serves Experience: A 6-day 5-night program the county where you hunt or fish. focused on conducting field research. • Northern Region — (908) 735-8240 Open to high school students. (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, • Sedge Island Field Experience: Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union A 4-day 3-night program that has and Warren counties) students work alongside biologists in • Central Region — (609) 259-2120 the salt marsh field. Open to students (Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth going into grades 7, 8 and 9 in the fall and Ocean counties) of 2019. • Southern Region — (856) 629-0555 • Bay to Bowl: A 3-day 2-night program (Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, open to adults interested in harvesting Gloucester and Salem counties) food from the bay and learning how to prepare and cook it. • Marine Region — (609) 748-2050 (coastal and bay areas) For more details, dates and cost visit NJFishandWildlife.com/sedge.htm • To report violations anonymously or contact Karen Byrne at call Operation Game Thief — [email protected]. (855) OGT-TIPS

Attention Boaters Operation Game Thief

Keep Our Water Clean— Report Abuse of our Outdoor Heritage! Use Pumpouts Ready To Serve Boaters! Visit marina pumpout facilities 1-855-OGT-TIPS or contact one of the pumpout boats. A complete listing of operational pumpout facilities at marinas and detailed information on 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week the pumpout boats can be found at NJBoating.org. The person who poaches, pollutes habitat and abuses public land Proper maintenance and operation of your on-board toilet and tarnishes the image of sportsmen and robs us of our fish and wildlife holding tank are critical to ensure they function properly. as well as tax and license dollars. You can make a difference. • Always use sufficient water when flushing Call OGT to report: • Use toilet paper designed for use in marine/RV systems • Negligent use of firearms • Have your marina inspect your onboard toilet system to make sure • Over the limits for game and fish it is operating properly • Commercial exploitation of fish and wildlife • Pollution of habitat, dumping on state land • Destruction of signs and state property • Illegal killing, taking or possession of any wildlife It's Free. It's Confidential. You May Be Eligible for a Reward. Funded by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Designed to encourage sportsmen to report poaching and wildlife crimes.

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32 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest NJFishandWildlife.com 2019 Marine Issue 2019 TELEPHONE DIRECTORY Delaware Bay Office (Marine and Shellfisheries) Pequest TroutHatchery Pequest Natural Center Resource Education Southern Region Office Nacote Creek Research Station FishHackettstown Hatchery Central Region Office Northern Office Region Trenton Office WildlifeManagement Areas. Wildlife Education Wildlife Control Wildlife Corps. Conservation Trout Stocking Hotline...... Pheasant and Stocking. Quail Outstanding Deer Program...... Operation Game Thief License Sales. Hunting and Trapping Permit Hotline...... Hunting, Fishing and Duplicate Licenses...... Hunter Education Horseback Riding Group Permits. General Information Address...... Internet Freshwater Fisheries Field TrialPermits ...... Falconry Permits...... Exotic &Nongame Captivity Permits...... Commercial Preserves and Semi-Wild Preserves ...... Automated System Harvest Report ...... HOURS DEP ACTION LINE—24 1672 E. Buckshutem Rd. Millville, NJ08332...... EnforcementLaw (Atlantic, Cape Camden, May, Cumberland, Gloucester, ManagementLand ...... Hunter Education Freshwater Fisheries 220 Blue Anchor Rd., Sicklerville, NJ08081 Marine Law Enforcement Law Marine Education Marine Shellfisheries Marine Fisheries Only”“Listen regulation information line �� Fisheries Marine P.O. Box 418, 360Rt. 9N. (Milepost 51)Port Republic, NJ08241 23 Reese Ave., Hackettstown, NJ07840 605 Pequest Rd., Oxford, NJ07863 Wildlife Control EnforcementLaw (Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties) ...... Wildlife Control Hunter Education ManagementLand ...... Freshwater Fisheries 1 Eldridge Rd., Robbinsville, NJ08691 Law EnforcementLaw Essex, Hudson, (Bergen, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, ManagementLand ...... Wildlife Control Hunter Education Endangered and Nongame Species...... Wildlife Management...... 26 Route 173 W., Hampton, NJ08827 Wildlife Management...... Shellfisheries Fisheries Marine ManagementLand ...... Endangered and Nongame Species...... Mail Code 501-03, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ08625-0420 Assunpink Regional Office (South) Regional Assunpink Field OfficeLebanon (North) counties) Salem and For questions concerning state stocking programs or comments call (908) 236-2118 For questions concerning state stocking programs or comments call (908) 236-2118 Sussex, Union, and Warren counties)...... 1 Eldridge Rd., Robbinsville, NJ08691...... P.O. Box 394, 1255County Rt. 629, Lebanon, NJ08833...... New Jersey ...... (15 Warmwater/Coolwater Species)......

......

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