Skip to main content
New Jersey

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater Fishing

Skillful Angler Recognition Program

Minimum Entry Requirements:

Species

Adult Weight (lbs., oz.)

Junior Weight (lbs., oz.)

Catch & Release (inches)

Black Sea Bass

4

3

20

Striped Bass

40

36

42

Black Drum

70

63

46

Bluefish

18

16

33

Cod

30

27

42

Dolphin

30

27

n/a

Winter Flounder

2

1 lb., 8 oz.

16

Fluke

8

7

27

Kingfish

1

8 oz.

13

Mako Shark

250

225

n/a

Blue Marlin

400

360

n/a

White Marlin

60

54

n/a

Pollock

25

22 lbs., 8 oz.

41

Tautog

8

7

22

Albacore Tuna

50

45

n/a

Big Eye Tuna

200

180

n/a

Bluefin Tuna

500

450

n/a

Yellowfin Tuna

120

108

n/a

Tuna (other)

250

225

n/a

Weakfish

10

9

30

New Jersey Skillful Angler Program

The Skillful Angler Program is designed both to supplement the New Jersey Record Fish Program and to acknowledge that many anglers catch freshwater and marine fish that are not record size but are still worthy of recognition because the size and weight of the fish sufficiently tested the angler’s skill. Open to resident and non-resident anglers. All fish must be caught in New Jersey waters using a hook and line during legally open seasons.

Saltwater species taken from a boat must have been caught from a boat that left from, and returned to, a New Jersey port during the same trip. Anglers can now submit their application and photo(s) electronically! Program rules and steps to enter are found here dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/skillful-angler-program/. Anglers qualifying for a Skillful Angler award receive a certificate along with a Skillful Angler patch as a testament to their achievement.

The Program has three main divisions: Adult (for anglers age 16 and older), Junior (under age 16) and Catch and Release (based on length). A clear, side-view photo that allows accurate species identification must be included with each application. Additional good quality (and high resolution) photos with the angler are welcome and appreciated.

The Skillful Angler Program recognizes different levels of fishing expertise. An angler who submits five applications of qualifying size for the same species will receive a Specialist Certificate. An angler who submits five applications of qualifying fish of different species will receive a Master Certificate. Catch 10 or more qualifying fish within the year, and the angler will earn an Elite Angler Certificate.

For new anglers, the Program also recognizes your first fish caught no matter the age of the angler. Qualified anglers will receive a First Fish certificate. Four additional categories may bring out your competitive nature. Personalized certificates are also awarded for the Slam Series which includes:

  • Inshore Slam I — catch one each qualifying Striped Bass, Bluefish and Fluke
  • Inshore Slam II — catch one each qualifying Black Sea Bass, Tautog and Weakfish
  • Offshore Pelagic Slam — catch one each qualifying Bluefin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna and Dolphin
  • Marlin Slam — catch one each qualifying White and Blue Marlin

Each month, the leaders of each category and species will be posted on our Skillful Angler Leader Board webpage — dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/skillful-angler-leaderboards/. At the end of the year, special recognition is given to anglers who catch the largest fish in each species category. The winner of each category is sent a special certificate recognizing his/her accomplishment along with a winner’s patch as the best of New Jersey’s Skillful Anglers.

Fish must be measured from the tip of the nose (with mouth closed) to the tip of the tail. For catch and release categories, the fish must be measured and photographed alongside a ruler. For Adult/ Junior Division, fish must be weighed and measured by a fishing license agent, tackle shop or authorized Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist.

Anglers must submit a photograph of the fish caught, alongside a ruler, for clear identification and measurement verification. Be sure the ruler markings are legible. Please also include an attractive, well-composed, high-resolution (large file size) photo to be considered for printing in this Digest. Smile! All photos become the property of NJ Fish & Wildlife and may be used for promotional purposes.

To apply, go to: dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/skillful-angler-program/