Welcome to 2026-27 New Jersey Saltwater Fishing

The wait is over! It's time to hit the water for what promises to be an outstanding 2026 fishing season! From Sandy Hook to Cape May and along the pristine shores of the Delaware Bay, our 120 miles of coastline deliver exceptional fishing with adventure and excitement in every cast.

What makes New Jersey truly special is that great fishing is accessible to everyone. Whether you're casting from the surf, exploring our coastal bays in a kayak, dropping a line from a dock or jetty, fishing from a party boat, charter or your own boat, world-class fishing is within reach. Our waters host an incredible variety of species – striped bass, fluke, bluefish, tautog, black sea bass and so much more – ensuring that every trip holds the promise of adventure and the thrill of a memorable catch.

This year brings particularly exciting news for our black sea bass enthusiasts. Thanks to the continued health and abundance of this population, New Jersey's black sea bass open seasons are being expanded, directly translating into enhanced opportunities for our recreational anglers. This success story demonstrates what's possible when sound science, responsible management and dedicated anglers work together to sustain our marine resources.

Beyond the hook and line, New Jersey's bays and estuaries provide various opportunities for clamming and crabbing. These activities offer families an easy and fun way to spend time together on the water and usually result in a harvest worthy of the dinner pot. For those willing to get outside and enjoy our coastal resources, these culinary rewards are a great compliment to how the outdoors can also nourish your soul.

As we enjoy these abundant resources, I encourage all anglers to practice responsible stewardship. Adhering to size and bag limits, carefully handling fish for successful releases and reporting your catches through our Volunteer Angler Survey program all contribute to the long-term sustainability of our fisheries. When we fish responsibly today, we ensure these opportunities remain intact for future generations.

Before you head out this season, make sure you're registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry. Registration is free and required for all anglers 16 years and older who are fishing in New Jersey's marine waters. This simple step provides us with critical information about fishing pressure on our marine resources, helping our biologists make informed management decisions that benefit everyone. The online registry takes just minutes to complete, and the data it provides is essential to understanding and protecting our fisheries. Conservation Police Officers will be checking for compliance and citations will be issued to those fishing without proper registration.

One of the greatest rewards of fishing is sharing it with others. If you know someone who has never experienced the joy of fishing — whether young or old — this season is the perfect time to bring them along. First-time anglers of any age can discover the excitement of that first strike, the satisfaction of a big catch and the peaceful connection with nature that time on the water provides. Fishing offers an excellent opportunity to unplug, spend quality time outdoors and help someone experience the thrill of their first catch.

New Jersey's marine waters are waiting, so gather your gear and check the tides. Get ready for an outstanding 2026 season — get out there and enjoy a great fishing adventure!

Dave Golden is the Assistant Commissioner of New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife.

Scan this QR code with your mobile device for instant access to the New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife website.