Striped Bass Bonus Program
The Striped Bass Bonus Program will continue in 2025, allowing anglers with a Bonus Permit to keep one striped bass between 24 inches and less than 28 inches. The open season runs from May 15 through December 31. Check the Striped Bass Bonus Program page for updates.
The current allocation from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is 200,798 pounds. Should New Jersey exceed this quota, any overage would be subtracted from the following year’s quota.
Application Process: To apply or view the latest regulations and program updates, visit the NJDEP Striped Bass Bonus Program page. Applications are only accepted online and permits will be mailed. The permit is non-transferable and valid for the current calendar year. Only one fish can be harvested per permit. Fishing logs must be kept and harvest reporting is mandatory.
Striped Bass Bonus Permit Harvest Reporting: The Striped Bass Bonus Permit must be securely attached to the fish through the mouth and gill immediately upon capture and prior to transportation. Harvest reporting is mandatory and must be reported online or by leaving a message at (609) 748-2074.
Fishing Logs: A log of striped bass fishing activity must be kept and submitted by January 15, 2026 in order to remain eligible for 2026.
Reducing Striped Bass Recreational Release Mortality
Striped bass release mortality is defined as recreationally caught striped bass that are released alive but die due to stress or injury from the fishing interaction.
Due to regulations or angler preference, the majority of recreationally caught striped bass (over 90%) are released alive. Even though most of these fish survive, in some years more striped bass are estimated to die from being caught and released than are actually harvested. Between 40-50% of total striped bass removals are attributed to release mortality each year.
In 2021 and 2023, regulations were implemented to reduce release mortality in the striped bass recreational fishery:
Using Circle Hooks When Fishing with Bait for Striped Bass
It is required to use inline (non-offset) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This does not apply to artificial lures with bait attached. Striped bass caught using an unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately, without unnecessary injury.
A circle hook is defined as a non-offset hook where the point curves back perpendicularly towards the shank. The design is intended to reduce the occurrence of gut hooking.
Using Gaffs for Striped Bass
It shall be unlawful for any person to gaff or attempt to gaff any striped bass at any time when fishing recreationally.
What Can You Do to Reduce Release Mortality?
Release mortality is a concern in most recreational fisheries. Management tools to reduce release mortality are limited but there are things you can do to help save more fish.
Follow the regulations above when fishing for striped bass and follow the tips below when fishing for any species.
