Top fish species at South Branch Forked River

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South Branch Forked River fishing reports

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White perch

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Atlantic stingray

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American eel

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Bluefish

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Atlantic croaker

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General info

South Branch Forked River is a stream located in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. It is most popular for fishing Bluefish, Striped bass, and Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Location

39°49′12.6″N 74°12′7.5″W
Directions

When are Striped Bass biting on South Branch Forked River?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at South Branch Forked River. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at South Branch Forked River, NJ

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in New Jersey can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Bluefish

Bluefish

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Additional information
No closed season. No minimum size. Bag limit = 5 bluefish per person for private/shore anglers and 7 for for-hire vessels with a valid Federal party/charter vessel permit, and captained by a properly credentialed operator with a valid US Coast Guard endorsement.
Edibility
Good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Bluefish by DMFD
Synonyms
Pomatomus saltatrix
Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size31" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Special gear

NJ Circle Hook

Anglers are required to use non-offset (inline) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This shall not apply to any artificial lure with bait attached. Striped bass caught on any unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.

Restrictions & requirements

NJ No Gaff

It is prohibited for any person to gaff striped bass when fishing recreationally.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Effective on July 2, 2023: 1 striped bass from 28" to 31" in all state watersAtlantic Ocean (0 to 3 miles from shore): no closed seasonAll other marine waters: open Mar. 1 to Dec. 31Delaware River and tributaries from Calhoun St. Bridge, Trenton to Salem River and tributaries: closed from April 1 until May 31The emergency action will not affect the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP):1 fish @ 24" to less than 28"Open season: May 15 to December 31Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with natural bait in all waters; see NJ Striped Bass Hook Requirements.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
Season open: August 13 - August 10
Atlantic bluefin tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna

Regulation boundaryHighly Migratory Species
Min size27" (Curved Fork Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Curved fork length means the length of a tuna taken in a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail. The measuring tape must pass over (and touch) the pectoral fin and the caudal keel.

Special gear

HMS Tuna

Anglers with an HMS Angling permit may harvest Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin, Skipjack using handline, rod and reel, or speargun. Bluefin tuna may only be harvested using handline or rod and reel (no speargun).

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Required licenses
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit
Additional information
27" to <73" curved fork length: open 1. Private vessels with Highly Migratory Species Angling permits: 2 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73", of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73") 2. Charter boats with Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally: 3 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73", of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73") 3. Headboats with Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permits, when fishing recreationally: 6 bluefin tuna measuring 27 to <73", of which only 1 may be a large school/small medium bluefin tuna (47 to <73") > 73" curved fork length: bag limit = 1 per vessel per year provided the "trophy" category subquota in the respective region is available at the time of harvest (see below). 1. Gulf of Maine: closed 2. Southern New England: closed 3. Trophy South: closed 4. Gulf of America: closed Bluefin tuna retention limits may change throughout the season.Regularly updated information can be found on the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recreational Bag Limits webpage (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/recreational-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fishery-statuses-and-bag).To confirm current limits, call 1-888-872-8862 or 1-978-281-9260.Anglers must report all recreational bluefin tuna landings. Report all recreational Atlantic bluefin tuna landings to NMFS within 24 hours by calling 1-888-872-8862 or hmspermits.noaa.gov.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Thunnus thynnus
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Local laws and licenses

New Jersey fishing license

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Cities nearby

Forked River

1.1 miles away

Waretown

2.2 miles away

Lacey

4.1 miles away

Barnegat

5.4 miles away

Berkeley

6.6 miles away

Barnegat Light

6.8 miles away

Ocean Acres

6.8 miles away

Beachwood

7.5 miles away

Pine Beach

8.2 miles away

Ocean Gate

8.2 miles away

South Toms River

8.4 miles away

Stafford

8.6 miles away

Holiday Heights

8.8 miles away

Harvey Cedars

8.9 miles away

Island Heights

9.0 miles away

Manahawkin

9.1 miles away

Holiday City South

9.4 miles away

Seaside Park

9.8 miles away

Silver Ridge

10.0 miles away

Beach Haven West

10.5 miles away

Holiday City-Berkeley

10.7 miles away

Seaside Heights

10.8 miles away

Surf City

10.9 miles away

Dover Beaches South

11.3 miles away

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FAQ about South Branch Forked River fishing

📍 Where is the South Branch Forked River located?
the South Branch Forked River is a stream located in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. Its coordinates are:
39°49′12.6″N 74°12′7.5″W
.
🎣 Where on the South Branch Forked River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the South Branch Forked River by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the South Branch Forked River?
The most common species in the South Branch Forked River are:
📢 What are the latest South Branch Forked River fishing reports?
The latest South Branch Forked River fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at the South Branch Forked River right now?
According to fishing regulations at the South Branch Forked River, some of the species in season this November include: Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Scup. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the South Branch Forked River?

Fishing in New Jersey requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In New Jersey, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 70 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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