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Fishing regulations at Carnival Bayou, 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
Summer flounder
Bag limit3
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 size18" (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.
Required licenses
Additional information
Possession and size limits:
Delaware Bay & Tributaries: 3 fish at 17 inches
Island Beach State Park: 2 fish at 16 inches
All Other Marine Waters: 3 fish at 18 inches
For more info see NJ Fish and Wildlife 2024 Angler Summary.
Federal regulations are waived for Summer Flounder, and recreational anglers shall follow regulations for the state in which their catch is landed.
Synonyms
Black sea bass
Bag limit10
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 size12.5" (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.
Required licenses
Additional information
Bag Limit:
- May 15-June 21 = 10 black sea bass per person;
- June 22-September 22 = 1 black sea bass per person;
- September 23-October 31 = 10 black sea bass per person;
- November 1-December 31 = 15 black sea bass per person
Total length does not include tail filament.
Edibility
Synonyms
Bonnethead shark
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.
Special gear
HMS Shark
No person issued an HMS Angling permit or an HMS Charter/Headboat permit under may possess a shark if the shark was taken from its management unit by any gear other than rod and reel or handline.
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.
Multiple Hooks
Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.
Required licenses
Additional information
Recreational shark anglers aboard federally permitted vessels are required to use non-offset, non stainless steel circle hooks in federal waters (3 – 200 miles offshore) when fishing with baited hooks.
All sharks must be landed intact with the head, tail, and all fins naturally attached. The shark may be gutted and bled at sea (e.g., by making an incision at the base of the tail).
You must report recreational landings of shark in Maryland by calling 1-410-213-1531.
Sharks harvested but not retained must be released in a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival. Do NOT remove the fish from the water.
Sharks can be difficult to ID. Remember: If you don't know, let it go. For help with shark identification, download the Recreational Atlantic HMS Shark ID Placard (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/species/sharks/documents/shark_id_placard_532017_web.pdf) or the Prohibited Shark ID Placard (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/species/sharks/documents/prohibited_shark_id_placard_5302017_web.pdf)
All highly migratory species require an HMS Angling Permit from NOAA Fisheries. Permits are available by calling 1-888-872-8862, or by visiting hmspermits.noaa.gov. No sale permitted for HMS species caught under an HMS Angling Permit.
For complete HMS regulations contact NOAA Fisheries HMS Management Division at 1-301-427-8503 or visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species
Synonyms
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