According to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the spawning stock biomass of black sea bass is estimated to be 2.2 times the actual biomass target. In fact, according the most recent stock assessment, the black sea bass stock north of Cape Hatteras, NC is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring in 2023.
With all of that good news associated with the biological health of the black sea bass fishery, and a spawning stock biomass that’s more than twice the rebuild target, the recreational fishing community has still failed to see any substantial increase in allowable catch in recent years.
New Jersey anglers are reminded that the 10-fish bag limit on black sea bass at the 12-1/2-inch size limit ends on June 19. Starting on July 1 and running through August 31, anglers will get a one-fish bycatch allowance at the same 12-1/2-inch size limit in New Jersey. A 10-fish bag limit returns on October 1, with a 15-fish bag implemented at the Jersey Shore starting November 1.
In Delaware, the size limit is 13 inches with the 15-fish bag in pace from May 15 to September 30, reopening again on October 10 and continuing through the end of the year.
When fishing in New York waters, keep in mind that black sea bass season won’t open until June 23, with a 16-1/2-inch minimum size and three-fish possession limit through the end of August. Starting on September 1 and running through December 31, New York anglers are allowed six fish at a 16-1/2-inch minimum size.
For a state-by-state rundown on regulations from Maine to Maryland, go to thefisherman.com and select Fishing Regulations from the Topics dropdown menu along the main navigation bar.
