The application period for New Jersey’s 2020 Striped Bass Bonus Program is now open at the state Division of Fish and Wildlife website at www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw (Google “New Jersey Striped Bass Bonus Program”). The actual striped bass bonus period reopens on May 15.
The bonus comes from the unused commercial quota and allows a permit holder to harvest one striped bass from 24 inches to less than 28 inches May 15 through December 31; reporting of all harvested bonus fish is mandatory and must be reported within 24 hours of harvest via online or by calling 609-748-2074.
All 2019 permit holders must reapply to receive a 2020 permit. The number of permits issued will be limited at the Division’s discretion based on harvest reports and other factors to ensure the 2020 quota is not exceeded. In 2019, less than 15% of the entire allotment of commercial striped bass quota was used through striped bass bonus tags. Striped bass was officially given gamefish status through an act of state legislation in 1991; harvest or sale of Atlantic striped bass is illegal in New Jersey.
For information contact the Division’s Nacote Creek office for more information at 609-748-2020 or sbbp@dep.nj.gov.
