The sea bass that anglers have had to throw back the last few weeks will become legal again from November 1 to December 31 in NJ state waters. Those sea bass should be piled up on inshore wrecks and reefs and to many this winter season is just too short.
New Jersey anglers were into big catches of nice sea bass when the untimely and unexplained closure happened. Calls have been frequent to The Fisherman office and for good reason. The seasons set for this species is subject to change and was set and amended again this spring. The limit is 25 fish at 12.5 inches in length.
As for blackfish, the season is technically open, but the bag limit is one fish until November 16, when much to the pleasure of anglers, charter and party boat skippers the bag limit goes up to six fish per person, per trip. This lasts until the New Year when the bag limit goes down to four fish. The size limit is 15 inches.
Sea bass and blackfish are two of the most sought-after inshore bottom species and will provide action and table fare all winter. As always – any changes in regulations will covered in detail by The Fisherman online and in print.
