Welcome to Fishing 101 in the Garden State!
Now, I’ve been fishing in New Jersey for decades, and let me tell you—whether you’re here for the thrill of the catch, a quiet day by the water, or the promise of a fresh-caught dinner, you’ve come to the right place. But before you cast your first line, there are some things you need to know. Let me break it down for you in plain English, with just enough sass to keep you awake.
Do You Even Need a License?
First things first: licenses. Here’s the deal:
- Freshwater Fishing License:
- Who needs it? Anyone aged 16–64.
- Cost? $22.50 for residents. (Non-residents pay $34.00—sorry, out-of-towners!)
- Over 65? Lucky you. Residents aged 70+ can fish for free in freshwater.
- Kids under 16? They’re free too!
- Saltwater Fishing:
- License? Nope, you don’t need one! But…
- Saltwater Registry? Yep, you’ve got to register. It’s free, takes five minutes online, and keeps the state happy.
- Trout Stamp:
- If you plan to catch trout, you’ll need this in addition to your freshwater license.
- Cost? $10.50 for residents, $20 for non-residents.
- Do you need it? If you’re fishing in trout-stocked waters or want to keep trout, yes. If not, skip it.
Where to Get Your License and Registration:
You can easily purchase your freshwater license, add a trout upgrade during checkout, or register for the saltwater license for free at New Jersey Fish & Wildlife’s licensing site. It’s quick, straightforward, and gets you ready to hit the water!
What Fish Can You Catch in New Jersey?
Freshwater Heroes:
- Trout: These guys are the stars of freshwater fishing. They’re crafty, they fight hard, and they taste amazing.
- Fun or No Fun? Super fun! They’re elusive, so catching one feels like a victory.
- Where?
- Round Valley Reservoir (bring a boat for the best spots).
- Pequest River (wade in from the shore).
- Ken Lockwood Gorge (you’ll feel like you’re in a postcard).
- Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth):
- Fun or No Fun? Tons of fun. Bass are aggressive and give you a good fight.
- Where?
- Lake Hopatcong (shore or boat, your choice).
- Delaware River (especially for smallmouth).
- Pike and Muskie:
- Fun or No Fun? These toothy monsters are like wrestling alligators. If you’re up for a challenge, go for it.
- Where?
- Spruce Run Reservoir.
- Monksville Reservoir.
- Panfish (Bluegill, Crappie, etc.):
- Fun or No Fun? Fun for kids or if you want nonstop action.
- Where? Pretty much anywhere, but try local ponds or lakes.
Saltwater Superstars:
- Striped Bass:
- Fun or No Fun? The king of the Jersey Shore! These guys hit hard and run fast.
- Where?
- Raritan Bay (boat or shore).
- Sandy Hook beaches.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder):
- Fun or No Fun? Fun and delicious. It’s like fishing for dinner and a show.
- Where?
- Barnegat Bay (boat recommended).
- Cape May jetties.
- Tautog (Blackfish):
- Fun or No Fun? Fun if you like pulling bulldogs out of rocks.
- Where?
- Manasquan Inlet (from the jetties).
- Atlantic City wrecks (you’ll need a boat).
- Bluefish:
- Fun or No Fun? Tons of fun, but they’ll wear you out. These guys are like the Mike Tyson of fish—fast, aggressive, and always looking for a fight.
- Where?
- Along the coast, especially in spring and fall.
- Winter Flounder (Seasonal):
- Fun or No Fun? Meh. They’re not the most exciting catch, but they’re tasty!
- Where?
- Coastal inlets and back bays in winter.
Do You Need a Boat?
- Freshwater:
- Most lakes and rivers have great shore access, but a boat can give you an edge for deeper water species like lake trout or walleye.
- Saltwater:
- For inshore species like striped bass, you can fish from beaches, jetties, or piers.
- For offshore fishing (think tuna or mahi-mahi), you’ll need a boat or a charter.
Best Times to Fish in New Jersey
- Spring (March–May):
- Trout stocking begins, bass start waking up, and striped bass flood the rivers and bays.
- Summer (June–August):
- Great for fluke, bluefish, and freshwater bass. Early mornings and evenings are best to avoid the heat.
- Fall (September–November):
- The striper run begins—this is peak saltwater fishing season. Freshwater fish are also feeding aggressively.
- Winter (December–February):
- Ice fishing takes over in freshwater. In saltwater, focus on blackfish and cod.
What Gear Do You Need?
- Freshwater Fishing:
- Rod and reel. Medium-light tackle is fine for most species.
- Bait: Worms, minnows, or artificial lures like spinners and crankbaits.
- A cooler for your catch.
- Saltwater Fishing:
- A heavier rod and reel (10-20 lb test line).
- Bait: Clams, squid, or artificial lures.
- Waders for surf fishing.
Why Trout Deserve Your Attention
If you’re on the fence about adding a Trout Stamp, let me give you the rundown:
- They’re Smart: Trout won’t just bite anything. You’ve got to outthink them.
- They’re Delicious: Light, flaky, and perfect grilled or pan-seared.
- They’re Everywhere: Stocked throughout New Jersey’s rivers and reservoirs.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in New Jersey is full of surprises—each cast brings the thrill of the unknown and the promise of a great story. Whether you’re catching bluefish off the coast or pulling a trout from a cold mountain stream, every trip is an adventure. So get your license, grab your gear, and hit the water. Who knows? You might just fall in love with fishing like I did 30 years ago.
Tight lines, my friend!
