Size, bag and season for recreational bluefish in New Jersey waters, as published by NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, Marine Fisheries.
Also on the agency page: For-hire limit applies only to vessels with a valid federal party/charter permit and a credentialed USCG-endorsed captain. New for 2026.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 10, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
Bluefish rules are mostly about the bag limit, and a state can set a different bag for for-hire customers than for private anglers.
New Jersey rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Bluefish are jointly managed by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Federal recreational measures apply in federal waters. NOAA Fisheries · bluefish ↗
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | No minimum length | 5 fish per angler per day (including snappers); 7 for party/charter paying passengers | Openas of Oct 13 |
| New York | No size limit | 5 fish for individuals; 7 for anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats | Openas of Oct 13 |
| New Jersey | No size limit | 5 fish per person; 7 per person on a party/charter vessel | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Delaware | No minimum size | 5 (private vessel or shore); 7 (charter boat or headboat) | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Maryland | 8" minimum | Shore or private boat: 5 per person; for-hire boat: 7 per person | Openas of Oct 13 |
Attributed operator claims, not verified catches. The full Bite Wire →
The boat reported an improved keeper ratio for fluke to the north, sea bass in the mix, and continued limits-plus bluefish action before an approaching windy period.
Reports pointed to wind-sensitive fluke fishing, chummed bluefish limits, and school bluefin activity in northern New Jersey waters.
