New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

May 1, 2001

According to the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, rules for the recreational harvest of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass and bluefish in New Jersey waters have changed. The recent modifications are the result of efforts to keep New Jersey in compliance with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plans for each species.

"The new rules are aimed at providing adequate protection to marine fish stocks while at the same time allowing New Jersey's saltwater recreational anglers to participate to the fullest extent possible in these recreational fisheries," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

For summer flounder (fluke), the minimum size limit has increased from 15½" to 16" with the possession limit remaining at eight fish. The 2001 season is open from May 12 through September 11.

For scup (porgy), the minimum size limit has increased from 7" to 9" with the possession limit remaining at 50 fish. The 2001 season is open from July 4 through December 31.

For black sea bass, the minimum size limit has been increased from 10" to 11" with a new possession limit of 25 fish. The 2001-2002 season is open from May 10 through February 29.

For bluefish, the possession limit has been increased from 10 to 15 fish. Currently, there is no minimum size limit or seasonal closure for this species.