NJ Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Fines & Creel Limits (2026)

NJ fishing penalties: $50–$200+. NJ DEP (877) WARN-DEP. Strict saltwater slot limits for striped bass (1 at 28"-<31").

Fishing without a valid NJ fishing license carries penalties from NJ DEP Conservation Police.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No freshwater license$50 – $200Plus costs
No saltwater registryWarning – finesRegistry is free — no excuse!
No trout stamp (trout fishing)$50 – $200Stamp strictly enforced
Undersized striped bass$100+ per fishExtremely strict saltwater enforcement!

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Striped Bass (Ocean)1Slot limit: 28″ to less than 31″ — strict!
Fluke (Summer Flounder)Varies (usually 3)Complex size/season rules — check DEP
Trout6 (spring) / 4 (summer/fall)Trout stamp required
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass5 (combined)Min 12″
Walleye3Min 18″

Call DEP Hotline: (877) WARN-DEP.

A NJ freshwater license is $22.50. Saltwater is FREE. Get yours.