New Jersey's Striped Bass Bonus Program

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association November 2001 Newsletter)

The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife would like to thank all anglers participating in the Striped Bass Bonus Program for their continued support and valuable input on New Jersey’s striped bass fishery.  This program has become The Best source of recreational striped bass fishing data on the East Coast.   For 2000, the Division analyzed more than 1,400 logbooks with nearly 16,000 individual striped bass lengths from fish caught in New Jersey waters.  This data could prove instrumental in the upcoming deliberations over Amendment 6 to the ASMFC Interstate Management Plan.

As the fall run moves into full swing, the Division would like to remind anglers in the Bonus Program to record data on all striped bass directed trips and mail their logbooks at the end of their 2001 fishing season. Mailing these reports automatically registers participants in the program for 2002 without having to go through the application process again.   For those of your not currently entered in the program, please visit the Division website (www.njfishandwildlife.com) to download the Bonus application.  Just follow the directions on the application to receive your Bonus cards.

The current regulations allow New Jersey fishermen to harvest one striped bass at ³ 24” to < 28” and/or a striped bass at 28” or greater in all waters.  The Bonus Program allows anglers to harvest an additional striped bass at 28" or greater in marine waters only.  Participants who wish to harvest a bonus fish must fill out the required information and punch out the month and day on one bonus card immediately after harvest and prior to transportation (current regulations require this be done or the angler may face a substantial fine).  Anglers can affix a stamp to the card and mail it to the Division or take the bonus fish to one of the many check stations throughout the state.  Either way participants receive another card unless the total harvest has exhausted the quota. The Division still encourages participants to take their bonus fish to an authorized check station for weigh-in and removal of scales for aging purposes.  Not all stations are open year round, so call ahead if you are not sure about a particular station’s hours or location.

It is extremely important for our program and New Jersey's recreational striped bass fishery that all anglers harvesting a bonus fish fill out and turn in their used cards.  If you require additional information concerning this program or any other striped bass issue, please contact Russ Allen at the Division’s Nacote Creek office (609-748-2020).

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