2022 Striped Bass Bonus Program Application Deadline

There is only one week left to apply for the 2022 Striped Bass Bonus Program in New Jersey. Visit the Striped Bass Bonus Program webpage to apply and for more information. Please allow 1-3 weeks for processing due to the high volume of applications at this time.

Program Background

New Jersey is allocated a commercial harvest quota of striped bass under the Striped Bass Interstate Fisheries Management Plan as administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Since New Jersey does not allow netting or sale of striped bass, this quota was transferred to the recreational fishing sector resulting in the origin of the SBBP.

The current allocation from ASMFC is 215,912 pounds to be distributed between individual anglers and party/charter boats. Should NJ overshoot this quota in 2022, any overage would be subtracted from the 2023 quota. Although this program does allow for the harvest of an additional striped bass for New Jersey anglers, the NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife (NJFW) encourages catch and release whenever possible so this species can prosper for future generations.

NJFW initiated the program in 1990 to allow the harvest of an additional striped bass for New Jersey recreational anglers. Although the program has been modified throughout the years, the main goal of the SBBP is to allow anglers to participate in the management process while enjoying their favorite recreational pastime. It is a popular program and provides valuable data for assessing stock status and fishing trends, making it an integral part of New Jersey’s striped bass management.

Regulations

New Jersey’s 2022 recreational striped bass regulations in all state waters are as follows:

• One fish 28″ to less than 38″

With a bonus permit, anglers can keep one fish at 24 inches to less than 28 inches from May 15 through December 31, 2022.  Reporting bonus harvest within 24 hours is mandatory. Please note the order of fish harvested does not matter (Bonus fish can be the 1^st or 2^nd fish). Visit the Marine Seasons & Regulations page to check current Federal and State possession and season regulations for striped bass fishing in your area.

In accordance with the ASMFC Interstate Fishery Management Plan for striped bass, NJ adopted regulation that requires using inline (non-offset) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait. More Information.

Application and Mandatory Reporting Information

Please complete and submit the SBBP Application & Child Support Form through the link below. All applications will be processed in order of receipt. Processing times may take several weeks during peak periods.

Apply here

Please watch the instructional video for addition information on the 2022 SBBP.
SBBP Reporting Instructions Video

Two Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Individual Anglers

1) Harvest Reporting

If a Bonus fish is harvested, the SBBP Permit must be securely attached to the fish through the mouth and gill immediately upon capture and prior to transportation. Harvest reporting is mandatory within 24 hours of harvest and must be reported online or by leaving a message at 609-748-2074. Reporting harvest online allows NJFW to issue an additional permit, if requested, in the shortest amount of time. Required reporting information includes name, permit #, phone number, date of harvest, and fish length.

After NJFW receives a harvest report, the participant may be issued an additional permit up to the discretion of NJFW. Individuals may be eligible for multiple permits throughout the season, upon availability.

Submit a Harvest Report
SBBP Angler Reporting Instructions (pdf, 145kb)

2) Striped Bass Fishing Log

Complete the daily log included in the envelope with the permit and submit via mail or online by January 15, 2023 even if you did not fish or did not catch any striped bass.

SBBP Reporting Instructions (pdf, 145kb)
SBBP Fishing Log (pdf, 65kb)
NOTE: PDF can be completed (and saved on some browsers and Acrobat Reader) before printing. Log can be printed on both sides and mailed.

Party/Charter Boats

Applications are now being accepted for 2022.

The Party/Charter Boat (PCBT) facet of the SBBP reopened on May 15, 2022. Data collected from this program has proved invaluable for managing striped bass. Qualified PCBTs will be issued a limited number of permits allowing customers to keep one Bonus fish from 24″ to less than 28″. Only one permit may be issued to a customer per day.

To apply, download the Party/Charter Boat Application and Child Support Certification Form (pdf, 172kb) and submit via e-mail to sbbp@dep.nj.gov with a copy of a valid Captain’s license and a valid 2022 For-Hire Saltwater Angler Registration by October 31, 2022. All applications will be processed in order of receipt and applications submitted after the deadline will not be processed.

Party/Charter Boat Reporting Requirements for 2022

PCBTs will be required to submit mandatory Trip Reports of each trip’s striped bass catch and Bonus harvest every Monday to ensure the quota is not exceeded.
SBBP Party/Charter Boat Reporting Instructions (pdf, 175kb)

Please view the instructional video for more information on the 2022 program.
SBBP Party/Charter Reporting Instructions Video

Contact Us

If you require additional information concerning this program or any other striped bass issue, please contact the NJFW’s Nacote Creek office at 609-748-2020 or sbbp@dep.nj.gov.

Dockside Interviews

Fish and Wildlife staff are now responsible for conducting field interviews for the Access-Point Angler Intercept Survey (pdf, 600kb). As a participant of the Striped Bass Bonus Program, your cooperation with NJFW staff is expected and appreciated. Please be aware that NJFW staff may request a short interview upon arrival at the dock, ramp, or marina.

Summary of Annual Bonus Harvest