New York - New Jersey State Line

[Capt. Ed]

Hi All,

The Raritan Bay "Complex" is one of the true fishing wonders of the world. Each Spring, the second largest body of Striped Bass pass through it on their way up the Hudson to spawn. In the Summer, Bluefish, Weakfish and Summer Flounder/Fluke enter to forage on the bounty of baitfish. All this within view of one of the largest cities in the World. This is a true gem against a breathtaking urban landscape.


As you make your way to this area to try your hand at landing a trophy fish, please be aware that there is NOT a unified set of regulations for size and bag limits amongst states. As a matter of fact, New York and New Jersey have many differences.

Why do I bring this up? Well, the New York - New Jersey State Lines run through this complex. Therefore, it is paramount that you are aware of where this line is at all times so that you are in compliance with the rules and regulations of that state.

One thing of major importance. Just because you are planning to return to a port in New Jersey, you must follow the New York regulations if you are fishing in those waters and vice versa. It is a matter of being in compliance at the location you are fishing at that instance in time. One other thing. If you are fishing in New Jersey waters and have some Fluke that are say 17 1/2 inches, you cannot enter NY waters without risking a fine, even though you caught them legally in NJ.

Remember, ignorance of the law is not a defense. So, go out and get a map or make sure your chartplotter has the line built in. It just may save you from a fine.

We will post the New York and New Jersey 2007 Regulations is a seaparate post that we will make "sticky."

Thanks,

Rod and Capt. Rod

[CapBob]

Capt Ed and Rod,

It is quite a problem, especially when having a charter going from one side to the other when you have legal fish in the box that are illigal in the other waters.

You can't blame the CO's because they don't know where the fish were caught. What should be done is like in the upper Delaware River where you are bound by the regulations in the state where your boat is reg. no matter where in the river you are fishing.

It's all the same body of fish, they pass through both sides.

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Capt. Bob,

Very good point.

Rod and I decided it would be a good idea to approach this from a "newbie" point of view.

Do you have anything to add as I value your opinion and are on the water up there every day? Is the text accurate?

The last thing I would want to happen is someone to go up there, say from Shark River Inlet, spend all that money on fuel, and then get fined because they were not aware of the State Lines.

As to a remedy, it is easy as you state. However, I am afraid that egos, Type personalities and state loyalties all get in the way of the simple answer.

Thanks and is there anything else to add?

Ed

[IrishAyes]

Capt Ed and Rod. 
Another thing to consider besides the NY/NJ waters is the State/Federal waters.  I just want to remind everyone that it is unlawful to have striped bass in your possession in Federal waters.  I know guys start the morning striper fishing then head further offshore for bottom or other type of fishing.  You can be penalized for what was a legal fish prior to crossing that three mile line off shore.

[CapBob]

Ed,

Map is good.......I always watch my GPS when close and keep the track on the screen until the end of my trip when fishing close.

I don't think there is anyway to change it....everybody has their own little kingdom, and reg's and poundage quotas are so screwed up....as we all know.

[catfish hunter]

the line sperates the reach channel between the 14 red and 16 red cans to the south side of the old orchard light house

[mboy]

I do not know if mY C-Map wide card has it for my GPS. I never noticed it, so I will look this weekend.

[catfish hunter]

I do not know if mY C-Map wide card has it for my GPS. I never noticed it, so I will look this weekend.

I always carry a map on my boat also ,I have the line on my gps but I want to have a back up in case I get pulled over,it is funny how many folks never know the bay is split

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Catfish,

Thanks for your help with this!

Ed