The Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP) has been an integral part of New Jersey's striped bass management since 1990. It is a popular program with the fishing community and provides valuable data for assessing stock status and fishing trends. The Division of Fish and Wildlife (Division) 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.

Russell Sigmund with a bonus striper Photo courtesy of his brother, Michael

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 321,750 pounds to be distributed between individual anglers and party/charter boats. Should NJ overshoot this quota in 2010, any overage would be subtracted from the 2011 quota. Although this program does allow for the harvest of an additional striped bass for New Jersey anglers, the Division encourages catch and release whenever possible so this species can prosper for future generations.

REGULATIONS/CHANGES TO PROGRAM

Under current striped bass recreational size limits set by the New Jersey Legislature, anglers can harvest two fish at 28 inches or greater per day. With a bonus permit, anglers can keep a third striper at 28 inches or greater. Visit the Marine section of the Regulations page to check current Federal and State possession and season regulations for striped bass fishing in your area.

Participants in the Bonus Program can receive immediate notification of regulation updates, emergency closures, special notices, etc., by subscribing to the free NJ Marine Fishing E-mail List. For details, visit the E-mail List Subscription page.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For a $2.00 application fee, individuals have the ability to immediately print one bonus permit. The permit is non-transferable and valid for the 2010 calendar year. Only one permit can be used per day.

All applicants must complete the Child Support Certification each year. See www.njfishandwildlife.com/child_support_info.htm for details.

HARVEST REPORTING

All harvest must be reported online. Updated information will be posted on this page when available.

All information on the permit must be completed immediately after harvest and prior to transportation. Report harvest information at www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/. Harvest information must be reported online. A $2.00 processing fee will be charged for each additional permit.

STRIPED BASS FISHING LOG

The most valuable asset of the SBBP since 1990 has been the data acquired through volunteer logs. All participants receive a log sheet with their Bonus Permit and are encouraged to report all striped bass fishing activity for the 2010 calendar year, but are encouraged to use the online logbook in place of the paper logbooks.

If completing a paper log, there are some important things to remember while entering information:

• Fill out the log for yourself only and list fishing days individually, not grouped together.
• Record all striped bass fishing trips even if no stripers were caught.
• Please measure all fish caught. This is extremely important! NO SIZE RANGES!
• Make as many copies of the log as necessary or download additional copies.
• Feel free to comment, especially if there are issues such as the health of the stripers.
• If you harvest a Bonus fish, please enter the used card number onto the log in the Additional Information section.

Instructions for completing the online logbook - This page also has a link to the actual online logbook.
Online SBBP Logbook Site

Individuals who returned 2009 logs will not automatically receive a 2010 Striped Bass Bonus Permit.

Online Striped Bass Bonus Permit Application Site
Striped Bass Bonus Program Log Sheet (pdf, 38kb)
Striped Bass Bonus Program Instructions (pdf, 19kb)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION