The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has something called: The Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP). According to their website, it’s been an integral part of New Jersey’s striped bass management since 1990. It allows the harvest of an additional striped bass for New Jersey recreational anglers.
NJ Fish & Wildlife also says: 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 2013, any overage would be subtracted from the 2014 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.
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