2007 NJ Bonus Fish Application

NJ law states the possession limit for striped bass is two fish over 28". With this "bonus fish" tag, you can keep a third over 28" striped bass. This additional "bonus" fish, combined with the immature 24"-28" fish and the one over 34" would make your daily limit three striped bass. This "bonus" fish come from NJ's unused historical commercial quota. Since NJ has made the striped bass a gamefish, no commercial harvest has legally been allowed. In turn, the state has allowed us to utilize this commercially unused portion of our total allowable harvest in the bonus fish program, previously known as the trophy tag program.

The following is from NJ's Striped Bass Bonus Tag page:

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 2007, any overage would be subtracted from the 2008 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 our website to check current Federal and State possession and season regulations for striped bass fishing in your area.

There have been a few changes to the 2007 Bonus Program. An online segment is now available where applicants can obtain a permit and report harvest.

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

There are two ways to apply for the 2007 Striped Bass Bonus Program.

1. Online - Go to the division's online license site, www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/, to apply for a permit. 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 2007 calendar year. Only one permit can be used per day.

OR

2. Mail-In - Applications are available in PDF format. Completed applications must be mailed to the Division with a self-addressed, stamped, #10 envelope to receive one Bonus Permit. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. Processing time varies but may be as long as 6 to 12 weeks.

An April 5 mailing went to those who submitted a 2006 log with instructions and a copy of the Supplemental License Application. To receive a permit by mail, the application must be completed by May 14, 2007. The quickest and easiest way to receive a 2007 Bonus Permit, however, is via the online method explained below.

NOTE: Individuals who returned 2006 logs will not automatically receive a 2007 Striped Bass Bonus Permit.

HARVEST REPORTING

Online - 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 for all permits issued via the internet. Participants will not receive a new permit by going to a check station or by mailing your permit to the Division. A $2.00 processing fee will be charged to receive a replacement permit.

Mail-In - Punch out the month and day on the permit immediately after harvest and prior to transportation. Fill out the required information on the Bonus Permit. Affix a stamp to the permit and mail it to the Division or bring your fish and permit to an authorized check station. The Division still encourages participants to take their bonus fish to a check station for weigh-in and removal of scales for aging purposes. Mail-in permits cannot be replaced online.

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 with their Bonus permit and are encouraged to report all striped bass fishing activity for the 2007 calendar year. There are some important things to remember while filling out the SBBP logs:

• 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.
• If possible, 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.

An online Striped Bass Bonus Program Volunteer Angler Survey is currently being developed. Once activated the survey will be linked from this page.

Online Striped Bass Bonus Permit
Striped Bass Bonus Program Check Stations (pdf, 12kb)
Striped Bass Bonus Program Log Sheet (pdf, 78kb)
Mail-in Striped Bass Bonus Permit Application Form (pdf, 54kb)