New NJ Covid 19 Fishing Rules

[Gerry Zagorski]

This is the latest from NJ Division of Fish and Game

April 3, 2020
Consistent with Governor Murphy's orders that all New Jerseyans practice social distancing in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), anglers must fish alone or with immediate family members and cannot fish in groups of any size (no matter how small), either on land or by boat. A minimum six-foot social distance between anglers must be maintained at all times. To disperse the fish and to help maintain social distancing among anglers, trout were released early and the NJ Fish and Game Council opened trout stocked waters for catch and release only for trout, from April 1 through April 10. Season, size, and creel limits for all other species apply, as well as any gear restrictions.

Anglers MUST NOT congregate in parking areas, boat ramps or at popular fishing locations. Conservation Police Officers, New Jersey State Park Police, and DEP staff are actively monitoring our parks and natural areas to ensure that individuals enjoying our natural resources are maintaining social distance. Any groups encountered will be instructed to disperse to maintain social distance, and if they do not comply, tickets will be issued by law enforcement.

[FASTEDDIE29]

We all need to comply to this set of rules to stay safe and healthy. The sooner we all comply the better. I know some nurses that are going through absolute hell right now. I also have a few people in my circle that are suffering from this virus. It’s NOT GOOD! Thanks for posting Cap’n Gerry!!! :D

[jmurr711]

sucks but what we gotta do only person I've had close to me while fishing was dev & we live together so it's allowed. when Dopey Directa comes out he has to stay 12ft away & we been enforcing that before covid. also Gerry I knew u were the good zagorskhack that naughty brother if yours is going to give the family a bad name!

[wyldbillnj]

Saw this coming a mile away.

[Gerry Zagorski]

sucks but what we gotta do only person I've had close to me while fishing was dev & we live together so it's allowed. when Dopey Directa comes out he has to stay 12ft away & we been enforcing that before covid. also Gerry I knew u were the good zagorskhack that naughty brother if yours is going to give the family a bad name!

We each have our own crosses to bear Murr :D The boy can fish though ;)

[bigfishy]

Saw this coming a mile away.

Ur not kidding....it will be taken away in no time....other states have had " no recreational fishing" in place for weeks now .....were kinda lucky it's gone this long

[Skolmann]

NY closed all marinas and ramps, how long before NJ does same.

[frugalfisherman]

Maybe we can start another war in the Middle East. That usually helps when we have a problem here.

[Capt Sal]

Maybe we can start another war in the Middle East. That usually helps when we have a problem here.

Really ????

[Merle31483]

What about the state parks with trout stocked waters since all parks are closed in NJ does anyone know if the access to the lakes or ponds that are stocked with trout closed as well?

[hammer4reel]

Was told by reputable source , if they see the boats full with guys like they have been .
Marinas and boat ramps at the shore will be closed next .
20 foot boats having 4/5 guys on them aren’t using their heads .

Was told instead of putting their staff at risk monitoring the people on the boats are from the immediate family/household they will just shut it down .


/

[wyldbillnj]

Stupid just can't be fixed.

[Togfather2530]

Welcome to the free country that you thought you lived in. I am so sick of this bullshit. They have no jurisdiction over gods ocean and the people on it. In the end the constitution is a joke and the rights you think you have you don’t have. This whole corona thing prove that to me. Shutting peoples business down and telling them they can’t work. What a joke

[Togfather2530]

We are all going to kill each other and humans will go extinct by ruining the earth and its resources anyway by over populating ourselves.

[Canyonfish]

If that is the case we are screwed... all these people stuck home... nothing else to do... that should be bringing a baby boom in 9 months or so.... more overpopulation. Glad I got out with my brother tuesday... we trolled up a few including this nice one...

[Gfedor]

Trying to get out on boat Sunday. I trailer it to Keyport to a private marina which as of today is open, what you guys think. Me and family, no friends or anyone else on boat

[Gerry Zagorski]

If that is the case we are screwed... all these people stuck home... nothing else to do... that should be bringing a baby boom in 9 months or so.... more overpopulation. Glad I got out with my brother tuesday... we trolled up a few including this nice one...

Nice one Canyon!

[Flyguy]

Trying to get out on boat Sunday. I trailer it to Keyport to a private marina which as of today is open, what you guys think. Me and family, no friends or anyone else on boat

Get there early the marinas in Keyport were running out of parking last Sunday. And it was a 45 min wait to launch.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Trying to get out on boat Sunday. I trailer it to Keyport to a private marina which as of today is open, what you guys think. Me and family, no friends or anyone else on boat

The rules above state "anglers must fish alone or with immediate family members" but you know the risks and you need to weigh them against your and your families personal situation.

[wyldbillnj]

Immediate family it is....quality time with my 11yo daughter fishing. Cannot put a price on those moments!

[Gfedor]

ty

[Oceanroamer]

Yes, fish alone. Please. I want to keep fishing with my wife and kids through this. If you fish with buddies, we are screwed. But I've already talked to people that are planning to be selfish.



Most of you saw Fisherman Magazine Video Magazine. Editor almost begging people to fish alone so the hobby stays open in limited fashion.

[Suckafish]

So your saying I can’t fish my personal 32 ft boat with two guys? I have a ten foot beam and 32 feet of boat. The rule states 6 ft apart correct?

[hammer4reel]

So your saying I can’t fish my personal 32 ft boat with two guys? I have a ten foot beam and 32 feet of boat. The rule states 6 ft apart correct?

Rule also says immediate family or household only .

So you can fish with your wife

[Fishermancraig]

Anyone willing to adopt me so I can become an immediate family member of someone's household!

(All joking asides, this sucks for those of us that don't own their own boat).

[Oceanroamer]

All ready know guys readily ignoring and posting pictures and videos. Oh yeah, we won't last if the pandemic continues with length.....

Question: How do you judge those who ignore new rules? Do you see them and say it's there business, no judgement OR do you look at them as affecting the fishing community and might shut us down and/or spread virusd - thus see them as totally selfish?

[bassnbucks]

Will you need to prove your kids live with you? On the Chesapeake bay you can't fish recreationally.You can only fish to feed your family.

[Irish Jigger]

Left Atlantic at 4 pm and there were 6 jet skis loading on the trailer. Few guys and gals in wetsuits breaking down right into their bathing suits on the asphalt on top of the ramp bud lights in hand. Stupidity is going to fing ruin it for all the responsible people during this horrible situation. And yes 30 mph wind and in the 40s with a bunch of Dipsh*ts acting like a normal July weekend. Should be boat owners in the marina only or we will be in NYs shoes very soon. NO Recreational Boating in article 13 of the last Executive Order!!!

[wyldbillnj]

Left Atlantic at 4 pm and there were 6 jet skis loading on the trailer. Few guys and gals in wetsuits breaking down right into their bathing suits on the asphalt on top of the ramp bud lights in hand. Stupidity is going to fing ruin it for all the responsible people during this horrible situation. And yes 30 mph wind and in the 40s with a bunch of Dipsh*ts acting like a normal July weekend. Should be boat owners in the marina only or we will be in NYs shoes very soon. NO Recreational Boating in article 13 of the last Executive Order!!!

You're right....some idiots are going to mess it up for the responsible ones.

[shrimpman steve]

I’m obviously down here in sunny Florida. I took my wife and daughter out on the St. John’s river within our social distancing rules.

It was nice to get out on the river. Saw eagles and gators. Haven’t worked in three weeks so nice to be on the water on my boat instead of the airboats.

Stay safe my friends

[frugalfisherman]

I got it. Just have a progressive protest on your boat and they won't bother you!

[Finprof]

Rule also says immediate family or household only .

So you can fish with your wife

Sure, and hear all day:
"You are setting the hook too quickly, you need to let them chew longer"
"Your line is too close to mine. Get away or we will be tangled"
"We have gone a long way out. Are you sure you can find your way home?"
"I'm tired I want to go home"
"This spot is terrible. Why can't you find a better spot?"

Rather just stay home.

[bigfishy]

140585

This is the soulution

[JigOrDie27]

Can someone please clarify “immediate family”? Can I take my brother fishing on my 21 cc or is it limited to only those that you live with?

[beachwhistle]

I anyone actually checking? Has anyone been boarded and had IDs checked?