Complete Guide to New Jersey Fishing Licenses

New Jersey is home to some fantastic freshwater and saltwater angling activities, but before you drop a line it’s essential that you have a valid license. By being responsible anglers, which includes purchasing a license and following size and bag limits, we’re all doing our part to ensure that future generations of anglers get to experience the same excellent angling opportunities in this beautiful state.

In the following complete guide to buying a fishing license in New Jersey, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

If you’re planning a destination fishing trip to New Jersey, then check out New Jersey Fishing Seasons: Your Comprehensive Guide!

If you want to discover those local fishing hot spots or honey holes in New Jersey or want to know the best time to hit the water, you will need a little help. You’ll need the premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App. Thanks to the Fishbox App, you’ll know the perfect time to go out on the water in New Jersey and when you’re better off relaxing at home and getting that to-do list under control.

Types of New Jersey Fishing Licenses

There are a variety of different New Jersey Fishing License types, which makes getting out on the water in New Jersey easy and affordable. Funds raised from the sale of licenses in the state of New Jersey go directly back into ensuring the health of the fishery for future generations of anglers.

New Jersey Resident Fishing Licenses

• Annual Fishing License (valid from the date of purchase to December 31^st) for anglers aged between 16 and 64.
• Annual Seniors Fishing License for anglers aged 65 to 69.
• Annual Trout Stamp.
• Fishing Buddy Addition.

New Jersey Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual Fishing License (valid from the date of purchase to December 31st) for anglers aged between 16 and 64.
• 7 Day Vacation Fishing License. 
• 2 Day Vacation Fishing License.
• Fishing Buddy Addition.

Cost of Fishing Licenses in New Jersey

Below are the approximate costs of licenses and permits. Please note license fees and costs are subject to change. Money raised from license fees goes directly back into protecting and enhancing New Jersey’s angling habitat, access, education, and fish stocks.

New Jersey Resident Fishing Licenses

• Annual (valid from the date of purchase to December 31^st) for anglers aged between 16 and 64 – $22.50.
• Annual Seniors for anglers aged 65 to 69 – $12.50.
• Annual Trout Stamp – $10.50.
• Fishing Buddy Addition – $11.75

New Jersey Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual (valid from the date of purchase to December 31st) for anglers aged between 16 and 64 – $34.00.
• 7 Day Vacation – $19.50.
• 2 Day Vacation – $9
• Fishing Buddy Addition – $17.50.

Certain anglers in are also eligible for some discounted or free licenses. These include:

• Active-duty servicemen and women: They can fish with a resident permit on active duty.
• New Jersey National Guard members: these individuals are entitled to free permits.
• Veterans with a service-connected disability: New Jersey veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible for free licenses.
• Legally blind residents: those registered with the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impairs can get a free permit.

Age Requirements for Fishing License

There are several exemptions to its licensing requirements. These include:

• Anglers under the age of 16 are not required to purchase an angling permit.
• State residents over the age of 70 are not required to purchase an angling permit.
• Farmers and family members who live on a farm are not required to purchase a fishing permit.
• Anyone fishing on a Free Fishing Day.

Please note: Even if you are eligible for an exemption, you must still comply with all state angling regulations, including size, bag, and seasonal limits or restrictions.

New Jersey DEP Fish and Wildlife offers spring and fall Free Fishing Days. In 2024, the first is Saturday, June 1^st, and the second Free Fishing Day is Saturday, October 19^th.

Where to Obtain a New Jersey Fishing License

If you want to buy a license online in New Jersey, you can do so from the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife license website. When you purchase a license online, you can print your license for immediate use. Please note that online purchases also have a credit card and processing fee associated with them.

If you would prefer to purchase your New Jersey license in person, you can do so from a licensed dealer. The Division of Fish & Wildlife has an app that makes finding a local dealer quick and easy.

Regardless of how you purchase your license, you are required to complete the New Jersey Child Support Certification process.

Once you purchase a New Jersey Angling License, it must be displayed visibly on your outer layer of clothing.

Complete Guide to New Jersey Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

If you’re planning an angling trip to New Jersey, then it’s essential that you have the correct New Jersey license. By purchasing a license, we’re ensuring that future generations of anglers in New Jersey have the same fantastic opportunities that we enjoy today.

The advanced technology in the Fishbox App will allow you to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best times to get out on the water when planning your next fishing trip. Fishbox App combines predictive fish behavior with weather, lunar, and tidal conditions to deliver optimal freshwater fishing opportunities for anglers.

The Fishbox App was developed in collaboration with accurate weather data and expert fish behavioral analysis. These advanced forecasts will significantly increase your catch rate while reducing your time on the water. That’s more fish and less time looking for fishing locations!

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Alabama, including where to buy an Alabama fishing license, please don’t hesitate to comment below! We love to hear thoughts and feedback from our readers, and your valuable comments and suggestions can help improve our articles’ accuracy.