With changes in the 2013 New Jersey Regulations for American Shad and River Herring it's better to be safe than sorry...
by Michael Melchionne
October not only brings a change of season, but also falling water temperatures. Temperature change starts the migration of several species of fish to (and sometimes right past) New Jersey waters. Some of the first to arrive are the Atlantic herring. As the water temperatures drop you will encounter more and more of this species. These Atlantic or "sea" herring are not to be confused with the river herring or the American, gizzard, or hickory shad.
The change in the New Jersey American Shad and River Herring regulations in 2013 has left many NJ anglers scratching their head, trying to understand what the New Jersey Marine Digest regulations mean to them. Depending on the waters being fished and recognizing the clear identification of the herring species, the angler must be very clear on the harvesting of any herring for use as bait fish. Or for that matter, human consumption! Yes, throughout the world people regard some of the same fish we here in New Jersey look at as bait or fertilizer as a palatable staple! The Atlantic herring when handled correctly from the time of landing, to cleaning and preparing for consumption, is to many people a delicacy.
However trying to decipher exactly what type of species has been landed is no easy matter. Determining if it’s legal to possess, and if so, how many you're allowed to keep, is no simple task. Proper identification of the species and knowledge of the constantly changing regulations can be mind boggling to those of us who are sometimes easily confused! So since New Jersey's 2013 regulations for shad, river herring and Atlantic herring have changed, it is imperative that you're sure what type of fish you have just landed and plan to keep in your possession. You may refer to the information I've compiled below, but always be sure to read the NJ Marine Digest or call the marine fish "listen-only" line at (609) 292-2083.
American Shad
Due to concerns regarding the decline of American shad stocks, the taking or possession of American shad in New Jersey's marine and tidal water is prohibited except for the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries.
The recreational possession limit in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries has been reduced from six fish to three fish with no minimum size or closed season.
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| Note the main features of the American Shad. |
River Herring
The taking or possession of any river herring (alewife and blueback herring) in New Jersey's marine, tidal and freshwaters is prohibited. This prohibition does not include Atlantic herring which may be retained and used as bait.
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| Note the main features of the Alewife. |
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| Note the main features of the Blueback Herring. |
No license is required for the taking of baitfish for personal use using dip nets 24 inches in diameter or less for the taking of herring (excluding river herring — alewife and blueback herring) for live bait. However, NO person shall take or attempt to take fish by any means from the Deal Lake flume, Lake Takanasse spillway or Wreck Pond spillway on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday during the months of April and May.
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| The chart above outlines the current NJ regulations for Shad and River Herring. |
These NJ Regulations will remain in effect until they are changed. For the most current regulations, go to NJFishandWildlife.com/njregs.htm#marine or as I mentioned earlier, call the marine fish "listen-only" line at (609) 292-2083. When in doubt, give Nacote Creek Marine Law Enforcement a call at (609) 748-2050 well before attempting or taking into possession ANY fish you can't identify. Once you're sure what type of fish is legal and edible, make sure you fill your cooler with ice to keep these tasty fish as fresh as possible. Herring are delicate fish and bruise, damage and spoil easily, so be sure to handle them gently.
Atlantic herring are relatively easy to catch when the fish move into New Jersey waters in earnest. Often herring are caught by fisherman targeting another species. I've seen them caught by, king, mackerel and blackfish fisherman! To target them specifically it's best to fish an hour and a half before during and after high water. Pick a spot over rough bottom if you know of any. I also like moving water. A Sabiki rig with 4-6 hooks, size 6 or 8 work best. Colors and shapes don't really matter, but any rig with sparkle or flash works best. Cast your rig with a 1-2 oz. weight across the current, then reel and jig lightly so your weight doesn't get caught in the debris or rough bottom. When you feel one on, keep a slow steady retrieve since you will sometimes entice an additional fish or two for your efforts. There is no limit on Atlantic or sea herring so fish responsibly and when you have enough for a meal or two preserve our resource and leave some for future outings and other fisherman. Eating herring is not for everyone, but for those that enjoy a real delicacy from time to time fresh pickled or smoked herring are truly a treat that will keep you coming back to our local waters when that temperature is just right!
Follow the link to Mike's Pickled Herring recipe page and enjoy some truly fine eating of New Jersey's pickled herring: CLICK HERE
