Blue & flathead catfish fishing rules in NJ

Blue catfish and flathead catfish are classified as "Potentially Dangerous Fish" in New Jersey. Anglers MUST destroy these species if encountered while fishing — possession or release of live specimens is prohibited. There is no size limit and no daily creel limit on these fish; they must be killed immediately and cannot be released back into the water. Anglers are encouraged to report catches through the NJDEP Aquatic Invasive Species reporting form. These species are considered invasive and ecologically harmful to NJ's native fisheries.