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New State Record Lobster
(03/96) TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has certified that an American lobster taken last month from the San Jose Wreck off Atlantic City establishes a new state record.
The record lobster weighing 11 pounds, 8 ounces was taken by Chris Jazmin Jr. of Somers Point when he was scuba diving from a boat at the San Jose Wreck on June 9. Marine fisheries research scientist Bruce Freeman of the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife verified the catch.
The previous record lobster weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was taken off the Double East Wreck in 2001.
The American lobster is found in cool waters from Canada to North Carolina. Territorial and solitary in nature, they live on the ocean floor and prefer rocky crevices. New Jersey's many artificial reefs provide the perfect habitat for this species. The average American lobster reaches a length of about 10 inches and weighs 2 to 5 pounds.
The Record Fish Program honors the largest species of fish (as well as blue crab and American lobster) caught in the state. It revolves around a specific list of eligible freshwater and saltwater species, and is based on weight alone; there are no line classes.
The Skillful Angler Program recognizes the largest species of fish caught each year in the state.
Scale certification documentation, specifically the Certificate of Inspection/Test Report and Registration Certificate issued by the New Jersey Office of Weights and Measures as well as a weighmaster's signature are necessary. Other rules apply.
For more information or to request an application, call 609-633-7768. Visit the division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com for a complete list of state record fish.
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OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY