N.J. Stat. Ann. § 23:3-54

The board may, in its discretion, issue to a properly accredited person a permit to take carp and suckers from the ponds, lakes or streams of this state by means of a net, the mesh of which shall not be less than two and one-half inches. The permit shall be issued by the board under such restrictions as to the method and time of using the nets as it deems proper. All game and food fish captured in the nets shall be immediately returned therefrom uninjured as far as practicable. A person who so takes any fish except carp and suckers shall be liable to a penalty of twenty dollars for each fish.