Just went to this NJ. gov website...
http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/boat_resource_guide.pdf
It states right in black and white with big arrows pointing to it that the "boating license", is NOT needed in tidal waters at all.. Only non tidal waters,,,
Perhaps NJ is vague about this on purpose so that thousands of salt water anglers with boats will go pay for something that is NOT required... Not sure of anything on this subject anymore, but we will find out what happens if I get boarded I guess... bob