Barnegat Bay
New Jersey's largest estuary stretches 42 miles along the coast, offering world-class bay fishing, kayaking, crabbing, and eco-tours. Discover the calmer side of the Jersey Shore.
About Barnegat Bay
Barnegat Bay is a 42-mile-long estuary stretching from Point Pleasant to Little Egg Inlet, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the barrier islands of the Jersey Shore. With an average depth of just 4-6 feet (deeper in channels), the bay's calm, brackish waters offer a completely different experience from ocean beach activities.
The bay is home to the legendary "Barnegat Bay Grand Slam" — catching weakfish, striped bass, fluke, and bluefish all in one day. The Barnegat Light inlet and Sedge Islands are especially productive fishing grounds. Beyond fishing, the bay's protected waters are ideal for kayaking, crabbing, and wildlife watching.
Bay Fishing
Charters, species, and seasonal tips
The Barnegat Bay "Grand Slam"
Experienced anglers chase the coveted Grand Slam — landing Weakfish, Striped Bass, Fluke, and Bluefish all in one day. The typical strategy: target Weakfish at dawn near Meyers Hole, switch to Bluefish around Sedge Island mid-morning, chase Fluke in the afternoon, and finish with Stripers near Barnegat Inlet at dusk.
Best months: May-June and September-October
Species & Seasons
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
May - September
Bay channels, sedges, around structure
Striped Bass
March - May, Oct - Dec
Inlet, channels, around bridges
Weakfish (Sea Trout)
May - October
Meyers Hole, The Dike, deeper channels
Bluefish
April - November
Throughout bay, especially near Sedge Island
Bay Fishing Charters
Reel Reaction Sportfishing
Barnegat Light / Waretown
Light tackle bay and inshore fishing for 1-4 anglers. Specializes in Barnegat Bay, inshore, and wreck fishing.
Target: Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Weakfish, Tog
Visit website →Reel Fantasea Charters
Barnegat Light
Back bay, inshore, and offshore trips. Serves LBI, Waretown, Forked River, and Seaside Heights.
Target: Striped Bass, Weakfish, Fluke, Bluefish
Visit website →Barnegat Bay Adventures
Barnegat Bay
Captain Anthony Grassi with 40+ years experience. 28' Blue Wave accommodates up to 6 guests including kids.
Target: Fluke, Weakfish, Striped Bass, Bluefish
Book on FishingBookerFish Head Charters
Long Beach Island
Premier light tackle & fly fishing guide service. Specialized inshore fishing for discerning anglers.
Target: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, False Albacore
Visit website →Book a Bay Fishing Charter
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Crabbing
Blue claw crabs on Barnegat Bay
Barnegat Bay is prime territory for blue claw crabs. Whether you're dropping a line from a dock, setting traps from a boat, or kayak-crabbing in the shallows, there's great crabbing throughout the bay. The season runs March 15 - November 30, with peak crabbing in July-September when waters warm up.
Best Crabbing Spots
Berkeley Island County Park
Bayville
Dedicated crabbing pier on Barnegat Bay. Great for families with easy access and parking.
Windward Beach
Brick Township
Popular crabbing spot with pier. Water depth of 6-8 feet. Family-friendly location.
Lavallette Bay Docks
Lavallette
Two T-docks for crabbing and fishing on the bay front. Located at Magee Avenue & Reese Avenue.
Sedge Island Area (by boat/kayak)
Barnegat Bay
Rich crabbing grounds accessible by boat or kayak. Note: Crab pots prohibited in Wildlife Management Area.
Crabbing Regulations
- Season: March 15 - November 30
- Size Limit: 4.5 inches minimum (tip to tip)
- Daily Limit: 1 bushel per person
- License: Not required for hand lines or collapsible traps
- Protected: Must release egg-bearing females immediately
- Restricted: No crab pots in Sedge Islands WMA
Crabbing Tips
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rentals, eco-tours, and launch points
Barnegat Bay's calm, shallow waters are perfect for paddling. The bay is typically 4-6 feet deep with minimal current, making it ideal for beginners. Morning paddles tend to have the calmest conditions. For wildlife enthusiasts, guided eco-tours to the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone offer unforgettable encounters with ospreys, herons, terrapins, and even horseshoe crabs.
Bayview Harbor
Long Beach Island (13th St & Bayview Ave)
Self-guided kayak rentals on Barnegat Bay. Guided Sedge Island Eco-Tours ($80/person) with pontoon ride to conservation zone.
Harvey Cedars Marina
Harvey Cedars, LBI
Sailing and paddling center of LBI. Summer rentals for sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, plus sailing lessons.
Captain Mike's Marina
630 Great Bay Blvd, Tuckerton
Historic marina since 1935. Kayak tours with advanced reservation, plus boat rentals (skiffs, pontoons).
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park
3-hour Sedge Islands Kayak Eco-Tour with park naturalists. Explore the 1,900-acre Marine Conservation Zone.
Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone
This 1,900-acre conservation zone is one of New Jersey's most pristine estuarine environments. Located near Island Beach State Park, the Sedge Islands are only accessible by boat or kayak. The area is a critical stop on the Atlantic Flyway, with sightings of ospreys, egrets, herons, American oystercatchers, and least terns. You'll also see stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and diamondback terrapins.
Guided 3-hour tours available from Island Beach State Park and Bayview Harbor on LBI.
Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Explore the bay on your own
The Dock Outfitters
Seaside Heights
16' Carolina Skiffs for fishing/crabbing, pontoons up to 24' for larger groups, jet skis, and WaveRunners.
Benchmark Boat Rentals
Brick Township
Skiff and pontoon boat rentals. Safety course or boater's license required.
Island Vista Marina
459 East Bay Ave, Barnegat
Crabbing and fishing boat rentals. Full-service marina with fuel, bait, tackle, and ice.
Bayside Excursions
Toms River
Private pontoon boat excursions with Captain Karen (40+ years experience). Custom cruises for up to 6.
Waterfront Dining
Dock & dine spots on the bay
Martell's Water's Edge
Bayville
Shore favorite with secluded bayfront location. Indoor waterside seating and outdoor deck.
Panini Bay
Tuckerton
Italian waterfront restaurant overlooking Tuckerton Cove. Fresh seafood and beautiful views.
The Waterfront
Forked River
Casual waterfront dining with marina views. Seafood-focused menu.
Parker's Garage & Oyster Saloon
Beach Haven
Fresh oysters and seafood in a rustic setting. Popular with boaters.
Towns on Barnegat Bay
Barnegat Light
Viking Village fleet, inlet jetty fishing
Beach Haven
Taylor Ave bay beach, kayak launches
Surf City
Bay beach access, paddleboarding
Harvey Cedars
Sunset Park, sailing center
Lavallette
Bay crabbing docks, calm waters
Seaside Heights
Boat & jet ski rentals
Toms River
Cattus Island Park, River Lady cruises
Lacey Township
Forked River marinas, bay fishing
Tuckerton
Seaport museum, Great Bay access
Related Guides
Explore Barnegat Bay
Whether you're chasing the Grand Slam, paddling to the Sedge Islands, or dropping a crab line with the kids, Barnegat Bay offers the calmer side of the Jersey Shore experience.