Best Fishing Beaches in New Jersey 2026
From surf fishing to jetty casting, discover the top spots to catch striped bass, bluefish, and fluke at the Jersey Shore.
15
Fishing Spots
4
Regions
9
Free Beaches
Why Fish in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers some of the best surf and pier fishing on the East Coast. The 130-mile coastline provides access to striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tog throughout the year. From the legendary jetties of Barnegat Inlet to the undeveloped beaches of Island Beach State Park, there's a fishing spot for every skill level.
Fall is prime time. As water temperatures drop, striped bass begin their southward migration, stacking up along the Jersey Shore. October and November offer the best chance at trophy fish, with blitz conditions common when baitfish are pushed close to shore.
Unlike many coastal states, New Jersey only requires a free Saltwater Registry - no additional fishing license. This makes it easy to wet a line on any visit to the shore.
Ocean County - The Fishing Capital
Home to Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Inlet—the most famous fishing spots in NJ
Island Beach State Park
Badge: $10Top PickThe premier surf fishing destination in New Jersey. 10 miles of undeveloped beach with vehicle access permits available. Stripers, bluefish, and fluke are the primary targets.
Barnegat Inlet - North Jetty
Free BeachTop PickLegendary jetty fishing for striped bass. The north jetty at Barnegat Light offers excellent structure and consistent catches. Tricky footing—bring studded boots.
Point Pleasant Beach
Badge: $10Good surf fishing with the inlet creating structure. Party boats and charter fishing also depart from here for offshore adventures.
Harvey Cedars
Free BeachQuiet LBI spot with good surf fishing. Less crowded than the inlet areas, with free beach access.
Cape May County
Year-round fishing at the southern tip with excellent tog and striper action
Cape May Inlet - South Jetty
Free BeachTop PickYear-round fishing at the southern tip of NJ. The jetty offers excellent tog fishing in winter and striper action in spring/fall.
The Wildwoods
Free BeachWide beaches with surf fishing opportunities. The jetties at Hereford Inlet offer additional structure fishing.
Sea Isle City
Free BeachGood surf fishing with the Townsends Inlet jetty offering structure. Popular crabbing spot at the bay side.
Stone Harbor Point
Badge: $8The point at the south end offers excellent structure and bird watching while you fish. Less crowded than the main beaches.
Monmouth County
Accessible spots with piers, inlets, and train access from NYC
Sandy Hook
Free BeachTop PickGateway National Recreation Area with excellent surf and jetty fishing. No beach badge needed, making it a favorite for NYC-area anglers. The tip of Sandy Hook offers structure fishing.
Belmar 9th Avenue Pier
Badge: $12Top PickClassic pier fishing with an on-site bait shop. Great for beginners and families who want to fish without wading into the surf. Stripers, bluefish, and fluke are common catches.
Shark River Inlet
Badge: $12Inlet fishing for stripers and bluefish. The jetties on both sides offer excellent structure. Also popular for crabbing in the back bay areas.
Long Branch
Badge: $10Good surf fishing along the stretch of beach, with the pier area offering structure. Train accessible for anglers without cars.
Atlantic County
Fish by day, casino by night—unique fishing experiences near AC
Brigantine Inlet - North End
Free BeachTop PickThe north end jetty offers excellent structure fishing. Less developed than AC, with a more natural fishing experience.
Atlantic City - Inlet Area
Free BeachSurf fishing with a casino backdrop. The inlet area offers the best fishing, with structure attracting stripers and bluefish.
Ventnor Pier
Free BeachLocal pier fishing spot south of AC. Quieter than the main boardwalk area with good fluke and kingfish action.
Fishing Tips for New Jersey
🎣Check the Tide Charts
Fishing is typically best during moving water—2 hours before and after high or low tide. Slack tide tends to be slower. Plan your sessions around tide changes.
🎣Use Fresh Bait
Fresh bunker (menhaden) outperforms frozen every time for stripers and blues. Many bait shops along the shore sell fresh bait daily. Call ahead to confirm they're stocked.
🎣Dawn and Dusk Are Prime
Fish feed most actively during low light conditions. Dawn patrol and evening sessions produce the best results. Night fishing for stripers can be exceptional in fall.
🎣Respect the Regulations
NJ has strict size and bag limits. Check the current regulations for striped bass (1 fish, 28-38" in 2024), bluefish, and fluke before keeping any fish. Penalties are steep.
🎣Invest in Good Waders
Quality chest waders extend your season significantly. Breathable waders with studded boots are worth the investment for jetty and fall/winter surf fishing.
🎣Join Local Fishing Groups
Facebook groups and fishing forums share real-time reports on what's biting where. The fishing community is helpful if you're respectful and contribute.
Book Fishing Charters in New Jersey
Find and book fishing trips departing from New Jersey. Deep sea, inshore, and everything in between.
Powered by FishingBooker • Secure online booking • Free cancellation on most trips
Essential Fishing Gear
Quality gear for surf and pier fishing at the Jersey Shore.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
Fishing Cooler (50qt+)
Keep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
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FAQ
What is the best surf fishing beach in New Jersey?
Island Beach State Park is widely considered the best surf fishing destination in NJ. The 10-mile stretch of undeveloped beach offers excellent access, consistent catches, and a true surf fishing experience. Arrive early during striper season as parking fills quickly.
Do I need a license to fish at New Jersey beaches?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a NJ Saltwater Registry (free) to fish in NJ waters. You can register online at NJ Fish & Wildlife. No additional license is needed for recreational saltwater fishing in NJ.
When is the best time for surf fishing in New Jersey?
The best times are spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) when striped bass migrate along the coast. Fall is prime time as fish are feeding heavily before winter. Summer offers bluefish and fluke. Winter brings tog and blackfish.
What fish can I catch from New Jersey beaches?
Common catches include striped bass (spring/fall), bluefish (summer/fall), fluke (summer), kingfish, weakfish, and blackfish/tog (winter). Some beaches also produce black drum, Spanish mackerel, and even occasional pompano.
What gear do I need for surf fishing in New Jersey?
A 9-11 foot medium-heavy surf rod with a 4000-6000 size spinning reel is ideal. Use 20-30lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader. For bait fishing, use pyramid sinkers (3-6 oz) with fish finder rigs. Waders are essential for fall/winter fishing.
Are there any fishing piers at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Popular piers include Belmar 9th Avenue Pier, Ocean City Pier, Steel Pier (Atlantic City), and multiple jetties throughout the shore. Pier fishing is great for beginners and requires less gear than surf fishing.
Can I drive on the beach for surf fishing?
Island Beach State Park offers mobile sport fishing vehicle access with a permit. Some beach towns also offer surf fishing vehicle permits. You'll need a 4WD vehicle, proper deflated tires, and a valid permit.
What is the best bait for surf fishing in New Jersey?
Fresh bunker (menhaden) chunks are the go-to bait for stripers and bluefish. Clam bellies work well for fluke and kingfish. Blood worms and sandworms are versatile options. For tog, use green crabs or Asian shore crabs.
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