Fishing the Jersey Shore
From legendary striped bass runs to offshore tuna and mahi, the Jersey Shore offers world-class fishing year-round. Find charter boats, surf fishing spots, and know what's biting when.
🎣What's Biting in February
Late Winter
Water starting to warm. Early flounder scouts.
Updated for February 2026
Full calendar →Seasonal Fishing Guides
Get detailed guides for each species by season, including best times, techniques, and where to fish.
Charter Boats by Port
Book a party boat for affordable group fishing or hire a private charter for a customized experience. The Jersey Shore has 30+ charter operations across 5 major fishing ports.
Book a Fishing Charter
Browse hundreds of fishing charters along the Jersey Shore. Deep sea adventures, inshore trips, and party boats - all bookable online.
Powered by FishingBooker • Secure online booking • Free cancellation on most trips
Featured Charters
SS Miss Belmar
Party Boat
The largest party boat in Belmar Marina at 125 feet, the SS Miss Belmar has maintained #1 customer satisfaction ratings for 23 consecutive years. A true Belmar institution offering comfortable fishing for striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, and fluke.
- ✓Largest party boat in Belmar Marina
- ✓#1 customer satisfaction for 23 consecutive years
- ✓Full galley service
Target Species
The Gambler
Party Boat
A family operation since 1949, The Gambler is the widest party boat in its class featuring underwater hull lights and heated/AC cabin for year-round comfort. Located at 59 Inlet Drive.
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
- ✓Underwater hull lights
- ✓Heated/AC cabin
Target Species
Miss Beach Haven
Party Boat - Capt. Frank Camarda
An 80-foot party boat captained by Frank Camarda, departing from Beach Haven. One of the premier party boats on Long Beach Island, offering consistent catches and experienced crew.
- ✓80-foot vessel
- ✓Captain Frank Camarda
- ✓Premier LBI party boat
Target Species
Highroller Fishing
Party Boat
Operating from Gardner's Basin, Highroller is the only back bay party boat in Atlantic City. Features a "No Seasick Guarantee" making it perfect for families and first-time anglers. Calm bay waters ensure a comfortable experience.
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
- ✓Perfect for families
- ✓Calm bay waters
Target Species
Book Fishing Trips Online
Reserve your spot in advance for the best fishing experience.
Cape May Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Cape May
Full-day offshore fishing for tuna, mahi-mahi, and other game fish. All tackle provided.
From $150
per person
via Viator
Atlantic City Party Boat Fishing
Atlantic City
Join a group fishing trip targeting flounder, sea bass, and bluefish. Great for beginners.
From $65
per person
via Viator
Point Pleasant Deep Sea Adventure
Point Pleasant
Half-day offshore fishing from the renowned Point Pleasant party boat fleet.
From $75
per person
via Viator
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Surf Fishing Spots
View all spots →New Jersey offers some of the best surf fishing on the East Coast. From Island Beach State Park's legendary striper runs to the jetties of Sandy Hook, there's productive surf fishing for every skill level.
Island Beach State Park
seaside park
New Jersey's premier surf fishing destination—a 10-mile undeveloped barrier peninsula offering year-round access. Home to the annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament (first Sunday in October). The legendary fall run draws anglers from across the region.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: 4WD beach driving permits available: $75 (3-day) or $195 (annual) for residents; $90/$225 for non-residents. 2025 permits sold via lottery.
📋 Permit: 4WD beach buggy permit required for beach driving access
ℹ️ Access: Park entrance fee: $6-10 per vehicle. Swimming beaches staffed mid-June through Labor Day.
Tips
- •Fresh clams work best in spring
- •Swimming plugs and metals during summer bluefish blitzes
- •Fall run (September-December) is legendary for stripers
- •Follow schools of mullet and bunker for action
- •4WD permit lottery fills quickly - apply early
Sandy Hook
highlands
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers diverse surf fishing opportunities from the bay side to the oceanfront. The tip of the hook is legendary for spring striped bass.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Free parking in winter; summer parking fees apply. Multiple lots throughout the park.
ℹ️ Access: National park - no state fishing license required (federal waters)
Tips
- •The tip of the hook is best for spring stripers
- •Bay side is calmer and good for beginners
- •North Beach produces consistent bluefish
- •Early morning and evening produce best results
8th Street Jetty (Townsends Inlet)
sea isle city
Premier southern NJ surf fishing location producing 30-lb stripers in May. The jetty provides excellent structure for holding fish and extending your casting range.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Street parking on 8th Street. Arrive early in season for spots.
Tips
- •30-lb stripers caught in May
- •Tautog around the jetty rocks in fall
- •Use studded boots for algae-covered rocks
- •Be careful of waves washing over the jetty
Corson's Inlet / 59th Street
ocean city
Trophy striper territory from 59th Street to Corson's Inlet State Park. Spring and fall produce the biggest fish. The inlet provides excellent structure and current.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: State park parking available at Corson's Inlet. Street parking near 59th Street.
Tips
- •Trophy stripers in spring and fall
- •Fish the outgoing tide at the inlet
- •Early morning produces largest fish
- •Bunker chunks effective for big bass
Shop Fishing Gear on Amazon
Essential 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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Pier & Jetty Fishing
View all piers →Don't have a boat? No problem. Fish from piers, jetties, and inlet rocks throughout the shore. Some locations don't even require a fishing license.
Ocean City Fishing Club Pier
ocean city
Extending 635 feet into the Atlantic at 14th Street and Boardwalk, this is the only on-ocean pier in Ocean City and one of the most photographed sites in town. Members-only but day passes occasionally available.
Target Species
Tips
- •Most photographed pier in Ocean City
- •635 feet into the Atlantic
- •Check with club for day pass availability
Belmar Jetty
belmar
The jetty extending from the Shark River inlet produces blackfish (tautog), bluefish, stripers, and occasional bluefin sightings. A local favorite for experienced anglers.
Target Species
Tips
- •Green crabs work best for blackfish
- •Bring studded boots for algae-covered rocks
- •Occasional bluefin sightings
- •Best at dawn and dusk
Atlantic City Inlet Jetty System
atlantic city
Seven fishable jetties extending into 30+ feet of water, with one spot dropping to 60 feet. Monster sheepshead (10+ lbs) in summer, trophy stripers to 25 lbs in November on bunker chunks.
Target Species
Tips
- •Seven fishable jetties
- •Some spots drop to 60 feet
- •Monster sheepshead (10+ lbs) in summer
- •November stripers to 25 lbs on bunker chunks
- •Use caution on rocks
Asbury Park Fishing Pier
asbury park
Historic pier offering accessible fishing near the boardwalk. Good for beginners and families with various species depending on season.
Target Species
Tips
- •Good for beginners
- •Close to boardwalk amenities
- •Spring and fall for stripers
NJ Fishing Regulations
A New Jersey saltwater registry is required for most shore and boat fishing (free for NJ residents). Private boat anglers need a boat registration. Key regulations:
- Striped Bass: 28-31" slot, 1 fish limit. Circle hooks required with natural bait.
- Fluke: 18" minimum, 3 fish limit. Season: May 4 - Sept 25.
- Bluefish: 3 fish limit, no minimum size.
- Sea Bass: 13" minimum, 10 fish limit. Season dates vary.
Bay Fishing
Calm waters, great catches
Beyond the ocean, New Jersey's bays and estuaries offer excellent fishing for fluke, weakfish, striped bass, and blue crabs. The protected waters are perfect for light tackle fishing and family outings.
Barnegat Bay
42 miles of bay fishing. Chase the "Grand Slam" — weakfish, stripers, fluke, and blues in one day.
Great Bay & Mullica River
NJ's wildest river. Fall stripers, white perch, and pristine Pine Barrens fishing.
Crabbing
Blue claw crabs thrive in NJ bays. No license needed for hand lines and traps.
Fishing Tips for the Jersey Shore
Best Times to Fish
- • Dawn & Dusk: Most productive for stripers and blues
- • Incoming Tide: Brings baitfish closer to shore
- • Fall Run (Sept-Dec): Legendary striper migration
- • Full Moon: Can trigger feeding activity
Bait & Tackle Shops
Local shops are your best resource for current conditions and what's working.
- • Fishermen's Supply Co. (Point Pleasant)
- • Fisherman's Den (Belmar)
- • Fisherman's Headquarters (LBI)
Party Boat vs Charter
Party boats are affordable ($50-90/person) and great for beginners— equipment included. Private charters ($500-3,500) offer customized trips and target specific species like offshore tuna.
View party boats →Beach Buggy Permits
Island Beach State Park and some other areas allow beach driving with a permit. This gives surf fishermen access to remote beaches. Permits required and 4WD vehicle needed.
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Whether you're chasing trophy stripers in the fall run or taking the family out on a party boat, the Jersey Shore has fishing for everyone.
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