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 December
View full calendar →Whats Biting in December
Peak Season
In Season
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 22+ charter operations across 5 major fishing ports.
Belmar
Premier fishing port with party boats and private charters
5 charters available →
Point Pleasant
Family fishing heritage since 1949
5 charters available →
Barnegat Light
Historic Viking Village fleet
4 charters available →
Atlantic City
Back bay and offshore fishing
3 charters available →
Cape May
Gateway to Delaware Bay and canyon fishing
5 charters available →
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
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
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.
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.
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.