Fishing the Jersey Shore
From fall striped bass runs to offshore tuna and mahi, the Jersey Shore offers productive fishing year-round. Find charter boats, surf fishing spots, and know what's biting when.
Official data sources. 654 fishing ground coordinates from NJ DEP Environmental Features MapServer. Charter and bait shop data verified with local operators. Regulations updated for 2026 from NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife.
What's in Season
From our seasonal calendar. Check current NJDEP rules before keeping fish.
Seasonal Fishing Guides
Get detailed guides for each species by season, including best times, techniques, and where to fish.
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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 17+ charter operations across 5 major fishing ports.
Belmar
Active fishing port with party boats and private charters
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Featured Charters
SS Miss Belmar
Party Boat
A 125-foot party boat sailing from Belmar Marina, the SS Miss Belmar fishes for striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, and fluke.
- ✓125-foot party boat
- ✓Full galley service
Target Species
Prices checked Nov 2026.
The Gambler
Party Boat
A family operation since 1949, The Gambler has underwater hull lights and a heated and air-conditioned cabin. Located at 59 Inlet Drive.
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Underwater hull lights
- ✓Heated/AC cabin
Target Species
Prices checked Nov 2026.
Miss Beach Haven
Party Boat - Capt. Frank Camarda
Capt. Frank Camarda
Helms an 80-foot LBI party boat targeting striped bass, fluke, and sea bass.
An 80-foot party boat captained by Frank Camarda, departing from Beach Haven. It runs open-boat trips for Long Beach Island anglers.
- ✓80-foot vessel
- ✓Captain Frank Camarda
- ✓LBI party boat
Target Species
Prices checked Nov 2026.
Highroller Fishing
Party Boat
Operating from Gardner's Basin, Highroller runs back bay party-boat trips in Atlantic City.
- ✓Calm bay waters
Target Species
Prices checked Nov 2026.
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Surf Fishing Spots
View all spots →New Jersey has strong surf fishing up and down the coast. From Island Beach State Park's fall 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 surf fishing destination—a 10-mile undeveloped barrier peninsula offering year-round access. Hosts the Garden State Surf Fishing Classic in May. The 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
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) for stripers
- •Follow schools of mullet and bunker for action
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 fished for spring striped bass.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Parking: Free parking in winter; summer parking fees apply. Multiple lots throughout the park.
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
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
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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
Licenses, Rules & Getting Started
Get Your License
Freshwater license fees, senior and youth exemptions, and how to buy one.
View guide →First Time Fishing?
Everything beginners need to know: charter vs shore, what to bring, and best spots.
Start here →2026 Regulations
Size limits, seasons, and bag limits for stripers, fluke, sea bass, and more.
View rules →Quick Reference
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 good 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.
Beach Water Quality
Fish the cleanest waters
Check water quality ratings before fishing from shore. Our data covers 268 monitoring stations across the Jersey Shore, updated with the latest Enterococcus bacteria readings.
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): 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 sell individual seats ($50–135 per person as recorded on the boats we list, not a live quote) and suit beginners. Private charters ($750–4,500 for the whole boat) 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.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
From trophy stripers to family party boat adventures - find the perfect trip, check the tides, and get on the water.
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Know What's Biting Before You Go
A fishing highlight and any regulation changes every Thursday. New subscribers also get a short series on ports and charters.
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