Best Pier Fishing Spots in New Jersey
Pier fishing offers easy access to deeper water without needing a boat, making it perfect for beginners and families while still producing quality catches. New Jersey's numerous fi...
Pier fishing offers easy access to deeper water without needing a boat, making it perfect for beginners and families while still producing quality catches. New Jersey's numerous fishing piers provide opportunities for everything from snappers and kingfish to striped bass and flounder. Here are the best piers for fishing along the Jersey Shore.
Jump to a Spot
Avalon Fishing Pier
Avalon, Cape May County
One of the premier fishing piers in South Jersey, extending well into the ocean with access to deeper water and multiple species.
Why It Made the List
Excellent pier infrastructure, consistent fish production, and access to structure that holds larger fish than typical surf areas.
Best For
Best Time
Summer for variety; fall for larger predators
Access
Daily fee or season pass. Bait and tackle available on-site.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish the pilings for structure-oriented species
- ✓Night fishing produces larger stripers in fall
- ✓Rent rods if traveling light
Ocean City Fishing Pier (9th Street)
Ocean City, Cape May County
Musicís Fishing Pier has been a family favorite for generations. Well-maintained with good facilities and consistent catches.
Why It Made the List
Excellent for families with rental equipment, bait on site, and friendly atmosphere. Produces good catches for all skill levels.
Best For
Best Time
Summer for variety; spring and fall for larger fish
Access
Daily admission fee. Rod rentals and bait available.
Pro Tips
- ✓Perfect for beginners and families
- ✓Bloodworms work well for bottom species
- ✓Evening fishing avoids crowds
Belmar Fishing Pier
Belmar, Monmouth County
Historic fishing pier with excellent access to Shark River Inlet. One of the most productive piers on the North Shore.
Why It Made the List
Inlet proximity brings diverse species within casting range. Strong local fishing community with good bite reports.
Best For
Best Time
Spring and fall for stripers; summer for fluke
Access
Daily fee. Near marina facilities.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish outgoing tide for best striper action
- ✓The inlet current brings fish past the pier
- ✓Live bait available at nearby shops
Keansburg Fishing Pier
Keansburg, Monmouth County
Raritan Bay pier offering excellent variety fishing in protected waters. Good family destination with nearby amusement park.
Why It Made the List
Sheltered bay location means fishable conditions even when ocean beaches are rough. Excellent for beginners.
Best For
Best Time
Summer for variety; fall for stripers
Access
Free pier access. Amusement park nearby.
Pro Tips
- ✓Great family destination with entertainment options
- ✓Sheltered from ocean swells
- ✓Crabbing is excellent here too
Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier
Wildwood Crest, Cape May County
Well-maintained pier in a family-friendly beach community. Consistent production for multiple species.
Why It Made the List
Free beach access combined with good pier fishing makes this an excellent budget-friendly option.
Best For
Best Time
Summer for variety; early fall for larger fish
Access
Pier access fee. Free beach access (no badge).
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish early morning before crowds
- ✓Bloodworms excellent for kingfish and croaker
- ✓Family-friendly environment
Point Pleasant Beach Pier
Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean County
Near Manasquan Inlet, this pier benefits from excellent tidal flow and access to migrating fish.
Why It Made the List
Proximity to one of NJís best inlets means excellent fish passage during migrations. Strong local fishing community.
Best For
Best Time
Spring and fall for stripers; summer for fluke
Access
Daily fee. Good facilities.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish tide changes for best action
- ✓Watch the charter boats for fish locations
- ✓Jigging produces well from the pier
Long Branch Pier
Long Branch, Monmouth County
Historic North Shore pier with good access to deeper water. The nearby rocky areas attract structure-loving species.
Why It Made the List
Good depth access and structure combine for varied fishing. Recently improved facilities.
Best For
Best Time
Fall for stripers and tog; summer for variety
Access
Pier access available. Nearby parking.
Pro Tips
- ✓Rock structure nearby holds tog and sea bass
- ✓Good for night fishing
- ✓Active fishing community
Asbury Park Fishing Club Pier
Asbury Park, Monmouth County
Members and daily guests can access this well-maintained pier with deeper water access and knowledgeable locals.
Why It Made the List
Strong fishing club maintains the pier and provides excellent local knowledge. Good catches reported regularly.
Best For
Best Time
Spring and fall for stripers; summer for variety
Access
Membership or daily guest fee.
Pro Tips
- ✓Local knowledge from club members is invaluable
- ✓Well-maintained facilities
- ✓Good fish cleaning station
Steel Pier (Atlantic City)
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Historic entertainment pier that also offers fishing access. Iconic location with good fishing from the end.
Why It Made the List
Unique combination of fishing and entertainment. Good access to deeper water near inlet.
Best For
Best Time
Summer evenings; fall for stripers
Access
Pier admission. Combined with entertainment options.
Pro Tips
- ✓Night fishing under the lights attracts baitfish
- ✓Combine fishing with family entertainment
- ✓Inlet proximity brings migrating fish
Sea Isle City Fishing Pier
Sea Isle City, Cape May County
Community fishing pier with good access and consistent catches. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Why It Made the List
Solid pier fishing in a pleasant beach community. Good for families and beginners.
Best For
Best Time
Summer for variety; fall for larger fish
Access
Daily fee or season pass.
Pro Tips
- ✓Good beginner spot
- ✓Evening fishing avoids summer crowds
- ✓Bait available nearby
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Expert Tips
- ✓Fish the pilings and any structure around the pier
- ✓Tide changes often trigger feeding activity
- ✓Dawn and dusk are typically most productive
- ✓Bring enough weight to hold bottom in current
- ✓Keep your line out of other anglers' way
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish from a pier in NJ?
You need a free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry for saltwater pier fishing. Piers may charge their own access fees separately.
Can I fish at night from NJ piers?
Many piers allow night fishing, which can be very productive, especially for striped bass in fall. Check individual pier hours.
What is the best bait for pier fishing?
Bloodworms work well for bottom species like kingfish and croaker. Cut bunker or squid work for stripers and bluefish. Many piers sell bait on-site.