Best Striped Bass Fishing Spots in New Jersey
New Jersey offers world-class striped bass fishing from April through December. The annual spring and fall migrations bring waves of stripers along our coast, creating opportunitie...
New Jersey offers world-class striped bass fishing from April through December. The annual spring and fall migrations bring waves of stripers along our coast, creating opportunities for trophy fish from shore and boat. These 12 spots consistently produce the best striper fishing in the Garden State.
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Manasquan Inlet
Point Pleasant Beach / Manasquan
Widely considered the premier striper spot in NJ. The connection to Barnegat Bay creates exceptional tidal flow that concentrates fish.
Why It Made the List
Consistently produces the largest stripers from shore fishing in New Jersey. The fall run here is legendary with fish exceeding 50 pounds.
Best For
Best Time
October-December night fishing; May for spring run
Access
Both jetties accessible. North jetty has better parking.
Pro Tips
- ✓Live eels at night produce trophy fish
- ✓Fish outgoing tide into first hour of incoming
- ✓Heavy tackle required for strong currents
Barnegat Inlet
Barnegat Light (LBI)
The iconic Barnegat Lighthouse overlooks one of the most productive striper holes on the coast. Strong currents and excellent structure.
Why It Made the List
Trophy potential is exceptional. The mixing of bay and ocean water creates prime conditions for large fish.
Best For
Best Time
October-December for trophy fish; May-June for spring run
Access
State park access. Walk to jetty and lighthouse rocks.
Pro Tips
- ✓Use heavy tackle - currents are extreme
- ✓Night fishing produces largest fish
- ✓Bunker chunks effective in the rips
Sandy Hook North Beach
Sandy Hook, Gateway NRA
The confluence of Raritan Bay and Atlantic Ocean creates exceptional striper habitat. Easy access with varied structure.
Why It Made the List
Excellent for both spring and fall runs. Bay influence brings fish earlier in spring and later in fall.
Best For
Best Time
April-June spring run; October-December fall run
Access
Gateway NRA parking. Summer fees apply.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish near the lighthouse point for best structure
- ✓Watch for bird activity on bait schools
- ✓Wading productive on bay side flats
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park
Ten miles of undeveloped barrier island with pristine surf fishing. The south end near Barnegat Inlet is prime striper territory.
Why It Made the List
Natural habitat with minimal pressure. Beach buggy access allows covering water to find fish.
Best For
Best Time
October-November for fall run; May for spring run
Access
State park entrance fee. Beach buggy permits available.
Pro Tips
- ✓Get beach buggy permit for best access
- ✓South end near inlet most productive
- ✓Fish structure points and cuts in sandbars
Shark River Inlet
Belmar / Avon-by-the-Sea
Productive North Shore inlet with excellent jetty fishing. The back bay system holds fish throughout the season.
Why It Made the List
Consistent producer with good access. Both jetties and back bay offer opportunities.
Best For
Best Time
May spring run; October-November fall run
Access
Street parking at both jetties.
Pro Tips
- ✓Outgoing tide at night with eels is deadly
- ✓Fish the Route 35 bridge for back bay action
- ✓Plugging from jetty productive at dawn/dusk
Cape May Inlet
Cape May / Cape May Point
Where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. Unique water mixing extends the striper season well into December.
Why It Made the List
The latest fall fishing in NJ. Delaware Bay fish push through well after other spots slow down.
Best For
Best Time
November-December for extended fall run; May for spring
Access
Cape May Point State Park for jetty access.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish later in fall here than anywhere else in NJ
- ✓Delaware Bay influence brings unique fish movements
- ✓Trophy tog fishing shares the same rocks
Great Bay / Little Egg Harbor
Beach Haven / Tuckerton
Extensive back bay system with excellent light tackle striper fishing. Schoolies dominate but occasional larger fish appear.
Why It Made the List
Exceptional light tackle opportunities in protected waters. Kayak and small boat friendly.
Best For
Best Time
May-June; September-October
Access
Multiple boat ramps and kayak launches.
Pro Tips
- ✓Excellent kayak fishing destination
- ✓Light tackle with soft plastics highly effective
- ✓Fish the channel edges and grass flats
Raritan Bay
Atlantic Highlands / Leonardo
Sheltered bay waters hold stripers from spring through fall. Excellent boat fishing with shore options.
Why It Made the List
Protected waters fishable when ocean is rough. Strong resident population of schoolies.
Best For
Best Time
April-November with peaks in May and October
Access
Multiple launch ramps. Shore access at various points.
Pro Tips
- ✓Bunker schools here are massive in spring
- ✓Live lining bunker extremely effective
- ✓Fish the channel edges and structure
Absecon Inlet
Atlantic City / Brigantine
Accessible inlet with good striper fishing from both jetties. Casino lights attract baitfish at night.
Why It Made the List
Easy access with consistent production. Night fishing under city lights is unique.
Best For
Best Time
October-December night fishing; May spring run
Access
Both jetties accessible. Gardner's Basin parking.
Pro Tips
- ✓Night fishing under casino lights can be epic
- ✓Fish outgoing tide for best action
- ✓Back bay holds fish throughout season
Delaware Bay - Cape May Side
Cape May to Higbee Beach
The bay side of Cape May offers protected striper fishing with unique Delaware Bay characteristics.
Why It Made the List
Different fishery than ocean beaches. Spring bass arrive earlier here.
Best For
Best Time
April-May spring run; October-November
Access
Various beach access points along bayshore.
Pro Tips
- ✓Spring fish arrive here before the oceanside
- ✓Bunker runs bring massive bass schools
- ✓Wading flats fishing is excellent
Navesink & Shrewsbury Rivers
Red Bank / Rumson
Twin rivers holding stripers from spring through fall. Excellent light tackle and kayak fishing.
Why It Made the List
Protected river fishing with good populations. Often overlooked by anglers focused on the ocean.
Best For
Best Time
May-June; September-October
Access
Multiple launch ramps and shore access points.
Pro Tips
- ✓Light tackle with soft plastics excels
- ✓Fish structure - docks, bridges, drop-offs
- ✓Dawn and dusk most productive
Point Pleasant Canal
Point Pleasant
The canal connecting Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Bay funnels fish past accessible bulkheads and rocks.
Why It Made the List
Strong tidal flow concentrates fish in the canal. Easy bank access for quality stripers.
Best For
Best Time
October-December; May-June
Access
Shore access along canal. Various parking areas.
Pro Tips
- ✓Fish tide changes in the canal
- ✓Light tackle with plugs and soft plastics
- ✓Watch for feeding activity in the rips
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Expert Tips
- ✓Night fishing produces the largest stripers
- ✓Moving water (tide changes) triggers feeding
- ✓Match your tackle to conditions - heavier for inlet fishing
- ✓Watch for bird activity to locate feeding fish
- ✓Fall run fish are typically largest of the year
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to catch striped bass in NJ?
The fall run from October through December is peak season, with the largest fish of the year. The spring run in May is also excellent. Many spots produce stripers from April through December.
What is the best bait for striped bass in NJ?
Live bunker (menhaden) is the top bait, especially for trophy fish. Live eels are deadly at night. Artificial lures like bucktails, swimmers, and soft plastics are very effective.
What is the slot limit for striped bass in NJ?
NJ regulations change periodically. Currently there is a slot limit - check NJ Fish & Wildlife for current regulations before fishing.