April Fishing in New Jersey
Spring is in full swing! Striped bass run heats up, tautog are feeding heavily, and black drum arrive in Delaware Bay.
Overview
April is one of the best months to fish in New Jersey. The spring striped bass run is underway with fish pushing up the coast. Tautog fishing is excellent before the spring closure.
Black drum begin their annual migration into Delaware Bay, offering shots at 40-50 lb fish. The back bays come alive with activity as water temperatures climb.
What's Biting in April
Peak Season
Striped Bass
PeakSpring run in full swing. Schoolies to keepers.
28-31" slot, 1 fish, circle hooks required
Tautog
PeakExcellent pre-spawn fishing. Season closes late April.
15" min, check dates
Black Drum
PeakDelaware Bay migration. Trophy fish to 50+ lbs.
16" min, 3 fish
Good Fishing
Winter Flounder
GoodSeason winding down but still productive.
Peak fishing season
Weekend charters filling fast - book ahead
Book a April Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
April Conditions
Water Temp
48-55°F
Air Temp
45-65°F
Weather
Classic spring weather. Rain showers common.
Tides
Moving water best. Night tides good for stripers.
Best Spots in April
Island Beach State Park
surf
Legendary spring striper fishing. Beach buggy access.
Delaware Bay Beaches
surf
Fortescue, Reed's Beach for drum.
Barnegat Inlet
jetty
Productive jetty fishing for multiple species.
April Fishing Gear
Essential Gear for April
Essential tackle for your shore trip
Ships free with Prime
Tackle up for Striped Bass, Tautog, Black Drum this month.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle Storage
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal 3500 Double-Sided Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box – Adjustable Dividers, EVA Foam Jig Storage, Lure & Terminal Tackle Organizer,2 Pack
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.
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April Fishing Tips
Spring Striper Tactics
- ✓Follow the bunker schools
- ✓Dawn and dusk are prime times
- ✓Clam and bunker chunks in the surf
- ✓Small swimbaits for schoolies in bays
Black Drum Tips
- ✓Fresh clams are the #1 bait
- ✓Fish incoming tides on bay beaches
- ✓Heavy tackle - these fish are strong
- ✓Patience - drum feed slowly
April Fishing FAQs
When does the spring striper run start in NJ?
The spring striped bass run typically begins in April and peaks in May. Fish follow warming water up the coast, with the run strongest when water hits 50-55°F.
Where do you catch black drum in New Jersey?
Black drum migrate through Delaware Bay in April-May. Best spots include Fortescue, Reed's Beach, and Moore's Beach. Surf fishing with clams is the top method.
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Peak fishing season
Weekend charters filling fast - book ahead
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