Complete Guide to Surf Fishing the Jersey Shore

Spring (April-June)

Migrating striped bass move north along the beaches, with action building through April and May. Dawn and dusk produce best. Bunker chunks, clams, and swimming plugs all work. Bluefish arrive by late April, often mixed with striper schools. By June, bass have largely moved on, but bluefish and the first fluke provide action.

Summer (June-August)

Fluke move into the wash zone, especially early morning before beach crowds arrive. Bucktails bounced in the suds produce keepers. Bluefish blitzes occur unpredictably—metal and topwater ready when birds work. Kingfish (whiting) and croakers provide steady action on small baits. Night fishing can produce stripers holding over from spring.

Fall (September-December)

The main event. Migrating stripers, bluefish, and baitfish create surf fishing's best conditions. Action builds through September, peaks in October and November, and can extend into December. Trophy fish over 40 pounds are caught each season. Sand eels, mullet, and bunker draw predators to the beach. Dawn is prime time, but fish can bite all day during heavy migrations.

Winter (December-March)

Quieter but not fishless. Mild winters see stripers linger into January. Tog fishing on jetties continues. Serious surfcasters scout spots and maintain gear. Some target whatever's biting; others wait for spring.

Structure Matters

Stripers and other predators don't randomly cruise featureless beach. They use structure—cuts, holes, sandbars, and troughs—to ambush prey. Learning to read the water dramatically improves success.

Cuts and Troughs

Look for darker water running parallel to the beach—these troughs hold fish moving along the shore. Cuts through sandbars (where waves don't break) channel water and baitfish, creating ambush points.

Jetties and Groins

Rock structures create current breaks and hold baitfish. Fish the down-current side where predators wait. The rocks themselves hold tog and other structure-oriented species.

Bird Activity

Diving birds mean bait, and bait means predators. When you see birds working, get a lure in the water fast. Blitzes can be brief—capitalize while fish are feeding.

Time and Tide

Dawn and dusk are prime, but moving water matters more than time of day during heavy runs. Incoming tide often pushes bait toward shore. Learn how each spot fishes on different tides.

Rods

A 10-11 ft medium-heavy surf rod handles most situations. Longer rods cast farther; shorter rods are easier to manage. Graphite is lighter but composite handles abuse better. Two-piece rods are practical for transport.

Reels

Spinning reels in the 6000-8000 size class balance well with surf rods. Look for sealed bearings (salt resistance), smooth drags, and high line capacity. Quality matters—cheap reels fail when you hook a trophy.

Line

Braided line (30-50 lb test) is standard. Braid casts far, doesn't stretch, and transmits bites clearly. Add a mono or fluorocarbon leader (30-50 lb) to prevent break-offs and reduce visibility.

Terminal Tackle

Stock up on:

• Bucktails (various sizes and colors)
• Swimming plugs and metal-lips
• Metal jigs (Ava, diamond, etc.)
• Fish-finder rigs for bait
• Circle hooks (various sizes)
• Pyramid sinkers (2-6 oz)

Accessories

Sand spikes hold rods while bait fishing. Waders extend your range into the water. A quality headlamp is essential for dawn departures. Pliers, a knife, and a measuring device complete the kit.

Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park offers ten miles of undeveloped beach and is arguably New Jersey's premier surf destination. The north jetty at the park's south end is legendary. Walking south from Coast Guard Station 110 accesses productive stretches. Vehicle access (with permit) reaches remote areas. Fall fishing here is exceptional.

Sandy Hook

The Sandy Hook peninsula's tip funnels migrating fish where bay meets ocean. Spring and fall produce trophy stripers. The Gateway National Recreation Area provides access. North Beach and Gunnison areas are popular. Parking fees apply in season.

LBI Beaches

Barnegat Light's town beaches have produced countless tournament winners. The entire 18-mile LBI oceanfront fishes well during the fall run. The Holgate wilderness area at the southern tip offers remote fishing.

Monmouth County Beaches

Sea Bright, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and points south all produce during migrations. Jetties and groins add structure. Beach badge requirements vary by municipality.

Cape May Area

The Wildwood beaches offer room to spread out. Cape May Point (Sunset Beach) puts you at the state's southern tip where ocean meets bay. Cold Spring Inlet jetties provide structure fishing.

No License Required

New Jersey doesn't require a saltwater fishing license for shore-based fishing. However, you must register (free) with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. This applies to all saltwater anglers 16 and older.

Species Regulations

Know the rules for your target species:

• Striped Bass: Slot limit (check current regulations), 1 fish daily
• Bluefish: 3-5 fish depending on vessel type, no minimum
• Fluke: Size and bag limits vary by season

Regulations change—always verify at nj.gov/dep/fgw before fishing.

Beach Access

Most NJ beaches require badges Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some towns offer early morning (before 8am) or evening fishing exemptions. State parks charge parking but not beach fees. Gateway National Recreation Area (Sandy Hook) has federal fees.

Vehicle Access

Island Beach State Park offers mobile sport fishing vehicle permits for beach access. Permits are limited and in high demand. Other beaches have various 4WD access policies—check local regulations.