Fishing LBI & Barnegat Bay: Complete Guide

Barnegat Inlet & South Jetty

The Barnegat Inlet south jetty is arguably the most famous fishing structure in New Jersey. Accessible from Barnegat Light State Park, the jetty produces striped bass, tautog, bluefish, and fluke depending on season. The rips near the lighthouse are particularly productive when tide is moving.

Fall brings trophy stripers to the jetty, with live eels and plugs producing fish over 40 pounds. Tautog fishing peaks in spring and fall, with green crabs the go-to bait. The concrete walkway provides relatively easy access, though the outer rocks require experience.

Barnegat Light Town Beaches

The surf north of the inlet consistently produces trophy striped bass during spring and fall runs. These beaches are legendary among serious surfcasters, with tournaments regularly won here. Access via Barnegat Light beach entrances.

The Dike at High Bar Harbor

Where Double Creek Channel and Oyster Creek Channel converge, The Dike creates productive rips that concentrate baitfish and predators. Striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and weakfish all patrol these waters. The location near Barnegat Inlet means fish moving in or out of the bay pass through.

Barnegat Bay

The extensive bay system offers protected fishing for fluke, stripers, and weakfish. Key areas include the channels, oyster beds, and grass flats throughout the bay. Drifting for fluke is the summer staple, with bucktails tipped with Gulp! or squid producing limits.

Holgate Wilderness Area

The southern tip of LBI at Holgate offers remote surf fishing in a protected wilderness area. Access requires a walk or 4WD (when permitted). The point where the island meets Little Egg Inlet concentrates bait and attracts stripers and blues.

Beach Haven to Ship Bottom Surf

The central and southern beaches of LBI provide excellent surf fishing access. Fluke are caught in the suds during summer. Fall brings stripers and blues along the entire oceanfront. Beach badge requirements vary by municipality.

Fluke Drifting

Barnegat Bay fluke fishing is a summer institution. Drift the channels and drop-offs with bucktails (white is classic) tipped with Gulp! Swimming Mullet, squid strips, or live killies. The bridges of LBI and areas south consistently produce keepers. Focus on depth transitions where fluke ambush prey.

Back Bay Stripers

Striped bass use the bay as a highway, moving between the inlet and feeding areas throughout the system. Dawn and dusk produce best, with topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait all effective. The channel edges and oyster beds hold fish.

Weakfish

Once abundant, weakfish have made a comeback in Barnegat Bay. Night fishing around lighted docks and channel edges produces these tasty fighters. Soft plastics on light jig heads and live grass shrimp are the go-to presentations.

Crabbing

While not technically fishing, blue crabbing is a beloved Barnegat Bay tradition. The bay's grass flats and channel edges hold excellent crab populations through summer and fall.

Spring Run (April-June)

Migrating striped bass move along LBI's oceanfront in spring, with the biggest push typically in May. Early morning and evening produce best. Bunker chunks, clams, and swimming plugs all work. The LBI Spring Derby brings serious competition and big fish to the beaches.

Summer Surf (June-August)

Fluke move into the wash zone during summer, especially early morning before crowds arrive. Bucktails bounced in the suds produce keepers. Bluefish blitzes occur unpredictably—keep metal ready. Kingfish (whiting) provide steady action on small baits.

Fall Run (September-December)

The legendary fall striper run transforms LBI into one of the best surf destinations on the coast. Fish push south along the beaches, with action building through October and peaking in November. Trophy fish over 40 pounds are caught each season. The Fall Classic tournament showcases the best of LBI surf fishing.

Gear Recommendations

Standard LBI surf setups include 10-11 ft rods with spinning reels in the 6000-8000 class. Braided line (30-50 lb) with mono or fluoro leader handles most situations. Bucktails, metals, and plugs cover artificials. For bait fishing, fish-finder rigs with bunker, clam, or cut bait produce.

Barnegat Light

Barnegat Light is the primary charter port for the region, with boats running from the inlet to offshore grounds. Options range from bay fluke trips to offshore tuna and shark charters. The Viking Village complex houses several operations.

Beach Haven

Beach Haven offers bay and near-shore charter options from the southern end of LBI. Fluke, stripers, and bottom fishing are the primary targets. The protected bay-side location provides easy access.

Party Boats

Several party boats operate from the Barnegat Light area, offering affordable access to fluke, sea bass, and striper fishing. Half-day and full-day options available. Tackle rental typically included.

Tackle Shops

Fisherman's Headquarters in Ship Bottom is the legendary LBI tackle shop, offering gear, bait, local reports, and decades of expertise. Several other shops serve the island with fresh bait and local knowledge.

LBI Spring Derby

Running from April through June, the Spring Derby kicks off the season with competitions for striped bass, bluefish, and other species. The tournament has run for decades, attracting anglers from across the region.

LBI Fall Classic

The premier surf fishing tournament on LBI, the Fall Classic runs from late August through November. The 13-week format allows anglers to fish when conditions are best. Species include striped bass, bluefish, and (recently added) fluke. Prize structures reward both size and consistency.

Local Club Events

Various fishing clubs host tournaments throughout the season, from kids' events to serious striper competitions. Check with local tackle shops for schedules.