Beach Haven Inlet / Little Egg Inlet Fishing Guide
The southern end of Long Beach Island features two connected inlet systems - Beach Haven Inlet and Little Egg Inlet - that provide access to Little Egg Harbor and the expansive Edwin B. Forsythe Natio...
The southern end of Long Beach Island features two connected inlet systems - Beach Haven Inlet and Little Egg Inlet - that provide access to Little Egg Harbor and the expansive Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge waters. This area is renowned for its flounder fishing, healthy weakfish population, and excellent back bay opportunities.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Little Egg Inlet is a natural inlet (no jetties) connecting Little Egg Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean. Beach Haven Inlet is a smaller cut connecting Beach Haven to the harbor. The Holgate unit of the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge protects the southernmost tip of LBI.
Waters are generally cleaner than northern inlets due to the protected nature of the wildlife refuge. Tidal exchange is significant but currents are more moderate than Barnegat Inlet.
Key Features
- ✓Natural inlet system with shifting channels
- ✓Extensive shallow flats and grass beds
- ✓Holgate Wildlife Refuge access
- ✓Deep channels reaching 20+ feet
- ✓Protected waters ideal for small boats
- ✓Abundant baitfish populations
History & Background
Little Egg Inlet has been a natural inlet for centuries, named after the numerous bird eggs found in the area. The surrounding waters have supported commercial fishing and clamming for generations. The Forsythe Wildlife Refuge was established in 1939 to protect the valuable salt marsh habitat.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Flounder (Fluke)
Peak: June-JulyMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, minnows
Outstanding flounder fishing in the channels and on the flats. Many doormat fish caught here.
Weakfish
Peak: May-JuneMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Soft plastics, live shrimp, sandworms
One of the best weakfish areas in NJ. Fish the deeper holes at dawn and dusk.
Striped Bass
Peak: May, OctoberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Technique: Live bunker, plugs, soft plastics
Good numbers of schoolie stripers with occasional larger fish.
Bluefish
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, poppers, cut bait
Bluefish push through following bunker schools. Excellent for snappers in late summer.
Winter Flounder
Peak: AprilMonths: Mar, Apr, May
Technique: Bloodworms, sandworms on spreader rigs
Traditional spring fishery. Fish the muddy bottom areas on incoming tide.
Black Drum
Peak: MayMonths: May, Jun
Technique: Clam, crab on bottom rigs
Occasional black drum move through in spring. Fish the deeper channels.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Flat Drifting
Drift across the flats with bucktails or Gulp. Cover water to find concentrations of flounder and weakfish.
Channel Edge Fishing
Anchor along channel edges and fish the drop-offs where predators ambush bait.
Grass Bed Fishing
Fish the edges of grass beds where baitfish hide. Weedless presentations are essential.
Inlet Mouth Fishing
Position at the inlet mouth during tide changes to intercept migrating fish.
Fish Beach Haven Inlet with Local Captains
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Shore Fishing Spots
Holgate Beach
The southernmost beach on LBI, accessible via the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge. Surf fishing for stripers and blues.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Kingfish
Access: Walk south from Beach Haven along the beach (seasonal closures for nesting birds).
Parking: Beach Haven municipal lots, walk to Holgate
Beach Haven Bayfront
Various access points along the bay in Beach Haven. Good for light tackle fishing.
Best For: Weakfish, Fluke, Bluefish snappers
Access: Multiple public access points in Beach Haven.
Parking: Street parking, municipal lots
Cedar Bonnet Island
Accessible by boat only, excellent flats fishing for multiple species.
Best For: Weakfish, Striped Bass, Fluke
Access: Boat access only.
Parking: N/A - boat access
Tide Strategies for Beach Haven Inlet
Rising Tide
Fish moves onto the flats to feed. Position along channel edges as fish transition from deep to shallow.
Best Species: Fluke, Weakfish
Falling Tide
Fish the channel mouths and drop-offs as baitfish are flushed out of the shallows.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish
Low Tide
Concentrate on the deeper channels and holes where fish stack up during low water.
Best Species: Fluke, Weakfish
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Little Egg Reef | 5 miles | Sea Bass, Fluke, Tautog |
| Beach Haven Ridge | 10 miles | Tuna, Mahi, Shark |
| Garden State South Reef | 7 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- Beach Haven municipal parking
- Street parking throughout town
- Bay Avenue boat ramps
Amenities
- Full services in Beach Haven
- Restaurants, shops, accommodations
- Fish cleaning at marinas
Bait Shops
- Jingles Bait & Tackle
- Fisherman's Headquarters (Ship Bottom)
- Various shops in Beach Haven
Marinas
- Morrisonís Marina
- Beach Haven Yacht Club
- Multiple marinas throughout area
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •Holgate section closed seasonally for bird nesting (typically March-September)
- •Forsythe Wildlife Refuge rules apply
- •Check current species regulations
Local Tips for Beach Haven Inlet
- ✓The weakfish population here is among the healthiest in NJ
- ✓Fish the channels early morning for best flounder action
- ✓Holgate beach closures protect nesting birds - check before going
- ✓Small boats excel in these protected waters
- ✓The back bay flats are vastly underrated by most anglers
- ✓Spring flounder arrive earlier here due to warmer bay temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on the beach at Holgate?
No, beach driving is not permitted in the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge Holgate unit. You must walk in from Beach Haven or access by boat.
When is Holgate open for fishing?
Holgate is typically closed from March through September to protect nesting shorebirds. Check with the refuge for specific dates each year.
Is Little Egg Inlet safe for boat navigation?
Little Egg Inlet is a natural inlet without jetties and has constantly shifting shoals. Use updated charts and local knowledge. Many boaters prefer going through Barnegat Inlet instead.
What is the best area for weakfish?
The deeper channels and holes throughout Little Egg Harbor produce weakfish, particularly during low light periods. Fish soft plastics or live bait along channel edges.
Are there charter boats in Beach Haven?
Yes, numerous charter boats operate from Beach Haven targeting everything from flounder to offshore tuna. The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club is one of the oldest fishing clubs on the East Coast.
Related Resources
Explore the Area
Learn more about the town nearest to Beach Haven Inlet
Beach Haven