Hereford Inlet Fishing Guide
Hereford Inlet connects the back bays behind Stone Harbor and North Wildwood with the Atlantic Ocean. This natural inlet is known for its lighthouse, excellent weakfish population, and productive fish...
Hereford Inlet connects the back bays behind Stone Harbor and North Wildwood with the Atlantic Ocean. This natural inlet is known for its lighthouse, excellent weakfish population, and productive fishing for multiple species.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Hereford Inlet is a natural inlet without major jetty structures, located between Stone Harbor and North Wildwood. The inlet features shifting sandbars and channels that require local knowledge to navigate safely.
Good water quality with clear ocean water on incoming tides. Moderate currents. The natural inlet creates interesting structure and fish-holding areas.
Key Features
- ✓Natural inlet with minimal jetty structure
- ✓Historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
- ✓Connection to extensive back bay system
- ✓Shifting sandbars and channels
- ✓Good wade fishing opportunities
- ✓Access to Stone Harbor Point Wildlife Refuge
History & Background
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 and remains an active navigational aid. The inlet has been a natural waterway for centuries, providing access to the productive back bay waters behind Five Mile Beach.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Weakfish
Peak: May-JulyMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Soft plastics, live shrimp, sandworms
One of the better weakfish areas in South Jersey.
Striped Bass
Peak: May, October-NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Oct, Nov
Technique: Live bunker, plugs, soft plastics
Good schoolie action with occasional larger fish.
Fluke
Peak: June-AugustMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, squid strips
Fish the channel edges and sandy areas.
Bluefish
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, chunk bait
Good bluefish action when bait is present.
Black Drum
Peak: MayMonths: May, Jun
Technique: Clam, crab on bottom rigs
Occasional black drum pass through in spring.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Wade Fishing
Wade the flats on rising tides targeting weakfish and stripers.
Channel Drifting
Drift the channels with bucktails or live bait.
Shore Casting
Cast from shore near the lighthouse area.
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Shore Fishing Spots
Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Area
Shore access near the historic lighthouse.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish
Access: Access from 1st Street in North Wildwood.
Parking: Street parking, lighthouse lot
Stone Harbor Point
Wildlife refuge area at the south end of Stone Harbor.
Best For: Striped Bass, Weakfish, Fluke
Access: Walk south from Stone Harbor beachfront.
Parking: Stone Harbor beach lots
North Wildwood Bayside
Back bay access in North Wildwood.
Best For: Weakfish, Fluke, Bluefish snappers
Access: Various access points.
Parking: Street parking
Tide Strategies for Hereford Inlet
Rising Tide
Wade fish the flats as water covers previously exposed areas.
Best Species: Weakfish, Striped Bass
Falling Tide
Fish the channel edges as fish move to deeper water.
Best Species: Fluke, Bluefish
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Cape May Reef | 10 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
| Wildwood Reef | 6 miles | Sea Bass, Fluke |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- Lighthouse parking area
- Street parking in North Wildwood
- Stone Harbor beach lots
Amenities
- Lighthouse museum and grounds
- Full services in North Wildwood and Stone Harbor
- Restaurants nearby
Bait Shops
- Various shops in Wildwood area
- Stone Harbor tackle shops
Marinas
- Stone Harbor Marina
- Wetlands Marina
- Various marinas in area
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •Check current species regulations
- •Wildlife refuge rules apply in certain areas
Local Tips for Hereford Inlet
- ✓The weakfish population here is excellent
- ✓Wade fishing on rising tides is very productive
- ✓The lighthouse area is scenic and fishy
- ✓Less crowded than Cape May inlets
- ✓Early morning low light periods are best for weakfish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hereford Inlet safe to navigate by boat?
The natural inlet has shifting sandbars. Use updated charts and local knowledge.
What is the best time for weakfish?
Dawn and dusk during May through July are prime times for weakfish.
Related Resources
Explore the Area
Learn more about the town nearest to Hereford Inlet
North Wildwood