Manasquan Inlet Fishing Guide
Manasquan Inlet is widely considered the premier inlet fishing destination in New Jersey. Located between Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan, this inlet provides access to the Manasquan River and Poin...
Manasquan Inlet is widely considered the premier inlet fishing destination in New Jersey. Located between Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan, this inlet provides access to the Manasquan River and Point Pleasant Canal, which connects to the extensive Barnegat Bay system. The inlet's strategic location, excellent access, and productive waters make it a must-fish destination for serious anglers.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Manasquan Inlet features extensive rock jetties on both the north (Point Pleasant) and south (Manasquan) sides. The inlet is approximately 600 feet wide and 25-35 feet deep in the main channel. The Point Pleasant Canal connects the inlet to Barnegat Bay.
The connection to Barnegat Bay creates massive tidal exchanges, resulting in strong currents and excellent fishing conditions. Water clarity varies with wind and tide but is generally good with offshore winds.
Key Features
- ✓Twin rock jetties extending 1,500+ feet
- ✓Deep main channel (25-35 feet)
- ✓Point Pleasant Canal connection to Barnegat Bay
- ✓Extensive rock structure for tog and sea bass
- ✓Sandy beaches on both sides of inlet
- ✓Strong tidal currents with significant water exchange
History & Background
Manasquan Inlet was created in 1931 when the Point Pleasant Canal was completed, connecting Barnegat Bay to the ocean. Prior to this, boats had to navigate around Barnegat Inlet to access the bay from the north. The inlet quickly became a premier fishing destination and remains so today.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Striped Bass
Peak: May, October-NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Live eels, bunker, plugs, soft plastics
One of the best striper inlets in NJ. Fall run brings fish to 50+ pounds. Night fishing is extremely productive.
Bluefish
Peak: June, September-OctoberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, poppers, chunk bait
Consistent bluefish action from late spring through fall. Watch for surface blitzes.
Fluke
Peak: June-JulyMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, live killies
Fish the channel edges and sandy areas. Drifting produces best results.
Tautog
Peak: October-NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Green crabs, Asian crabs on tog jigs
Excellent tog fishing along jetty rocks. Some of the largest tog in NJ come from here.
Black Sea Bass
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Clam, squid on high-low rigs
Fish the rock piles near jetty. Great species for beginners.
Weakfish
Peak: May-JuneMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Technique: Soft plastics, live shrimp
Fish the deeper holes in early morning or evening. Population recovering.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Live Eeling
Fish live eels on circle hooks with minimal weight. Cast up-current and let the eel drift naturally. Most effective after dark on outgoing tide.
Jetty Plugging
Cast swimming plugs, darters, and poppers from the rocks. Work the rips and white water. Pre-dawn and post-sunset are prime times.
Channel Edge Drifting
Drift bucktails tipped with Gulp or squid along the channel edges. Maintain bottom contact and use short, sharp jigging motions.
Tog Jigging
Drop tog jigs tipped with crab directly against the jetty rocks. Feel for subtle bites and set the hook hard. Use braided line for sensitivity.
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Shore Fishing Spots
North Jetty (Point Pleasant)
The longer and more popular jetty. Excellent access and productive fishing along the entire length.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog, Sea Bass
Access: Access from Inlet Drive in Point Pleasant Beach. Large parking lot nearby.
Parking: Dedicated parking lot at jetty (fee in summer)
South Jetty (Manasquan)
Shorter but still productive jetty on the Manasquan side. Often less crowded.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke
Access: Access from First Avenue in Manasquan.
Parking: Street parking, beach lot nearby
Inlet Beach
Sandy beach area between jetty and swimming beach. Good for casting into the rips.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Access: Walk from jetty parking lot.
Parking: Same as North Jetty
Point Pleasant Canal
The canal connecting to Barnegat Bay offers excellent back bay fishing opportunities.
Best For: Striped Bass, Weakfish, Fluke
Access: Multiple access points along the canal.
Parking: Various municipal lots
Tide Strategies for Manasquan Inlet
Strong Outgoing Tide
Position at current breaks and rips. Fish face into current waiting for bait to be swept out of the bay.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Incoming Tide
Fish the jetty tips as predators follow baitfish entering the estuary. Clean ocean water improves visibility.
Best Species: Fluke, Weakfish, Striped Bass
Tide Change (Slack)
Focus on structure fishing as gamefish hold near rocks during reduced current.
Best Species: Tautog, Sea Bass
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Girt Reef | 3 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
| Axel Carlson Reef | 5 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
| Manasquan Ridge | 15 miles | Tuna, Mahi, Shark |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- North Jetty parking lot (fee in summer)
- Street parking in Point Pleasant Beach
- Manasquan beach lots (south side)
Amenities
- Restrooms at parking areas
- Numerous restaurants in both towns
- Fish cleaning stations limited
Bait Shops
- Fisherman's Den (Belford)
- Grumpy's Tackle (Wall Township)
- Point Pleasant Tackle
Marinas
- Point Pleasant Beach Marina
- Clark Landing Marina
- Numerous marinas along canal
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •Check current species size and bag limits
- •Beach badges required for beach access in summer
- •Parking fees apply May-September
Local Tips for Manasquan Inlet
- ✓The north jetty gets very crowded - arrive before dawn for best spots
- ✓Fall run stripers at night with eels is world-class fishing
- ✓Strong southwest winds clean up the water and fire up the bite
- ✓Fish the canal when conditions are rough at the inlet mouth
- ✓Tautog fishing here rivals anywhere in the state
- ✓Watch for charter boats leaving - they often mark feeding fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Manasquan Inlet so popular for fishing?
Manasquan Inlet is the primary connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the massive Barnegat Bay estuary system via the Point Pleasant Canal. This creates exceptional tidal flow that concentrates baitfish and attracts gamefish. The easy jetty access and productive waters make it a favorite destination.
What is the best time to fish Manasquan Inlet for striped bass?
The fall run from October through December is peak time, with the best fishing occurring at night on outgoing tides. Spring fishing in May is also excellent as fish migrate north.
Can I fish Manasquan Inlet from a kayak?
While possible, the strong currents in the main inlet make kayak fishing challenging. The Point Pleasant Canal and back bay areas offer safer kayak fishing opportunities.
Are there any restrictions on jetty fishing?
The jetties are open year-round, but use caution in rough conditions as waves can wash over the rocks. Studded boots or korkers are recommended.
Where can I get live eels near Manasquan?
Several bait shops in the area stock live eels during striper season. Call ahead to confirm availability, as they sell out quickly during the fall run.
Related Resources
Explore the Area
Learn more about the town nearest to Manasquan Inlet
Point Pleasant Beach