Shark River Inlet Fishing Guide
Shark River Inlet in Belmar is one of New Jersey's most accessible and consistently productive fishing inlets. Located between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, this inlet provides access to the ocean for t...
Shark River Inlet in Belmar is one of New Jersey's most accessible and consistently productive fishing inlets. Located between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, this inlet provides access to the ocean for the extensive Shark River estuary system. The inlet is known for its excellent striper fishing, solid fluke action, and the annual bluefish blitzes that occur right from shore.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Shark River Inlet connects the 770-acre Shark River estuary with the Atlantic Ocean. The inlet features twin rock jetties that extend approximately 1,000 feet into the ocean, with the north jetty being longer and more accessible for fishing.
The inlet experiences strong tidal currents, especially on the outgoing tide as the large estuary empties. Water clarity is generally good, improving with offshore winds. Average depths of 15-25 feet in the main channel.
Key Features
- ✓North and South rock jetties
- ✓Deep channel (15-25 feet) between jetties
- ✓Sandy beach areas on both sides
- ✓Back bay flats and grass beds
- ✓Marina and boat basin behind inlet
- ✓Seawall along parts of inlet
History & Background
Shark River was named not for the presence of sharks, but from a corruption of the Lenape word for the area. The inlet has been improved and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers since the early 1900s. The current jetty configuration was established in the 1930s and has been a favorite fishing destination ever since.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Striped Bass
Peak: May, NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Casting plugs, eeling, live bunker
Schoolies dominate spring, with larger fish in fall. Night fishing the outgoing tide is highly productive.
Bluefish
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, poppers, cut bait
Explosive surface action during blitzes. Fish all sizes from snappers to gators.
Fluke
Peak: June-AugustMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, live killies
Drift the channel edges and sandy bottom areas. Concentrate on moving water.
Weakfish
Peak: May-JuneMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Technique: Soft plastics, live grass shrimp
Fish the deeper holes in the back bay during low light. Population improving steadily.
Tautog
Peak: October-NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Green crabs, Asian crabs on jigs
Fish tight to the jetty rocks. Fall produces largest fish.
Winter Flounder
Peak: AprilMonths: Mar, Apr, May
Technique: Bloodworms, sandworms on high-low rig
Fish the muddy bottoms in the back bay on incoming tide.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Jetty Plugging
Cast swimming plugs, poppers, and soft plastics from the rocks. Work the rips and eddies that form along the jetty. Dawn and dusk produce best action.
Back Bay Drifting
Drift the channels and flats behind the inlet with live bait or soft plastics. Cover water to find concentrations of fish.
Night Eeling
Fish live eels on the outgoing tide after dark. Use minimal weight to let the eel swim naturally. Trophy stripers feed heavily at night.
Tog Jigging
Use tog jigs tipped with crab at the base of jetty rocks. Feel for the tap-tap bite and set hard. Braided line helps detect bites.
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Shore Fishing Spots
North Jetty (Belmar)
The primary fishing spot with easier access than the south jetty. Walk out on the rocks to reach productive water.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog
Access: Access from Ocean Avenue in Belmar. Walk out on rocks.
Parking: Street parking on Ocean Avenue, metered lots nearby
South Jetty (Avon)
Smaller jetty on the Avon side. Less crowded but can be more difficult to access.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke
Access: Access from Ocean Avenue in Avon-by-the-Sea.
Parking: Street parking, limited availability in summer
Belmar Marina Bulkhead
Easy access fishing along the marina seawall. Good for beginners and families.
Best For: Fluke, Weakfish, Bluefish snappers
Access: Walk from parking lot along bulkhead.
Parking: Marina parking lot (fee)
Route 35 Bridge
Fish from the catwalk under the bridge. Strong currents attract gamefish.
Best For: Striped Bass, Weakfish
Access: Catwalk access from both sides of bridge.
Parking: Limited roadside parking
Tide Strategies for Shark River Inlet
Incoming Tide
Fish the jetty tips as clean ocean water pushes in. Predators follow baitfish into the estuary.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish
Outgoing Tide
Position at current seams where bait gets swept out. The last two hours of outgoing are prime time.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Fluke
Full Moon Tides
Stronger currents during full/new moon phases push more water and bait through the inlet.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Shrewsbury Rocks | 8 miles | Striped Bass, Bluefish, Sea Bass |
| Sea Girt Reef | 3 miles | Fluke, Sea Bass, Tautog |
| Shark River Reef | 2 miles | Sea Bass, Fluke, Tautog |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- Ocean Avenue street parking (metered in summer)
- Belmar Marina parking lot
- Municipal lots in Belmar (daily fee)
Amenities
- Restrooms at marina and beach areas
- Restaurants and shops in Belmar
- Fish cleaning station at marina
Bait Shops
- Fisherman's Supply (Belmar)
- Belmar Marine Basin
- Grumpy's Tackle (Wall)
Marinas
- Belmar Marine Basin
- Shark River Marine Basin
- Various private docks
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •No fishing from jetty during rough surf conditions
- •Observe all species regulations
- •Beach badge required for beach access in summer
Local Tips for Shark River Inlet
- ✓The north jetty is more accessible but gets crowded - arrive early
- ✓Outgoing tide at night with live eels is the trophy striper formula
- ✓Watch the bird activity - diving terns indicate feeding fish
- ✓The back bay holds fish all season but is often overlooked
- ✓Spring flounder bite starts earlier here than locations farther south
- ✓Parking is tight in summer - consider arriving before dawn
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to fish at Shark River Inlet?
There is no fee for jetty fishing beyond the free NJ saltwater registration. However, parking meters operate in summer months, and beach access requires a badge.
Can I fish Shark River from a kayak?
Yes, kayak fishing is popular in the back bay areas. Use caution near the inlet mouth where currents can be strong. Launch from Belmar Marina or various access points along the river.
What is the best tide for striped bass at Shark River?
The outgoing tide, particularly the last 2-3 hours into slack, produces the most consistent striper action. Night fishing during this window is especially productive in fall.
Are there charter boats at Shark River?
Yes, several charter boats and party boats operate from Belmar Marina and the surrounding marinas. Options range from half-day fluke trips to full-day offshore adventures.
When do bluefish arrive at Shark River?
Bluefish typically arrive in late May, with the first big push occurring in early June. They remain through October, with September often bringing large numbers of gator blues.
Related Resources
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Belmar