Townsends Inlet Fishing Guide
Townsends Inlet connects the back bays with the Atlantic Ocean between Sea Isle City and Avalon on Seven Mile Island. This inlet offers excellent fishing with less crowding than more famous inlets, ma...
Townsends Inlet connects the back bays with the Atlantic Ocean between Sea Isle City and Avalon on Seven Mile Island. This inlet offers excellent fishing with less crowding than more famous inlets, making it a favorite of local anglers who appreciate its consistent production.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Townsends Inlet features rock jetties on both sides with the Sea Isle City jetty on the north and Avalon jetty on the south. The inlet is approximately 600 feet wide with depths of 15-20 feet in the main channel.
Generally good water clarity. Moderate tidal currents. Water temperatures similar to neighboring inlets.
Key Features
- ✓North and South rock jetties
- ✓Moderate depth channel
- ✓Protected back bay access
- ✓Sandy beaches nearby
- ✓Excellent flats fishing behind inlet
- ✓Less boat traffic than larger inlets
History & Background
Townsends Inlet has served the Seven Mile Island communities for over a century. The inlet provides access to the back bays for both recreational boaters and fishermen. Its smaller size and less commercial traffic have kept it a relatively quiet fishing destination.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Striped Bass
Peak: May, October-NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Oct, Nov
Technique: Live bunker, plugs, soft plastics
Good numbers of schoolies with occasional larger fish in fall.
Bluefish
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, chunk bait, poppers
Consistent bluefish action throughout summer and fall.
Fluke
Peak: June-AugustMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, squid strips
Fish the channel edges and sandy flats.
Weakfish
Peak: May-JuneMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Technique: Soft plastics, live shrimp, sandworms
Fish the back bay channels at low light.
Tautog
Peak: NovemberMonths: Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Green crabs, Asian crabs
Fish the jetty rocks.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Jetty Fishing
Cast from the rocks targeting current seams and structure.
Back Bay Drifting
Drift the flats and channels with bucktails or live bait.
Light Tackle Plugging
Cast soft plastics and small plugs for schoolie stripers and blues.
Fish Townsends Inlet with Local Captains
Book a charter with captains who know Townsends inside and out. Expert guides, all gear provided, unforgettable fishing.
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Shore Fishing Spots
North Jetty (Sea Isle City)
Rocky jetty accessible from Sea Isle City.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog
Access: Access from 93rd Street in Sea Isle City.
Parking: Street parking, 93rd Street area
South Jetty (Avalon)
Jetty on the Avalon side, often less crowded.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke
Access: Access from north end of Avalon.
Parking: Street parking in Avalon
Sea Isle Bayside
Back bay access points throughout Sea Isle City.
Best For: Weakfish, Fluke, Bluefish snappers
Access: Various public access points.
Parking: Street parking
Tide Strategies for Townsends Inlet
Outgoing Tide
Fish the jetty tips as bait washes out.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Incoming Tide
Fish the channel edges as water pushes in.
Best Species: Fluke, Weakfish
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Townsends Reef | 6 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
| Great Egg Reef | 10 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- 93rd Street area in Sea Isle City
- Street parking in Avalon
- Limited public lots
Amenities
- Full services in Sea Isle City and Avalon
- Restaurants nearby
- Family beaches
Bait Shops
- Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle
- Sea Isle Bait & Tackle
- Various local shops
Marinas
- Several marinas in Sea Isle City
- Avalon marinas
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •Check current species regulations
Local Tips for Townsends Inlet
- ✓Less crowded than Great Egg or Hereford inlets
- ✓The back bay flats hold excellent weakfish
- ✓Schoolie stripers are reliable in spring and fall
- ✓Great family-friendly fishing destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Townsends Inlet good for beginners?
Yes, the smaller size and lighter boat traffic make it accessible for beginners.
What is the best season for fishing?
Spring and fall for stripers and blues, summer for fluke and weakfish.
Related Resources
Explore the Area
Learn more about the town nearest to Townsends Inlet
Sea Isle City