Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
BI (Barnegat Inlet) is a locally abbreviated reference spot in NJ offshore waters near Barnegat Inlet, used by local captains as a LORAN or GPS waypoint identifier. The ground marks productive bottom structure for sea bass, tautog, and fluke in the inshore-to-offshore transition zone off Barnegat. Charter boats from Barnegat Inlet and Barnegat Light marinas target this area on standard afternoon bottom-fishing trips.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Summer Flounder (Fluke) | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors

PENN
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.

TRUSCEND

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

KastKing
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
BI is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
BI is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at BI.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →