Fishing Piers at the Jersey Shore
From Ocean City's famous 9th Street Pier to the legendary Barnegat Light Jetty, the Jersey Shore offers excellent pier fishing for anglers of all skill levels. Many piers are free to fish and perfect for families.
Pier Fishing vs. Charter Fishing
Pier Fishing Advantages
- • Often free or low cost ($5-10)
- • Fish on your own schedule
- • Great for beginners and families
- • No seasickness concerns
- • Bring your own food and drinks
- • Meet local anglers and get tips
Charter Fishing Advantages
- • Access to offshore species (tuna, mahi)
- • All equipment provided
- • Expert captain and crew
- • Higher catch rates typically
- • Fish cleaning included
- • Cover more water
Top Fishing Piers
Ocean City Fishing Pier (9th Street)
9th Street & Boardwalk, Ocean City
The most popular fishing pier at the Jersey Shore with a full-service bait shop, rod rentals, and experienced staff. Extends 625 feet into the ocean with lights for night fishing.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM (seasonal)
Access: Located on the boardwalk at 9th Street. Metered parking nearby.
Tips
- •Arrive early in summer - it gets crowded by mid-morning
- •Staff provides excellent local fishing intel
- •Night fishing under the lights can be very productive
- •Bottom rigs work well for flounder and sea bass
Sea Isle City Fishing Pier
JFK Boulevard (42nd Street), Sea Isle City
A free municipal pier popular with local anglers. Known for excellent flounder fishing and a family-friendly atmosphere. The pier extends into the back bay area.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Access: Free public parking available at JFK Boulevard.
Tips
- •Bring your own bait - no shop on-site
- •Squid strips and minnows work best for flounder
- •Fish the incoming tide for best results
- •Less crowded than Ocean City but equally productive
Wildwood Fishing Pier
Cresse Avenue, Wildwood
A free pier offering a mix of pier and nearby jetty fishing. Less crowded than other shore piers with good access to multiple fishing spots along the inlet.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: 24 hours
Access: Near the inlet with street parking available.
Tips
- •Combine pier fishing with nearby jetty fishing
- •Green crabs work well for tautog around the rocks
- •Fish the outgoing tide for stripers in fall
- •Bring all your own gear and bait
Atlantic City Steel Pier
Virginia Avenue & Boardwalk, Atlantic City
While primarily known as an amusement pier, the Steel Pier area offers fishing opportunities. The nearby jetties and beaches provide additional spots for surf fishing.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: Varies by season
Access: Multiple parking garages available. Beach access free after 6 PM.
Tips
- •Better fishing from the jetties north and south of the pier
- •Combine with a visit to the casinos and boardwalk
- •The inlet area has good structure for stripers
- •Try Absecon Inlet for more serious fishing
Belmar Fishing Pier (Shark River Inlet)
Shark River Inlet, Belmar
Fish from the jetties and pier area at Shark River Inlet. This is a top spot for fluke and bluefish, with the moving water of the inlet attracting baitfish and gamefish.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Access: Parking at the marina. Beach badges required Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Tips
- •Fish the tide changes for best action
- •Bucktails tipped with squid or Gulp work great for fluke
- •The inlet attracts large bluefish in summer
- •Stop at Fisherman's Den for bait and local reports
Point Pleasant Fishing Pier
Manasquan Inlet, Point Pleasant Beach
Located at the popular Manasquan Inlet, this area offers jetty fishing and pier access. Known for striped bass during the spring and fall runs.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: 24 hours
Access: Parking available at Inlet Drive. Can be very crowded during striper season.
Tips
- •The inlet rocks produce trophy stripers in fall
- •Use caution on the jetty rocks - wear studded boots
- •Live bunker is deadly for big stripers
- •Check Fishermen's Supply Co. for current reports
Barnegat Light Jetty
Barnegat Inlet, Barnegat Light
While technically a jetty rather than a pier, Barnegat Light offers some of the best shore-based fishing on the Jersey Shore. The long rock jetty provides access to deep water and excellent structure.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: Sunrise to sunset (state park hours)
Access: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Parking fee in season. Walk to the end for best fishing.
Tips
- •This is serious fishing - wear proper footwear
- •The fall striper run here is legendary
- •Tautog fishing around the rocks is excellent in fall/winter
- •Get there early during striper season for a good spot
Ventnor Pier
Ventnor City (south of Atlantic City)
A free municipal pier offering a quieter alternative to Atlantic City. Good for families with less crowded conditions and consistent fishing.
Target Species
Best Seasons
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Access: Free street parking available. Beach badges required for beach access.
Tips
- •Less crowded than Atlantic City - a local favorite
- •Bloodworms work well for kingfish and croaker
- •Fish early morning for the best bite
- •Bring a cooler - no vendors nearby
What Fish to Catch by Season
Different species are available at different times of year. Plan your pier fishing trip around the best seasonal opportunities.
Spring (April-May)
Stripers return during their spring migration. Bluefish arrive as waters warm.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for flounder and kingfish. Bluefish abundant. Best for families.
Fall (September-November)
The legendary fall striper run. Best pier fishing of the year. Tautog excellent around structure.
Winter (December-March)
Limited but possible. Tautog fishing can be excellent on warmer days.
Pier Fishing Gear Guide
You can rent gear at some piers, but bringing your own gives you more flexibility. Here's what you need for pier fishing at the Jersey Shore.
Basic Gear
- • 7-9 foot medium action rod
- • Spinning reel (3000-4000 size)
- • 15-20 lb monofilament or braided line
- • Assorted sinkers (1-3 oz)
- • Circle hooks (size 2/0-4/0)
- • Fish finder rigs
- • Bucket for bait and catch
Best Baits
- Flounder: Squid strips, minnows, Gulp
- Bluefish: Cut bunker, squid
- Striped Bass: Bunker, clams, eels
- Tautog: Green crabs, Asian crabs
- Kingfish: Bloodworms, squid pieces
- Sea Bass: Clams, squid, cut fish
Rental Options
If you don't have gear, these piers offer rentals:
- Ocean City 9th St: Full service - rods, bait, tackle
- Belmar: Fisherman's Den nearby
- Point Pleasant: Fishermen's Supply Co.
Essential Accessories
- • Cooler with ice for your catch
- • Folding chair or bucket to sit on
- • Sunscreen and hat
- • Pliers for hook removal
- • Knife for cutting bait
- • Towel or rags
- • Headlamp for night fishing
Budget Breakdown
- Rod rental: $10-20
- Bait: $5-15
- Pier fee: Free-$10
- Parking: Free-$10
- Total: $15-55 for a day of fishing
Compare to $60-100+ for a party boat trip
Beginner Tip
Start at Ocean City's 9th Street Pier. The staff is helpful, all gear is available to rent, and they'll show you how to set up and fish. It's the best pier for learning.
Ask the bait shop what's been biting - they have daily reports and will set you up with the right bait and rig.
NJ Fishing License Requirements
To fish from piers, jetties, or any shore location in New Jersey, you need a free NJ Saltwater Registry. Here's what you need to know:
- Free for NJ residents - Register online at the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife website
- Out-of-state anglers - Also free, but must register separately
- Exemptions - Children under 16, anglers fishing on licensed party boats or charters
- Federal land exception - Sandy Hook is federal land and does not require NJ registration
You must also follow species-specific regulations including size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures.
Register and view NJ fishing regulations →Tips for Pier Fishing Beginners
Before You Go
- • Check the tide tables - moving water means active fish
- • Call ahead to the bait shop for current reports
- • Arrive early (especially in summer) for a good spot
- • Bring more bait than you think you'll need
- • Register for your free NJ Saltwater Registry
On the Pier
- • Watch what successful anglers are using
- • Don't be afraid to ask for help - pier anglers are friendly
- • Keep your bait fresh and on ice
- • Be patient - fishing takes time
- • Move if you're not getting bites after 30 minutes
Best Times to Fish
- Dawn: Often the best bite of the day
- Dusk: Fish feed actively as light fades
- Tide changes: Moving water triggers feeding
- Overcast days: Fish are less spooky
- Night: Great for stripers (at lighted piers)
Pier Etiquette
- • Give other anglers space - don't crowd
- • Don't cast over someone else's line
- • Keep your area clean - dispose of trash properly
- • Handle fish quickly and release what you won't eat
- • Be quiet - loud noise spooks fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish from piers in New Jersey?
Yes, you need a free NJ Saltwater Registry to fish from most piers in New Jersey. The registry is free for NJ residents and can be obtained online at the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife website. Some piers on federal land (like Sandy Hook) do not require the state registry.
What fish can you catch from piers at the Jersey Shore?
Common catches from Jersey Shore piers include flounder (fluke), bluefish, striped bass, sea bass, tautog (blackfish), croaker, kingfish, and weakfish. Species vary by season - flounder and bluefish are best in summer, while tautog and striped bass are better in fall.
Which fishing piers at the Jersey Shore are free?
Several Jersey Shore fishing piers are free to use, including Sea Isle City Fishing Pier, Wildwood Fishing Pier, Ventnor Pier, and many municipal jetties. Ocean City Fishing Pier charges a fee but includes rod rentals and a bait shop on-site.
Can you rent fishing equipment at Jersey Shore piers?
Yes, several piers offer rod and reel rentals. Ocean City Fishing Pier (9th Street) has a full bait shop with rod rentals, bait, and tackle. Some other piers have nearby bait shops that offer rentals. Expect to pay around $10-20 for rod rental.
What is the best time of year for pier fishing in NJ?
The best pier fishing at the Jersey Shore is from late spring through fall. Summer (June-August) is excellent for flounder, bluefish, and kingfish. Fall (September-November) brings striped bass and tautog. Early morning and late evening around tide changes are the most productive times.
Is pier fishing better than charter fishing?
Pier fishing and charter fishing each have advantages. Pier fishing is more affordable (often free), flexible with timing, and great for beginners and families. Charter fishing offers access to offshore species, expert guidance, and typically higher catch rates. Many anglers enjoy both.
Want to Go Offshore?
While pier fishing is great for shore-based species, charter boats give you access to offshore giants like tuna, mahi, and shark. Book your adventure today.
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More Fishing Resources
Check the seasonal calendar to see what's biting or find a bait shop near your chosen pier.