Shore Fishing Spots
No boat? No problem. The Jersey Shore has solid fishing from beaches, piers, and jetties. From Island Beach State Park's fall surf fishing to accessible municipal piers, there's a spot for every skill level.
NJDEP Fishing Access Sites
202 official public fishing access points registered with NJ DEP
Click any marker on the map to view details. Sites are color-coded by access type:Beach/BankPier/JettyVersatile
Featured Access Sites
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center
Absecon, Atlantic County
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center is a public saltwater fishing access site in Absecon, Atlantic County. Check local conditions and regulations before fishing. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Atlantic City Jetties North & South
Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Atlantic City Jetties North & South offers both shore fishing and structure fishing opportunities in Atlantic City, Atlantic County. This versatile spot allows you to fish the surf or work the structure depending on conditions and target species. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Bayside Bait & Tackle
Brigantine, Atlantic County
Bayside Bait & Tackle is a public saltwater fishing access site in Brigantine, Atlantic County. Check local conditions and regulations before fishing. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Blue Water Marina
Margate, Atlantic County
Blue Water Marina is a public saltwater fishing access site in Margate, Atlantic County. Check local conditions and regulations before fishing. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Bob's Marine
Brigantine, Atlantic County
Bob's Marine is a public saltwater fishing access site in Brigantine, Atlantic County. Check local conditions and regulations before fishing. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Brigantine Island Surf (North)
Brigantine, Atlantic County
Brigantine Island Surf (North) is a public beach and bank fishing access point in Brigantine, Atlantic County. Surf fishing is the primary method here—bring a 9-12 foot rod and fish the incoming tide for best results. Atlantic County waters are known for productive back bay fishing and inlet action. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Surf Fishing Spotlights
The state has 200+ public access points, but a handful of locations dominate the surf-fishing conversation. These guides go deeper on each — best techniques, parking, permits, and the species you can realistically catch.
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park, NJ
Read the guide →Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Read the guide →LBI Surf Zone
Beach Haven, NJ
Read the guide →Wildwood Jetties
Wildwood, NJ
Read the guide →Corson's Inlet
Ocean City, NJ
Read the guide →Poverty Beach
Cape May, NJ
Read the guide →8th Street Jetty
Sea Isle City, NJ
Read the guide →Access Sites by County
Cape May County(64 sites)
Southern migration point for stripers with Cape May Inlet and Wildwood jetties offering year-round opportunities.
All Seasons Marina
Marmora
Avalon Jetty 5th - 8th St & Inlet
Avalon
Avalon Sport Fishing Center/Morans Dockside
Avalon
Bay Park Marina
Avalon
Bayfront Park Ramp
Wildwood
Bayway Marina
Cape May Court House
Show all 64 Cape May County sites
Beach At Moores Inlet
Wildwood
Beach Creek Marina
Wildwood
Breezeelee Yacht Basin East
Cape May
Breezeelee Yacht Basin West
Cape May
Bridgeport Marina
Wildwood
Canyon Club
Cape May
Cape May Jetties (Bay Side)
Cape May
Cape May Marina
Cape May
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Middle Township
Cape May-Lewis Ferry Jetty (Douglas Park)
Cape May
Corson Inlet State Park
Ocean City
Dad's Place
Wildwood
Fishing Center/Party Boats-Bay Ave
Ocean City
Fishing Pier/Ocean City Side
Ocean City
Fishing Pier/Somers Point Side
Ocean City
Harbor View Marina
Cape May
Hereford Inlet Marina
Wildwood
Higbee's Beach
Lower Township
Hinch Marina
Cape May
Jakes Landing Boat Ramp
Dennis Township
Larsen's Marina
Ocean View
Lighthouse Point Marina
Lower Township
Mill Creek Marina
Cape May
Minmar Marine
Sea Isle City
Miss Chris Fishing Center
Cape May
Montgomery Pointe Marina
Wildwood
No Bones Bait And Tackle/Mocean Marina
Wildwood
North Wildwood Jetties
Wildwood
Ocean City Boat Ramp
Ocean City
Ocean City North Bank
Ocean City
Park Blvd Headboats/Starlight Fleet
Wildwood Crest
Pier 47 Marina
Wildwood
Pier 88 Marina
Sea Isle City
Poverty Beach Cape May
Cape May
Reed's Beach & Jetty
Cape May Court Hou
Roseman's Boat Yard
Cape May
Sea Isle City Boat Ramp
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle Fishing Center/Starfish
Sea Isle City
Shawcrest Marina
Wildwood
Smokey's Marina
Middle Township
Snug Harbor Marina
Cape May
South Dock Marina
Wildwood
South Jersey Marina
Cape May
Southern Ruch Cattin Bridge&Kayak Launch
Strathmere
Spicers Creek Boat Ramp
Cape May
Stone Harbor Marina
Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor Municipal Marina, Ramp, And Wall
Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor Surf
Stone Harbor
Strathmere Public Ramp
Strathmere
Sunset Pier
Sea Isle City
Townsend Inlet Yacht Club
Sea Isle City
Townsends Inlet Park
Sea Isle City
Two Mile Landing Marina
Wildwood
Upper Township Municipal Boat Ramp
Marmora
Utsch's Marina
Cape May
W. Ocean Dr. Between N. Wildwood & Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor
Whale Creek Marina
Strathmere
Wildwood Fishing Center/Royal Flush
Wildwood
Ocean County(60 sites)
Home to Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Inlet—prime spots for trophy striped bass during the fall run.
Barnegat Light Yacht Basin
Barnegat Light
Barnegat Lighthouse-South Jetty
Barnegat Light
Bay Point Harbor and Canal Point Marina Public Docks
Bay Head
Bayfront Park
Lavallette
Bayhead Beach Front
Bayhead
Beach Haven Pier
Beach Haven
Show all 60 Ocean County sites
Beach Haven Public Boat Launch
Beach Haven
Beach Haven Yacht Club & Marina
Beach Haven
Boat Ramp On Great Bay Blvd (1st Bridge)
Tuckerton
Bob's Bay Marina
Barnegat
Bobbie's Boat Rentals
Barnegat Light
Brick Beach 2
Brick
Chadwick Island Marina
Lavallette
Clarks Landing Yacht Club
Point Pleasant
Crystal Point Yacht Club
Point Pleasant
Dauntless Broadway Basin
Point Pleasant
Dock Outfitters
Seaside Heights
Dock Road & The Bay
Eagleswood
Eaglewood Township Boat Ramp
Westcreek
Forked River State Marina
Forked River
Gambler Fishing
Point Pleasant Beach
Garden State Marina
Point Pleasant
Graveling Point Beach
Little Egg Harbor Twp
Great Bay Marina
Little Egg Harbor Twp
High Bar Harbor Yacht Club
Barnegat Light
Holiday Harbor Marina
Waretown
Ibsp - Fishermens Walkway
Berkeley
Ibsp - Parking Lots 13,15, 21, 22
Berkely
Inlet Jetty-Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant
Island Heights Docks
Island Heights
Jersey Coast Watercraft Marine Center
Waretown
John C. Bartlett, Jr County Park
Cedar Beach
Ken's Landing
Point Pleasant
Lanoka Harbor Marina
Lanoka Harbor
Lighthouse Seawall
Barnegat Light
Long Beach Island (Surf) North
Barnegat Light
Long Beach Island (Surf) South
Long Beach
Mac's Dock/South Harbor Fishing
Waretown
Manasquan River Inlet-South Side
Point Pleasant
Mantoloking Beach
Mantoloking
Mantoloking Bridge County Park Pier
Brick
Marina At Barnegat Light
Barnegat Light
Morrison's Marina & Ships Store
Beach Haven
Municipal Boat Ramp And Marina
Barnegat Light
Municipal Dock Of Barnegat
Barnegat
N Barnegat Jetty/Parking Lot 23 - Ibsp
Seaside Park
Ocean Beach Marina
Lavallette
Ocean Beach Marina South
Lanoka Harbor
Ortley Beach
Ortley Beach
Point Pleasant Canal Fishing Access Site
Point Pleasant
Rick's Marina
Forked River
River Ave Beach
Point Pleasant
Seaside Park Beach
Seaside Park
Sherer's Boat Basin
Barnegat
Ship Bottom Municipal Boat Ramp And Pier
Ship Bottom
South Green Street Park
Tuckerton
South Side Marina
Point Pleasant
Southwick's Marina
Beach Haven
Spikes Fishery/Canyon River Club
Point Pleasant
Van's
Barnegat Light
Monmouth County(46 sites)
Northern Jersey Shore fishing with excellent striper action. Sandy Hook (federal land, no NJ license) is a popular destination.
Aberdeen Municipal Park
Aberdeen
Asbury Park Jetties And Beach
Asbury Park
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina - Boat Ramp And East Slips
Atlantic Highlands
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina - West Of Boat Ramp
Atlantic Highland
Avon Surf
Avon
Bayshore Waterfront Park - Fishing Pier
Port Monmouth
Show all 46 Monmouth County sites
Belmar Marine Basin - Middle
Belmar
Belmar Marine Basin - North End
Belmar
Belmar Marine Basin - South End
Belmar1
Blackberry Creek Boat Launch
Oceanport
Bogan's Brielle Basin
Brielle
Bradley Beach Surf
Bradley Beach
Brielle Yacht Club-Green Ave
Brielle
Bry's Marina
Neptune
Dominick F. Santelle Park And Boat Ramp
Little Silver
Hans Pederson & Sons
Keyport
Hoffman's Marina East
Brielle
Hoffman's Marina West
Brielle
Keyport Marine Basin
Keyport
Keyport Waterfront Park And Fishing Pier
Keyport
Leonardo State Marina Southeast
Leonardo
Leonardo State Marina West And Boat Ramp
Leonardo
Long Branch Surf
Long Branch
Manasquan Beach
Manasquan
Manasquan Inlet Wall
Manasquan
Manasquan River Inlet Jetty
Manasquan
Marine Park
Red Bank
Mccarthy's Marina
Brielle
Monmouth Cove Marina
Port Monmouth
Navesink Marina
Sea Bright
Oceanic Marina
Rumson
Roosevelt Ave Fishing Beach
Deal
Rumson Municipal Ramp
Rumson
Sandy Hook Bank, Surf
Sandy Hook
Sandy Hook Bay Marina
Highlands
Schupps Landing Marina
Highlands
Sea Bright Beach
Seabright
Seagirt Beach Front
Seagirt
Seaport Inlet Marina
Belmar
Seaview Townhouse Marina
Neptune
Shark River Hills Marina (Municipal Marina)
Neptune
Shark River Inlet - North Side
Avon By The Sea
Shark River Yacht Club
Neptune
Spring Lake Surf
Spring Lake
Swimming River Park (Boat Ramp)
Red Bank
Twin Lights Marina
Highlands
Atlantic County(32 sites)
Atlantic City inlet, Ocean City jetties, and productive back bay fishing make this county a diverse fishing destination.
24-7 Bait And Tackle
Egg Harbor Twn
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center
Absecon
Atlantic City Jetties North & South
Atlantic City
Bayside Bait & Tackle
Brigantine
Blue Water Marina
Margate
Bob's Marine
Brigantine
Show all 32 Atlantic County sites
Brigantine Island Surf (North)
Brigantine
Brigantine Public Ramp
Brigantine
Chestnut Neck Boatyard
Port Republic
Deebold Boatyard
Brigantine
Duke O' Fluke Pc
Somers Point
Farley State Marina
Atlantic City
Faunce Landing Road Boat Ramp (Ellis Hands)
Absecon
Fish Finder Marina
Brigantine
Fishing Pier/Circle Liquor Pier
Somers Point
Gardiner's Basin
Atlantic City
Harbor Cove, North & South
Somers Point
Harrah's Casino Fishing Pier
Atlantic City
John F. Kennedy Park Boat Ramp
Somers Point
Kammerman A.C. Marina
Atlantic City
Keeper Headboat
Margate
Margate Fishing Pier/The Angler'S Club
Margate
Oceancity-Longport Bridge
Somers Pt
Offshore Bait And Tackle
Atlantic City
Ray Scott's Dock
Margate
Scott's Landing Boat Ramp
Leeds Point
Seaview Ave Dock & Ramp
Linwood
Seaview Harbor Marina
Longport
Smith's Marina
Somers Point
Somers Point Marina
Somers Point
Up The Creek Marina
Absecon
Ventnor Fishing Pier
Ventnor
Best for Beginners
Easy access, calmer conditions, and great for families
Sandy Hook
highlands
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers diverse surf fishing opportunities from the bay side to the oceanfront. The tip of the hook is legendary for spring striped bass.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Free parking in winter; summer parking fees apply. Multiple lots throughout the park.
ℹ️ Access: National park - no state fishing license required (federal waters)
Tips
- •The tip of the hook is best for spring stripers
- •Bay side is calmer and good for beginners
- •North Beach produces consistent bluefish
- •Early morning and evening produce best results
Poverty Beach
cape may
Cape May's quieter beach at the east end of town near the inlet. Best for croaker, kingfish, and flounder. Note: Fishing must end by 10 AM during beach season.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Limited parking nearby. Walk-in access.
Tips
- •Must exit by 10 AM during beach season
- •Best for bottom fishing species
- •Use bloodworms for croaker and kingfish
- •Fish the incoming tide for flounder
Long Beach Island Surf Zone
beach haven
Miles of fishable beach along LBI. The beaches near Barnegat Inlet are particularly productive. Beach buggy access available with permit.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Beach buggy permits available. Multiple public beach access points.
📋 Permit: LBI beach buggy permit for vehicle access
Tips
- •Beaches near Barnegat Inlet most productive
- •Follow the birds for bluefish blitzes
- •Fall run produces trophy stripers
- •Dawn and dusk are prime times
Surf Fishing Spots
Beach-based fishing for stripers, blues, and more
What is Surf Fishing?
Surf fishing means casting from the beach into the ocean. No boat required—just a rod, reel, and some patience. NJ surf fishing peaks during the spring and fall "runs" when striped bass migrate along the coast.
Intermediate Spots
Island Beach State Park
seaside park
New Jersey's premier surf fishing destination—a 10-mile undeveloped barrier peninsula offering year-round access. Home to the annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament (first Sunday in October). The legendary fall run draws anglers from across the region.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: 4WD beach driving permits available: $75 (3-day) or $195 (annual) for residents; $90/$225 for non-residents. 2025 permits sold via lottery.
📋 Permit: 4WD beach buggy permit required for beach driving access
ℹ️ Access: Park entrance fee: $6-10 per vehicle. Swimming beaches staffed mid-June through Labor Day.
Tips
- •Fresh clams work best in spring
- •Swimming plugs and metals during summer bluefish blitzes
- •Fall run (September-December) is legendary for stripers
- •Follow schools of mullet and bunker for action
- •4WD permit lottery fills quickly - apply early
8th Street Jetty (Townsends Inlet)
sea isle city
Premier southern NJ surf fishing location producing 30-lb stripers in May. The jetty provides excellent structure for holding fish and extending your casting range.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Street parking on 8th Street. Arrive early in season for spots.
Tips
- •30-lb stripers caught in May
- •Tautog around the jetty rocks in fall
- •Use studded boots for algae-covered rocks
- •Be careful of waves washing over the jetty
Corson's Inlet / 59th Street
ocean city
Trophy striper territory from 59th Street to Corson's Inlet State Park. Spring and fall produce the biggest fish. The inlet provides excellent structure and current.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: State park parking available at Corson's Inlet. Street parking near 59th Street.
Tips
- •Trophy stripers in spring and fall
- •Fish the outgoing tide at the inlet
- •Early morning produces largest fish
- •Bunker chunks effective for big bass
Wildwood Municipal Beach Jetties
wildwood
Multiple jetties along Wildwood's free beaches offer excellent fishing for tautog and sheepshead. The jetty structure holds fish year-round.
Target Species
Best Seasons
🅿️ Parking: Free street parking away from boardwalk. Paid lots near boardwalk $10-25/day.
Tips
- •Tautog and sheepshead around jetty rocks
- •Green crabs best bait for tautog
- •Bring studded boots for slippery rocks
- •Winter produces quality tautog
Fishing Piers & Jetties
Structure-based fishing for a variety of species
Pier vs. Jetty
Piers extend over the water and offer easy access with amenities. Jetties are rock structures that require careful navigation but often produce bigger fish due to the structure they provide.
Ocean City Fishing Club Pier
ocean city
Extending 635 feet into the Atlantic at 14th Street and Boardwalk, this is the only on-ocean pier in Ocean City and one of the most photographed sites in town. Members-only but day passes occasionally available.
Target Species
Tips
- •Most photographed pier in Ocean City
- •635 feet into the Atlantic
- •Check with club for day pass availability
Belmar Jetty
belmar
The jetty extending from the Shark River inlet produces blackfish (tautog), bluefish, stripers, and occasional bluefin sightings. A local favorite for experienced anglers.
Target Species
Tips
- •Green crabs work best for blackfish
- •Bring studded boots for algae-covered rocks
- •Occasional bluefin sightings
- •Best at dawn and dusk
Atlantic City Inlet Jetty System
atlantic city
Seven fishable jetties extending into 30+ feet of water, with one spot dropping to 60 feet. Monster sheepshead (10+ lbs) in summer, trophy stripers to 25 lbs in November on bunker chunks.
Target Species
Tips
- •Seven fishable jetties
- •Some spots drop to 60 feet
- •Monster sheepshead (10+ lbs) in summer
- •November stripers to 25 lbs on bunker chunks
- •Use caution on rocks
Asbury Park Fishing Pier
asbury park
Historic pier offering accessible fishing near the boardwalk. Good for beginners and families with various species depending on season.
Target Species
Tips
- •Good for beginners
- •Close to boardwalk amenities
- •Spring and fall for stripers
Highlands Municipal Pier
highlands
Public fishing pier in Highlands with views of Sandy Hook Bay. Popular spot for flounder, weakfish, and striped bass in season.
Target Species
Tips
- •Sandy Hook Bay location
- •Good flounder fishing in spring
- •Free parking available
Point Pleasant Inlet Jetty
point pleasant beach
Rocky jetty at the Manasquan Inlet offering excellent fishing for tautog, bluefish, and striped bass. Strong currents make this suitable for experienced anglers.
Target Species
Tips
- •Strong currents - experienced anglers only
- •Excellent tautog fishing
- •Green crabs and clams for bait
- •Non-slip footwear essential
Cape May Inlet Jetty
cape may
Jetty at the Cape May Inlet where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. Prime spot for striped bass, bluefish, and tautog with strong current producing excellent action.
Target Species
Tips
- •Where Delaware Bay meets Atlantic
- •Strong currents hold fish
- •Spring stripers can be trophy-sized
- •Be careful of waves and slippery rocks
Shore Fishing Essentials
Basic Gear
- • 9-12 ft surf rod (longer for beach casting)
- • Spinning reel (4000-6000 size)
- • 20-30 lb braided line
- • Assorted sinkers (1-4 oz)
- • Circle hooks (various sizes)
- • Fish finder rigs and pyramid sinkers
Best Baits
- Stripers: Bunker, clams, eels
- Blues: Cut bunker, metals
- Fluke: Squid strips, bucktails
- Tautog: Green crabs, Asian crabs
- Kingfish: Bloodworms, squid
Safety Tips
- • Wear studded boots on jetties
- • Never turn your back to the ocean
- • Check tide tables before fishing
- • Bring a headlamp for dawn/dusk
- • Tell someone where you're going
- • Carry a first aid kit
Best Times
- Daily: Dawn and dusk are prime
- Tides: Moving water = feeding fish
- Spring: Stripers arrive April-May
- Summer: Blues, fluke, kingfish
- Fall: Legendary striper run Sept-Dec
- Winter: Tautog around structure
Licenses & Permits
- • NJ Saltwater Registry required (free)
- • Sandy Hook is federal land (no NJ license)
- • Beach buggy permits for 4WD beach access
- • Check species-specific seasons and limits
vs. Charter Boats
Shore fishing is free or low-cost and available anytime. Charters cost $50-100+ per person but provide gear, bait, and expert guidance.
Shore Fishing vs. Charter Budget
Shore fishing is the most affordable way to fish, but gear adds up. Here's a comparison:
| Method | Startup Cost | Per Trip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surf Fishing | $150-300 | $10-30 | Rod, reel, tackle + bait each trip |
| Pier Fishing | $100-200 | $5-25 | Lighter gear + possible pier fee |
| Jetty Fishing | $150-300 | $10-30 | Studded boots essential ($80-120) |
| Party Boat | $0 | $50-90 | All gear included, tip mate $15-20 |
| Private Charter | $0 | $100-200 | Split 4-6 ways, premium experience |
💡 After 5-10 trips, shore fishing gear pays for itself vs. charter costs
Common Shore Fishing Mistakes
Avoid these rookie errors that kill your catch rate:
Fishing the same spot for hours with no bites
Fish move with the tide and bait. Stubbornness = empty cooler while others are catching down the beach.
✓ If you don't get a bite in 20-30 minutes, move. Watch where birds are diving. Ask other anglers what's working.
Ignoring the tide schedule
Dead low tide at noon = dead fishing. You drove an hour to fish the worst possible conditions.
✓ Check tide charts before you go. Moving water (incoming or outgoing tide) means feeding fish. Slack tide = slow fishing.
Wearing regular sneakers on a jetty
Wet rocks + algae = broken wrist, cracked rod, or worse. Jetties are dangerous.
✓ Wear korkers or studded boots with metal cleats. Move slowly. Never go alone. Tell someone where you're fishing.
Using the same rig and bait for every species
Your fluke setup won't catch blackfish. Your striper bait won't interest kingfish. Generic = generic results.
✓ Stop at a local bait shop and ask "what's biting and what are they hitting?" Local intel beats internet advice.
Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops
View all shops →Stop by a local shop for fresh bait and up-to-the-minute fishing intel on what's biting.
Fishermen's Supply Co.
Point Pleasant Beach
Bogan's Kevin Bait & Tackle
Point Pleasant Beach
Jersey Hooker's
Point Pleasant Beach
Plan Your Fishing Trip
Check the seasonal calendar to see what's biting, then find the gear you need at a local bait shop.
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