Striped Bass Fishing NJ
The legendary fall striper run draws anglers from across the country to New Jersey's coast. Trophy fish, stunning sunrises, and the thrill of the hunt - this is what Jersey Shore fishing is all about.
Every fall, millions of striped bass migrate south along the New Jersey coast, creating one of the most exciting fishing events on the East Coast. The NJ fall striper run typically peaks from late October through November, with trophy fish exceeding 40 pounds not uncommon. Whether you fish from the surf, jetties, or charter boats, this is the time to catch the fish of a lifetime.
Book a Striper Charter
Fish with experienced captains who know exactly where the stripers are holding. Charters available from Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Barnegat Light.
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The Legendary Fall Run
Each September, striped bass begin their annual southward migration from New England waters. As they travel along the Jersey Shore, they push massive schools of bunker (menhaden) and other baitfish toward the beach, creating a feeding frenzy that surf anglers and charter captains alike live for.
September
Early arrivals, smaller fish
October
Run builds momentum
November
PEAK - Trophy fish!
December
Late giants, dedicated anglers
Best Striper Fishing Spots in NJ
Island Beach State Park
Legendary surf fishing destination, especially during the fall run. Beach buggy permits available for 4WD access to remote beaches.
Access: Beach buggy permit or walk-in
Sandy Hook
Multiple jetties and miles of beach. Federal land means no NJ license required, but federal registration applies.
Access: Free (federal park fees apply in summer)
Barnegat Light Jetty
The most famous jetty on the Jersey Shore. Long rock jetty provides access to deep water and structure.
Access: State park (small fee)
Manasquan Inlet
Point Pleasant inlet produces trophy fish during the fall run. Fish the rocks at dawn and dusk.
Access: Free public access
Delaware Bay
Often overlooked, Delaware Bay offers excellent spring striper fishing along with black drum.
Access: Various public access points
Book a Striper Charter
For the best chance at a trophy striper, book a charter with a captain who knows the local waters. These ports specialize in striped bass fishing:
Belmar
Premier striper port with Canyon Eagle fleet and SS Miss Belmar
View charters →Point Pleasant
Family fishing heritage at productive Manasquan Inlet
View charters →Barnegat Light
Viking Village fleet with local striper expertise
View charters →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
NJ Striped Bass Regulations (2026)
Size Limit
28" - 31"
Slot limit - fish must be within range
Bag Limit
1 Fish
Per angler, per day
Hook Requirement
Circle Hooks
Mandatory with natural bait
Note: Regulations change frequently. Always check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website for current rules before fishing.
Striper Fishing Techniques
Live Bait
Live bunker is the #1 bait for trophy stripers. Hook through the back or nose and fish under a float or on a fish-finder rig. Eels are deadly at night.
- • Live bunker (menhaden) - King of striper baits
- • Eels - Best at night, use 5/0-7/0 circle hooks
- • Fresh clams - Great for surf fishing
- • Bunker chunks - When live bait isn't available
Artificial Lures
When stripers are actively feeding, lures allow you to cover water and trigger reaction strikes. Fish dawn and dusk for best results.
- • White bucktails (1-3 oz) - Classic and effective
- • Swimming plugs - Daiwa SP Minnow, Bomber
- • Metal spoons - Hopkins, Kastmaster
- • Soft plastics - Hogy, Storm Shads
Striper Charter Budget Guide
| Option | Total Cost | Per Person | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Charter (private, 4-6 hrs) | $500-800 | $85-135 | Split 6 ways. Great for beginners. |
| Full-Day Charter (private, 8-10 hrs) | $800-1,200 | $135-200 | Split 6 ways. Best for trophy fish. |
| Party Boat (per person) | N/A | $60-90 | Walk-on, no reservation needed. |
| Tackle/Bait (if not included) | $20-40 | $20-40 | Most charters include. |
| Tip (mate/captain) | $80-150 | $15-25 | 15-20% is standard. |
| NJ Fishing License | $22.50 | $22.50 | Resident rate. Non-res $34. |
| Food/Drinks | $15-30 | $15-30 | Bring your own. |
Realistic budget: $120-180 per person for a half-day private charter split 6 ways, including tip and license.
Striper Fishing Gear Checklist
Essential
- • NJ Fishing License
- • Circle hooks (5/0-8/0)
- • Leader material (50-80 lb)
- • Pliers/dehooker
- • Measuring tape
Bait
- • Live bunker (menhaden)
- • Fresh clams (surf)
- • Eels (night fishing)
- • Bunker chunks (backup)
Lures
- • White bucktails (1-3 oz)
- • Swimming plugs
- • Metal spoons
- • Soft plastic shads
Comfort
- • Layered clothing
- • Rain gear
- • Sunscreen/sunglasses
- • Food/water
- • Cooler for fish
Note: Charter boats typically provide all tackle and bait. This list is for shore/surf anglers.
Common Striper Fishing Mistakes
Using J-hooks with live bait
Gut-hooked fish. Increased mortality on released fish. Also illegal in NJ - circle hooks are mandatory.
✓ Always use circle hooks with natural bait. They hook in the corner of the mouth.
Fishing the wrong tide
Sitting on dead water for hours. No action. Stripers are tide-dependent feeders.
✓ Fish the moving water - 2 hours before and after tide changes are prime. Ask your captain.
Setting the hook too hard on circle hooks
Pulling bait out of fish's mouth. Missed fish after missed fish.
✓ Let the fish load the rod, then slowly lift. Circle hooks do the work.
Not checking regulations before the trip
Keeping wrong-sized fish. Fines up to $100+ per fish. Ruined trip.
✓ NJ slot is 28-31". One fish per person. Rules change - always verify before fishing.
Bringing cheap, light tackle for trophy fish
Broken rod, lost fish of a lifetime, disappointed angler.
✓ Use medium-heavy to heavy gear. 40-50 lb braid minimum. Charters provide appropriate tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for striped bass fishing in NJ?
The legendary fall run (September through December) offers the best striped bass fishing in NJ. Peak action is typically late October through November when large migratory fish move south along the coast. Spring (April-May) also offers excellent striper fishing as fish migrate north.
What are the NJ striped bass regulations?
Current NJ regulations require a 28-31 inch slot limit with a 1 fish per angler daily bag limit. Circle hooks are mandatory when using natural bait. The bonus program for larger fish may apply - always check the latest NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife regulations before fishing.
Where is the best striper fishing in New Jersey?
Top spots include Island Beach State Park (surf fishing), Sandy Hook (jetties and surf), Barnegat Inlet, Manasquan Inlet, and the Delaware Bay. For charter fishing, Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Barnegat Light offer excellent striper trips.
What bait works best for striped bass in NJ?
Live bunker (menhaden) is the #1 bait for trophy stripers, especially during the fall run. Fresh clams work great for surf fishing. Eels are deadly at night. For lures, white bucktails, swimming plugs, and metal spoons are consistent producers.
How much does a striper charter cost in NJ?
Half-day striper charters run $500-800 for private boats (up to 6 anglers). Full-day trips cost $800-1,200. Party boats offer per-person rates of $60-90. During peak fall run, book 2-4 weeks ahead for weekend trips.
Can you catch striped bass year-round in NJ?
While stripers can be caught most of the year, the best fishing is during the spring migration (April-May) and the fall run (September-December). Summer fishing is slower as most bass move to cooler northern waters. Some resident bass remain in the bays and rivers year-round.
Book Your Striper Charter
Don't miss the fall run! Book a charter with experienced captains who know where the stripers are holding.
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