Striped Bass Fishing NJ

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.

📍 Seaside Park

Sandy Hook

beginner

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.

📍 Highlands

8th Street Jetty (Townsends Inlet)

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.

📍 Sea Isle City

Corson's Inlet / 59th Street

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.

📍 Ocean City

Wildwood Municipal Beach Jetties

Multiple jetties along Wildwood's free beaches offer excellent fishing for tautog and sheepshead. The jetty structure holds fish year-round.

SpringFallWinter

📍 Wildwood

Long Beach Island Surf Zone

beginner

Miles of fishable beach along LBI. The beaches near Barnegat Inlet are particularly productive. Beach buggy access available with permit.

View all 202+ access sites →

📍 Beach Haven

Shore Fishing Access for Striped Bass

NJDEP-registered public fishing access points where striped bass are commonly caught from shore. These sites offer free or low-cost access to productive striper waters.

24-7 Bait And Tackle

Egg Harbor Twn, Atlantic County

Absecon Bay Sportsman Center

Absecon, Atlantic County

Atlantic City Jetties North & South

Atlantic City, Atlantic County

both

Bayside Bait & Tackle

Brigantine, Atlantic County

Blue Water Marina

Margate, Atlantic County

Bob's Marine

Brigantine, Atlantic County

Brigantine Island Surf (North)

Brigantine, Atlantic County

Beach/Bank

Brigantine Public Ramp

Brigantine, Atlantic County

Chestnut Neck Boatyard

Port Republic, Atlantic County

View all 202 shore access sites for striped bass →

Top Charters for Striped Bass

Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access

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The Gambler

point-pleasant-beach

Party Boat

✓Family operation since 1949
✓Widest party boat in class

$60/person$

Miss Chris Boats

Cape May

Party Boat

✓Three daily departure times
✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel

$50/person$

Highroller Fishing

Atlantic City

Party Boat

✓No Seasick Guarantee
✓Only back bay party boat in AC

$50/person$

Starlight Fleet

Wildwood

Party Boat

✓85-foot vessel
✓Family-friendly atmosphere

$55/person$

Compare all striped bass charters and book online

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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.

BelmarPoint PleasantCape MayAtlantic CityBarnegat Light

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Recommended Gear for Striped Bass

The right gear makes all the difference. Here is what experienced anglers recommend for targeting striped bass at the Jersey Shore.

Medium-Heavy Surf Rod (10-12ft)

$80-250

Long rod for distance casting off the beach. Look for fast action for setting circle hooks.

Spinning Reel (4000-6000 size)

$100-300

Salt-resistant reel with smooth drag. Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa are top choices.

30-50lb Braided Line

$25-45

Thin diameter braid for casting distance. Add 30lb fluorocarbon leader.

Circle Hooks (5/0-8/0)

$8-15

Mandatory for NJ striped bass fishing with bait. Reduces gut-hooking for release.

Surf Bag & Spike

$25-60

Keep gear organized and rod upright in the sand. Essential for beach fishing.