Fishing Gear Guide
Everything you need to catch stripers, blues, fluke, and more along the Jersey Shore. From surf rods to offshore tackle, we've got you covered.
New Jersey offers incredible fishing opportunities from surf casting to offshore charters. Whether you're targeting striped bass from the beach, jigging for fluke in the bays, or trolling for tuna offshore, having the right gear is essential.
Surf Fishing Setup Comparison
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA HandlesVersatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
$119.98
Check Current PriceTackle Box
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle StorageOrganize lures, hooks, and tackle.
$28.79
Check Current PriceFishing Cooler (50qt+)
Coleman
Coleman Marine Cooler with Fully Insulated UV Guard Lid & Body, Keeps Ice for 3+ Days, Great for Boating & Fishing, 52qt/100qt Wheeled/120qt OptionsKeep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
$107.25
Check Current PriceSurf Fishing Waders
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Men's Amphib Stockingfoot Neoprene Waterproof Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Forest Green, LargeStay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
$89.15
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Surf & Pier Tackle
Essential tackle for your shore trip
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Rods, reels, and tackle for fishing from the beach, pier, or jetty.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle Storage
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal 3500 Double-Sided Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box – Adjustable Dividers, EVA Foam Jig Storage, Lure & Terminal Tackle Organizer,2 Pack
Fishing Cooler (50qt+)
Keep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
Coleman
Coleman Marine Cooler with Fully Insulated UV Guard Lid & Body, Keeps Ice for 3+ Days, Great for Boating & Fishing, 52qt/100qt Wheeled/120qt Options
“Holds ice through a full day on a Manasquan or Barnegat charter.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Igloo
Igloo 70 QT Latitude Marine Ultra White Cooler
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Men's Amphib Stockingfoot Neoprene Waterproof Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Forest Green, Large
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Hellbender Breathable Waterproof Stockingfoot Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Slate/Gray, Large
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
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Offshore & Boat Tackle
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Heavy-duty gear for tuna, mahi, and other offshore species.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6' - 80-120lbs - Carbon Butt)
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6'6'' - 120-200lbs - Bent Butt)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Braid
Braid Products Bluefin Harness (Fits up to 54-Inch)
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Adjustable Fishing Belt & Shoulder Harness with Rod Holder, Foam-Padded Fighting Harness, Durable Offshore Saltwater Stand-Up Belt for Big Game Fishing – Blue
Gaff Hook
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.
Dutiplus
Dutiplus Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Sharp Hook Tackle, Non-Slip Handle Thickened Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
SANLIKE
SANLIKE Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Soft Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
Trolling Lures & Spreader Bars
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.
Narcissus
Narcissus 6PCS Trolling Lures Kit Saltwater – 6.5inch Offshore Big Game Fishing Lures,Pre-Rigged Lure with Mesh Storage Bag for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi, Wahoo
TROLLING PRO TACKLE
(3 Pack) Tuna Feather Offshore Fishing Lures 6" Long 150lb Leader Dolphin Yellow Fin Tuna Mahi Wahoo Saltwater Trolling Fishing Lures Stainless Hooks. Flash Resin Head for Unmatched Offshore trolling
Insulated Fish Bag
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO 48'' Fish Kill Bag Game Bag Leak Proof Insulated for Offshore Inshore Fishing Designed in USA (48X24)
Buffalo Gear
Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag 106Qt Fish Kill Bag with YKK Zipper, Flat Bottorm Fishing Bag Keep Your Catch Cool and Fresh All Day
Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon, Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, 210 lb Test, .051" Diameter, Black, 30 ft
AMYSPORTS
AMYSPORTS Freshwater Rigs Fishing Leaders Saltwater Heavy Duty Fishing Leader Stainless Rig Swivels Wire Leader Lure Black Nickel 60pcs
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag – Salt Water Resistant Tackle Box Bag, 1000D PVC Waterproof Material, Durable Liner, Removable Dividers, for 3600 or 3700 Trays, XL
Baitium
Baitium Fishing Backpack, Tackle Bag With Rod Holders, 40L Capacity With Cooler, Rain Cover, Insulated Pocket, 4 Tackle Trays Included- (Green)
Diamond Jigs
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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Bay & Tidal Fishing
Gear up for the tides
Track tides & catch more fish
Light tackle for back bay fishing, flounder, and weakfish.
Fishing Tide Watch
Track tides, moon phases, and barometric pressure on your wrist.
Wading Belt
Critical safety gear - prevents waders from filling with water if you fall.
Fishing Headlamp
Red/green light modes preserve night vision for dawn/dusk tide fishing.
LHKNL
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight, Lumen Ultra-Light Bright LED Rechargeable Headlight with White Red Light, 2-Pack Waterproof Motion Sensor Head Lamp,8 Modes for Outdoor Camping Running Hiking Fishing
DARKBEAM
DARKBEAM Red LED Headlamp Dual Light High Lumens USB Rechargeable Redlight Headlight for Hardhat with Motion Sensor, Up/Down Adjustable, Waterproof Head Lamps for Camping, Fishing, Hunting
Kayak Anchor Trolley
Position your kayak precisely in tidal currents for optimal fishing.
YUSOVE
Kayak Anchor Trolley Kit Anchor Wizard Kayak LeverLock Anchor Trolley,Anchor System for Kayak Canoes Boat etc,Rope Cleat carabiner Pulley Anchor Ring Pad Eyes 30 Feet paracord,With Bolts Screws Rivets
VEITHI
Anchor Trolley Kit for Kayak Canoe, with Zig Zag Cleat/30ft Rope/Pulleys/Pad Eyes/Snap Hooks/Rigging O Ring/Mounting Hardware, for Kayak Canoe Boats Water Sports
Drift Sock / Sea Anchor
Control drift speed in tidal currents for better presentations.
MOOCY
MOOCY Drift Sock for Fishing Boat, Sea Anchor Drift Control Bag for Kayak, Canoe, Pontoon & Trolling Boats - Water Brake Parachute with Harness Buoy Ball Rope Float & Dump Line (18'' for 14ft Boat)
MOOCY
MOOCY Drift Sock with Dump Line Harness Buoy Ball Rope Float for Fishing Boat, Sea Anchor Drift Control Bag for Kayak, Canoe, Pontoon & Trolling Boats - Water Brake Parachute
Portable Fish Finder
Find bait concentrations and structure in tidal areas.
Deeper
Deeper Start Fish Finder - Portable and Depth Finder for Recreational Fishing from Dock, Shore, Bank or Kayak | Castable Deeper Smart Sonar with Free User Friendly App
Deeper
Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats and Ice Fishing with GPS Enabled | Castable Deeper Fish Finder with FREE User Friendly App
Wade Fishing Bag
Waterproof shoulder bag keeps tackle accessible while wading.
KastKing
KastKing BaitSpace Standard Fishing Tackle Sling Bag, Water-resistant Sling Pack for Bank, Wader & Boat Fishing, Rod & Beverage Holder, Adjustable Straps, Durable 420D Nylon Fabric
KastKing
KastKing BaitSpace Standard Fishing Tackle Sling Bag, Water-resistant Sling Pack for Bank, Wader & Boat Fishing, Rod & Beverage Holder, Adjustable Straps, Durable 420D Nylon Fabric
Floating Landing Net
Rubberized net that floats - essential when wading in moving water.
Foreverlast
Foreverlast Inc. Generation 2 Non-Snag Floating Fishing Landing Net for Wade Fishing and Fly Fishing, G2 Pro Net, Orange
Foreverlast
Foreverlast Inc. Generation 2 Non-Snag Floating Fishing Landing Net for Wade Fishing and Fly Fishing, Standard Net, One Size
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Seasonal Fishing Gear Guide
Spring (Mar-May)
Striper Season Opens
- Surf rod 10-12ft
- Bunker chunks & clam
- Circle hooks 6/0-8/0
- Waders recommended
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak Variety
- Light tackle for fluke
- Wire leaders for blues
- Live bait (spot, killies)
- Offshore trolling gear
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Striper Blitz
- Metal lures (Hopkins)
- Bucktails for stripers
- Tog jigs & green crabs
- Heavier surf gear
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Tog & Blackfish
- Short, stiff boat rods
- Green & Asian crabs
- Heavy jigheads 1-4oz
- Cold weather gear
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Fishing Gear FAQs
What fishing rod length do I need for surf fishing in NJ?▼
For surf fishing, a 9-12 foot medium-heavy rod is ideal. The longer length helps cast beyond the breakers. For pier or jetty fishing, a shorter 7-9 foot rod offers more control. Boat fishing typically uses 6-7 foot rods.
What size spinning reel do I need for striped bass?▼
For striped bass, use a 4000-6000 size spinning reel. The 4000 works for smaller fish and lighter tackle. Go with 5000-6000 for surf fishing or targeting larger fish. Match your reel to 15-30lb braided line.
Do I need wire leaders for bluefish?▼
Yes, wire leaders are essential for bluefish. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono and fluorocarbon in seconds. Use 6-12 inch wire leaders, and pre-make extras - you will lose some to toothy fish.
What is the best bait for NJ surf fishing?▼
Fresh bunker (menhaden) chunks are the top choice for stripers and blues. Clam works well for kingfish and croaker. Bloodworms and sandworms are excellent for weakfish and flounder. Buy fresh from local bait shops.
Should I use braided or mono line for surf fishing?▼
Braided line is preferred for surf fishing. It casts farther due to thinner diameter, has no stretch for solid hooksets, and is more sensitive. Use 15-30lb braid with a mono or fluoro leader to prevent line shy fish.
More Fishing Gear Resources
Find local tackle shops, rent gear, or learn how to choose and maintain your equipment.
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