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.
$114.99
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.
$107.85
Check Current PriceSurf Fishing Waders
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Hellbender Breathable Waterproof Stockingfoot Fishing Chest Wader for Fishing, Slate/Gray, LargeStay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
$99.99
Check Current PriceAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Surf & Pier Tackle
Essential tackle for your shore trip
Ships free with Prime
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.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 5000, Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
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.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
Igloo
Igloo, Trailmate 50 Qt Cooler, Carbonite
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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.
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
PENN Special Senator Star Drag Conventional Nearshore/Offshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 20lb | 9.0kg, Machined and Anodized Aluminum Spool
OKUMA
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Closed Wide Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-50W, 420yds-80LB, Black
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Adjustable Fishing Belt & Shoulder Harness - Safety Buckle with Foam-Padded Straps Fish Rod Holder
Loomcraft
Loomcraft Fishing Belt & Shoulder Strap Harness Set, Enhanced Protection Shoulder Back Support System, with Rod Locking Buckle, Offshore Big Game Fishing Fighting Gear
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.
AGOOL
Trolling Lures Saltwater for Tuna Mahi Marlin Wahoo Dolphin Shark Offshore Trolling Baits with Squid Skirt Big Game Fishing Lures Deep Sea Squid Skirts Rig 6/9 inch
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
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.
Drchoer
Fishing Wire Leaders for Saltwater: 30pcs Stainless Steel Line Leaders Nylon-Coated 19" - 100 LB High Strength Wire Rig for Shark Barracuda Pike Fishing - Black
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Wire Leader - Wire Fishing Leader Line for Saltwater 10lb Up To 250lb Test in Bright, Black, Camo in 30ft, 100ft, 300ft, & 1000ft Lengths
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Plano
Plano Guide Series 3700 XL Tackle Bag, Beige 1680 Denier Fabric with Waterproof Base, Includes 10 StowAway Utility Organization Boxes, Large Premium Fishing Storage
KastKing
KastKing All Weather Fishing Tackle Backpack with 4 Waterproof Tackle Boxes & Removable Rod Holders,Waterproof ArmorShield Fabric Fishing Bag Storage Fishing Gear
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.
Mustad
Mustad Demon Perfect Inline Circle Hook 39950NP, 3X Strong Fishing Hooks, Wide Gap Circle Hook Packs for Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing, Original Design Big Hooks, Black Nickel - Size 8/0-6 Packs
XFISHMAN
XFISHMAN Circle-Hooks-Fishing-Equipment-Octopus-Hooks-Saltwater-50 Pack 7/0
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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
HOKOILN
HOKOILN 2-Pack LED Headlamp Rechargeable with Green & Red Light -1300 Lumen Ultra-Bright Flashlight Headlight for Camping, Running, Hiking, Fishing - Waterproof with 7 Modes
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
Atader
Atader Kayak Anchor Trolley Kit, Standard Anchor Trolley System for Kayak Canoe, Suitable for Freshwater and Saltwater Use, with Stainless Steel Screws
Drift Sock / Sea Anchor
Control drift speed in tidal currents for better presentations.
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 (50'' for 18-20ft 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.
Wade Fishing Bag
Waterproof shoulder bag keeps tackle accessible while wading.
YVLEEN
YVLEEN Sling Fishing Tackle Bag - 1000D Water-Resistant Cross Body Sling Pack & Waist Bag | Multifunctional Outdoor Storage Organizer Fits 2x 3600 Boxes for Men Women
ARCPRO
ARCPRO Fishing Sling Pack, EVA Hardshell with Foldable Workstation, Water-Resistant Convertible Front/Back Tackle Bag for 2×3600 Trays, Saltwater Freshwater Crossbody
Floating Landing Net
Rubberized net that floats - essential when wading in moving water.
FRABILL
Frabill Floating Trout Net, 13" x 18", Black Finish, Fish Landing Net, Tangle-Free Micromesh Netting is Gentle on Fish, Comfortable Handle with Built-in Lanyard and Carabiner
Foreverlast
Foreverlast Inc. Generation 2 Non-Snag Floating Fishing Landing Net for Wade Fishing and Fly Fishing, G2 Pro Net, Orange
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
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
Get Fishing Reports & Gear Deals
Weekly fishing reports, tackle reviews, and exclusive deals for NJ anglers.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Related Guides
More Jersey Shore reads
Beach Coolers Compared
Soft, hard, wheeled, and rotomolded coolers for shore use.
Read more →ComparisonBeach Chairs Compared
Low-sling vs backpack vs Tommy Bahama — what survives the haul.
Read more →Starter kitBeach Day Starter Kit
Cooler, chair, umbrella, and the small stuff that ruins a day if you forget it.
Read more →PlanningSummer at the Shore
Best months, ocean temps, traffic windows, and weekend plans.
Read more →BeachesBeach Towns by County
58 NJ shore towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Read more →FishingFishing in NJ
Charters, surf fishing, regulations, and what bites when.
Read more →Water qualityBeach Water Quality
Live monitoring of NJ beach water across 268 stations.
Read more →HubAll Gear Categories
Browse every category — surf, fish, paddle, beach, kids.
Read more →Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →