Great Bay & Mullica River
New Jersey's wildest estuary where the Pine Barrens meets the sea. Pristine salt marshes, world-class birding, striped bass fishing, and scenic drives through protected wilderness.
About Great Bay
Great Bay is a remarkable estuary at the southern end of New Jersey's barrier island system, where the Mullica River — the state's wildest river — flows from the heart of the Pine Barrens into Little Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the more developed Barnegat Bay to the north, Great Bay retains a pristine, remote character.
The bay is surrounded by the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, protecting over 48,000 acres of coastal habitat. This makes it one of the most important stops on the Atlantic Flyway, with 360+ bird species recorded. The area is accessible from Tuckertonvia the famous Great Bay Boulevard — known locally as "Seven Bridges Road."
Wildlife & Birding
Internationally recognized birding hotspot
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
One of the most significant wildlife refuges on the East Coast, protecting over 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitat. More than 82% is wetlands — primarily salt marsh with shallow coves and bays. The 8-mile Wildlife Drive offers an exceptional self-guided tour.
Birds of Prey
- • Osprey (nesting Apr-Aug)
- • Bald Eagles (year-round)
- • Peregrine Falcons
- • Northern Harriers
Wading Birds
- • Great Blue Herons
- • Great Egrets
- • Snowy Egrets
- • Black-crowned Night Herons
- • Glossy Ibis
Shorebirds
- • American Oystercatchers
- • Willets
- • Least Terns
- • Black Skimmers
- • Semipalmated Plovers
Marine Life
- • Diamondback Terrapins
- • Horseshoe Crabs (May-Jun)
- • Harbor Seals (winter)
- • Blue Crabs
Best Times for Wildlife Viewing
Fishing the Mullica River & Great Bay
Striped bass, white perch, and more
The Mullica River is arguably the wildest river remaining in New Jersey — a 50-mile journey from the Pine Barrens to the sea. The tea-colored "cedar water" creates a unique fishery. Fall striper fishing is legendary, with big bass chasing bait up the river. White perch fishing is equally popular, perhaps even more so than stripers among local anglers.
Top Fishing Spots
Deep Point
Prime striped bass spot, especially during fall run. Deep water near channel.
Best: Apr-May, Oct-Nov
Doctor's Point
Productive structure area with good striper action.
Best: Apr-May, Oct-Nov
The Swimming Over
Shallow bar area that holds bait and predators.
Best: May-Jun, Sep-Oct
Hog Island
Island structure concentrates fish. Good for drifting.
Best: May-Oct
Swan Bay
Protected bay with excellent striper and white perch fishing.
Best: Year-round
Wading River Mouth
Where Pine Barrens cedar water meets the bay. Unique fishery.
Best: Apr-Nov
Striped Bass Tips
- • Best Bait: Live eels are king for big fall bass
- • Live Spot: Also effective, especially summer
- • Peak Season: October-November for the fall run
- • Strategy: Fish incoming tide around structure
White Perch Tips
- • Local Favorite: Heavily targeted, excellent eating
- • Technique: Bottom fishing with cut bait or grass shrimp
- • Where: River bends, deeper holes, near structure
- • When: Year-round, best spring and fall
South Jersey Outfitters
Tuckerton, NJ
Premier fishing charter service for Great Bay and Mullica River. Captain Stanley Jackson offers years of local expertise. Half-day and full-day trips targeting flounder, striped bass, and bluefish.
Visit website →Book a Great Bay Fishing Charter
Search fishing charters in the Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor area.
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Kayaking & Paddling
Explore Pine Barrens waters and salt marshes
The Mullica River and Great Bay offer exceptional paddling through pristine salt marshes and the unique tea-colored waters of the Pine Barrens. The calm, protected waters are suitable for intermediate paddlers, though tidal currents require awareness. Morning paddles typically have the calmest conditions.
Launch Points & Rentals
Chestnut Neck Boat Yard
Boat RampRoute 9 (GSP Exit 48 southbound)
Primary public launch for Mullica River and Great Bay. Ramp, parking, and basic facilities.
Access: Public
Captain Mike's Marina
Marina630 Great Bay Blvd, Tuckerton
Historic marina since 1935. Kayak rentals, boat rentals (skiffs, pontoons), and guided tours.
Access: Rentals available
Visit website →First Bridge Marina & Kayak
Kayak Launch500 Great Bay Boulevard, Tuckerton
Kayak rentals and launch on Great Bay Boulevard. Good access to marsh channels.
Access: Rentals available
Visit website →Scotts Landing
Boat RampScotts Landing Road, Galloway Township
Within Forsythe Refuge. Access to state waters and waterfowl hunt areas.
Access: Public
Lily Lake Kayak Launch
Kayak LaunchForsythe Refuge Headquarters, Galloway
Kayak/canoe launch within the wildlife refuge. Quarter mile west of headquarters.
Access: Public (refuge fees apply)
Paddling Tips
Great Bay Boulevard Scenic Drive
The famous "Seven Bridges Road"
Great Bay Boulevard is one of New Jersey's most unique drives — a 7-mile road crossing salt marshes via seven wooden bridges (each with a traffic light for alternating one-way traffic). The road ends at Rutgers Marine Field Station, offering stunning views of untouched coastal wilderness. Watch for terrapins crossing the road! — hundreds can be seen on sunny days.
Tuckerton Seaport
Mile 0Must Stop40-acre maritime village with museums, boat building, and replica baymen buildings. Start your journey here.
First Bridge
Mile 0.5First of the seven bridges. First Bridge Marina & Kayak offers rentals here.
Great Bay Boulevard WMA
Mile 1-5Must StopSalt marsh wildlife management area. Watch for terrapins crossing the road! Prime birding territory.
Captain Mike's Marina
Mile 5Must StopHistoric marina since 1935. Kayak/boat rentals, restrooms, and snacks.
Jacques Cousteau Reserve
Mile 6National Estuarine Research Reserve with walking trail and educational programs.
Rutgers Marine Field Station
Mile 7Must StopEnd of the road. Research station with small beach. Turn around point.
Scenic Drive Tips
- • Allow 1-2 hours for the drive with stops
- • Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing
- • Drive slowly and watch for terrapins on road
- • Best times: early morning or late afternoon for wildlife and lighting
- • Limited facilities — bring water and snacks
Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum
Start your Great Bay adventure at Tuckerton Seaport, a 40-acre maritime village celebrating the heritage of New Jersey's baymen. See traditional boat building, decoy carving, and replica historic buildings. The ferry to Beach Havenon LBI departs from here.
- • Traditional boat building demonstrations
- • Decoy carving workshops
- • Maritime history museum
- • Ferry to Beach Haven (LBI)
Visit Info
- Address: 120 W Main St, Tuckerton
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (seasonal)
- Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children
- tuckertonseaport.org →
Nearby Towns
Related Guides
Explore New Jersey's Wild Side
Great Bay offers a glimpse of the Jersey Shore before development — pristine salt marshes, world-class birding, and the state's wildest river flowing from the Pine Barrens to the sea.