Fishing Tips for New Jersey Anglers

Ready. Set. Reel!

By: Chuck Karr and Jonathan Klotz, Fisheries Technicians

New Jersey offers numerous ways for saltwater anglers to fish from land or sea. In the surf, off a pier, or on a boat, each fishing location has unique opportunities and its own set of challenges and rewards for those willing to try. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, all are welcome to take advantage of the countless opportunities to get out there and go fishing.

Fishing from the Shore

Oceanside shore fishing can be done along our coast, from Sandy Hook to Cape May. The most common type is surf fishing from the sandy shore, where you cast into the ocean’s surf. A popular form of surf fishing is to “deadstick”, meaning cut or artificially scented bait is cast into the surf, then the rod is placed in a holder, commonly a sand spike, where the angler will wait for a bite. This allows for the scent of the bait to disperse throughout the water in hopes a fish will be drawn to it and bite. Live bait is a less popular alternative given the difficulty of controlling it in unpredictable water conditions. The benefit of “deadsticking” is the ease of management required when casting and checking bait; however, the drawback is that the bait remains in one spot. Using artificial lures is another way to fish the surf. An angler will cast and retrieve a lure in hopes of attracting (luring) a fish in for a bite, and is appealing for those targeting striped bass, bluefish, or kingfish. The benefit to fishing this way is the ability to cover large areas of the surf, casting different parts of the beach as you go. Different lures and retrieval techniques are used depending on the species of fish being targeted. Even though structure may be hard to come by in the surf, sandbars and troughs provide more than enough for fish to congregate.

Jetties along parts of the Jersey Shore can be fished oceanside as well as in the inlets and along parts of estuarine waters. The rocks provide structure for fish such as tautog, black sea bass, and sheepshead to hide, giving anglers places to target fish. Some jetties have manmade infrastructure like guardrails and concrete walkways, so it is important to always put safety first when traversing slippery rocks.

Fishing piers can be found throughout the state, some jutting into the ocean, some built into backwaters like bays and rivers. A handful of these piers are exclusively built for fishing, while others are manmade structures created for a variety of recreational purposes. Piers provide access to deeper waters not accessible from shore and provide structure for fish to gather around.

Manmade structures across the state provide abundant fishable locations from shore into the backwaters and inlets. These include bulkheads, bridges, and walkways that improve and extend fishable shorelines. Before traversing these manmade structures, make sure that fishing and your presence on these structures is allowed. Casting cut or live bait and artificial lures can all be used from jetties, piers, and many manmade structures. Some popular estuarine targets include winter flounder, Atlantic croaker, and spot.

Shore fishing in New Jersey can provide endless hours of family fun and exciting thrills. There are numerous places to explore, where anglers can find new fishing spots. For the best selection of shore fishing equipment, including rigs, lures, and bait needed for whatever species you may target, visit and consult local bait and tackle shops in the areas you will be fishing. They will have up-to-date fishing reports, local knowledge, and experience to best help you on your angling journey. Remember, different species of fish are present at different times of the year, each requiring unique gear and techniques to fish.

Fishing by Private Boat

For those who prefer to be on the water, being on board a vessel will typically provide the most rewarding fishing in New Jersey. Whether it’s fishing in the back bays, ocean, or local estuaries such as the Raritan or Delaware, fishing from a boat is one of the best ways to maximize your odds of a fun and successful day on the water. The maneuverability and ability to relocate quickly from spot to spot in search of the bite are an unmatched advantage. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to fish from a boat, even if you don’t own one. There are many guide services, charter boats, and head boats that offer the general public the opportunity to get out on the water and will even provide you with gear and bait for the day.

A private vessel will generally provide the most freedom to fish as you please. Make sure you have all the gear necessary to have a productive and safe day of fishing, and plenty of tackle, as some of the most popular and productive fishing spots are artificial reefs just off the coast. These reefs were created by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife sinking decommissioned vessels, train cars, reef balls, and various other materials. The result is great habitat for many of our most popular game species. The fish living amongst the reef love to grab your bait and run back inside the structure where they were living, occasionally resulting in lost hooks or sinkers, so be careful! Some boats choose to drift over top of these structures when targeting species like summer flounder, while others opt to anchor up on a specific structure on the reef for species such as tautog or black sea bass. A good anchor is essential on every vessel, not only for fishing purposes but also in case of emergencies, keeping you in the same location until you are safely escorted back to the dock.

A GPS will help you navigate and find your fishing spots. Many are sold with a sonar combo, allowing you, in some instances, to see the fish under the boat, or at least the structure on which you are fishing. A good fish finder is most useful when targeting fish that live in the middle of the water column, typically striped bass, bluefish, or tuna.

For most bottom-dwelling fish, there are two essential rigs that you should pack in your tackle bag. The first one is called a fishfinder rig. This is the simplest rig to tie and consists of a hook on one end tied to 24-36 inches of leader line, followed by a barrel swivel on the other end of the leader. Above the barrel swivel on the mainline is a slider or “fishfinder” with the weight attached. The slider allows the fish to pick up the bait and swim freely, without feeling the weight of the sinker. The second rig you should always pack is a hi/low rig, also known as a top and bottom rig. This rig allows you to fish two hooks simultaneously, increasing the odds of catching a fish. Make sure you pack a net to safely land the fish once you reel them to the boat. The last thing every angler wants to see is a monster get away after attempting to flip it over the side of the boat. Lures are commonly used for surface feeders or fish feeding off the bottom. Few fish can refuse the shine of a metal spoon or a diamond jig, but bucktails and weighted jig heads tipped with an artificial paddle tail or jerk shad are also fantastic options for more picky species.

Boat Rentals and For-Hire Vessels

If you don’t own a boat, but still want to have a more personal experience, no worries! There are plenty of places that offer rentals. Rental boats are typically either a small skiff or a pontoon boat for larger parties. Some locations even offer fishing rod rentals in the event you were unable to pack your own for vacation. The rental service will be able to guide you in the right direction as far as what species are in season and what rigs and bait you should be using. Local knowledge will always be one of the most dependable sources of information when it comes to the ever-changing nature of fishing.

New Jersey has one of the largest for-hire fleets along the East Coast. There are two different types of for-hire vessels. The first are charter boats. These boats typically carry up to 6 passengers and require a reservation. A captain will provide you and a few friends or family members the opportunity to fish on their boat in a more intimate setting. Rods, bait, and tackle are provided unless told otherwise. Fishing with an avid angler is one of the best ways to learn about the local offerings. In this smaller setting, you get to learn not only how to fish for different species, but also tips and tricks from some of the most knowledgeable anglers in the state. Some charter boats will even allow you to join an already existing reservation with the party’s permission to lower the cost.

The other type of for-hire vessel in New Jersey is a head boat, or more commonly referred to as a “party boat”. These boats are open to the general public and usually do not require any type of reservation. Typically, a much larger vessel than the charter boats, head boats can carry over 100 passengers, allowing for a much more cost-effective day on the water. The boats will have one or more mates to help during your trip, from tying your rigs, to netting and filleting your fish. For a nominal fee, rods will be provided if you don’t have your own. Bait is provided by the vessel. Just make sure you get there early and claim your spot on the boat!

All in all, New Jersey offers some of the best fishing opportunities. Whether it’s one of the many designated fishing piers, the long list of for-hire vessels, or one of the countless private vessels in the fleet, one never lacks the opportunity to get out on the water. Locals and vacationers alike have created many memories while taking advantage of the resources our bays and ocean have to offer. It’s up to you to get out there and catch them. You can’t catch ‘em from the couch! Just remember to do your homework first - have a basic understanding of rules and regulations, including your annual registration with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registering is free and mandatory, unless you are solely fishing on one of the for-hire vessels.