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Central Jersey
Island Beach State Park
10
/10
Strike Zone!
Outstanding conditions! Multiple species actively feeding.
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Pristine 10-mile barrier island - NJ's premier surf fishing destination
BeachDunesInlet access
Parking
Various lots along park road
Long Walk
Beach access
Permit: State Park entrance fee + Mobile Sportfishing Permit for 4x4 ($195/year)
Current Conditions
Wind
5 mph
SSW
Tide
falling
12h to high
Water
59.1°F
Prime
Pressure
30"
steady
Surf Conditions
Current Surf
moderate2.8 ft
Height
10.173047982872195 sec
Period
E
Direction
Active surf - good bait movement, stripers and blues feeding
Data: Interpolated (3 stations)
Wave Forecast
Today3.7ft E
Tomorrow2.4ft E
TrendDropping
Best Fishing DayTuesday
Current Flow
Current Status
Outgoing1.4
Knots
90°
Direction
Moderate outgoing current
Data: Barnegat Inlet
Fishing Conditions
good
Current slowing, slack in 0.0 hours
Prepare for prime fishing as current slows
Species Forecast
Tap for detailsTop Pick
Striped Bass
Best opportunity today
10
Excellent
Recommended Tackle
PE 1.5-2.0M-MH
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Bluefish
9.7Excellent
PE 1.5-2.0M
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Fluke
10Excellent
PE 0.8-1.0ML-M
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Blackfish
4.1Fair
PE 2.0-3.0MH-H
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Weakfish
10Excellent
PE 0.8-1.0ML
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Kingfish
3.5Low
PE 0.6-0.8L-ML
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Best Target Species
Striped BassBluefishKingfishWeakfish
Local Fishing Guide
💡
Insider Tip
When the bunker pods are thick and nervous, find the edge of the school. Bass herd bait from below. Cast just outside the pod.
Hot Spots
- •A7 - the legendary striper spot, deep trough close to shore
- •A23 (Sedge Island) - protected water, excellent weakfish at night
- •The South End - near Barnegat Inlet, fish stage here before running the inlet
Proven Tactics
- •Read the beach - look for cuts, troughs, and darker water indicating depth
- •Clam bellies in the suds for kingfish, especially after a blow
- •Big plugs at night along the dune line - bass cruise the wash
Seasonal Patterns
Spring
Arrival of the run - schoolies first, then keepers by late May.
Summer
Kingfish paradise. Fish sand fleas or Fishbites in the first trough.
Fall
The pilgrimage - 4x4 anglers chase blitzing bass. Be mobile.
Winter
Park closes to mobile access. Walk-on only. Tog at the inlet rocks.
⚠️Know Before You Go
- •Soft sand can trap vehicles
- •No cell service in many areas
- •Long walks from lots A1-A7
🎣Nearest Bait Shop
Tackle Direct (Seaside)
Get fresh bait and local intel
Tide Schedule
HHigh Tide
1:44 AM
4.6 ft
LLow Tide
8:17 AM
0.5 ft
HHigh Tide
2:13 PM
3.3 ft
LLow Tide
7:50 PM
0.8 ft
HHigh Tide
2:21 AM
4.5 ft
LLow Tide
8:57 AM
0.6 ft
Location
Get Directions →Beach Coordinates
39.8123, -74.0912
Parking Coordinates
39.8130, -74.0920