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Central Jersey
Island Beach State Park
2.6
/10
Tough Conditions
Challenging conditions. Consider waiting for improvement.
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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
6 mph
WSW
Tide
falling
10.3h to high
Water
36.1°F
Active
Pressure
30"
steady
Surf Conditions
Current Surf
rough4.7 ft
Height
9.785422513639457 sec
Period
SSE
Direction
Heavy surf - challenging, consider protected spots
Data: Interpolated (3 stations)
Wave Forecast
Today3.5ft S
Tomorrow2.5ft SSE
TrendDropping
Best Fishing DayThursday
Current Flow
Current Status
Outgoing1.4
Knots
90°
Direction
Moderate outgoing current
Next slack: 12:51 PM (2.8h)
Data: Barnegat Inlet
Fishing Conditions
fair
Moderate outgoing current
Adjust weight and presentation for current
Species Forecast
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Weakfish
Best opportunity today
3.7
Low
Recommended Tackle
PE 0.8-1.0ML
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Striped Bass
2.1Low
PE 1.5-2.0M-MH
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Bluefish
1Low
PE 1.5-2.0M
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Fluke
1Low
PE 0.8-1.0ML-M
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Blackfish
2.1Low
PE 2.0-3.0MH-H
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Kingfish
1.9Low
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
LLow Tide
12:53 AM
0.1 ft
HHigh Tide
7:35 AM
4.1 ft
LLow Tide
2:19 PM
0.1 ft
HHigh Tide
8:17 PM
2.9 ft
LLow Tide
2:07 AM
0.0 ft
HHigh Tide
8:47 AM
4.2 ft
Location
Get Directions →Beach Coordinates
39.8123, -74.0912
Parking Coordinates
39.8130, -74.0920