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Central Jersey
Island Beach State Park
8.1
/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
7 mph
SE
Tide
rising
1.7h to high
Water
57.2°F
Prime
Pressure
30"
steady
Surf Conditions
Current Surf
rough4 ft
Height
10.108820361322575 sec
Period
E
Direction
Heavy surf - challenging, consider protected spots
Data: Interpolated (3 stations)
Wave Forecast
Today3.7ft ESE
Tomorrow3.7ft E
TrendSteady
Best Fishing DayMonday
Current Flow
Current Status
Incoming0.2
Knots
270°
Direction
Light incoming current
Next slack: 11:34 AM (0.3h)
Data: Barnegat Inlet
Fishing Conditions
excellent
Slack water provides ideal fishing conditions
Prime time for bottom fishing and structure fishing
Species Forecast
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Striped Bass
Best opportunity today
10
Excellent
Recommended Tackle
PE 1.5-2.0M-MH
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Bluefish
4.4Fair
PE 1.5-2.0M
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Fluke
2.7Low
PE 0.8-1.0ML-M
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Blackfish
1Low
PE 2.0-3.0MH-H
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Weakfish
10Excellent
PE 0.8-1.0ML
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Kingfish
1Low
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
12:30 AM
4.8 ft
LLow Tide
7:01 AM
0.3 ft
HHigh Tide
12:55 PM
3.4 ft
LLow Tide
6:39 PM
0.5 ft
HHigh Tide
1:07 AM
4.7 ft
LLow Tide
7:38 AM
0.4 ft
Location
Get Directions →Beach Coordinates
39.8123, -74.0912
Parking Coordinates
39.8130, -74.0920