Loading conditions...
Back to beaches
Central Jersey
Island Beach State Park
1.9
/10
Tough Conditions
Challenging conditions. Consider waiting for improvement.
Tap for details
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
16 mph
S
Tide
falling
8.4h to high
Water
36.2°F
Active
Pressure
30"
steady
Surf Conditions
Current Surf
rough4.2 ft
Height
12.82234597411399 sec
Period
SSW
Direction
Heavy surf - challenging, consider protected spots
Data: Interpolated (3 stations)
Wave Forecast
Today4.2ft S
Tomorrow3.5ft S
TrendDropping
Best Fishing DayThursday
Current Flow
Current Status
Outgoing0.5
Knots
90°
Direction
Light outgoing current
Next slack: 11:22 AM (0.9h)
Data: Barnegat Inlet
Fishing Conditions
good
Light outgoing current
Good conditions for most fishing techniques
Species Forecast
Tap for detailsTop Pick
Weakfish
Best opportunity today
2
Low
Recommended Tackle
PE 0.8-1.0ML
Tap for detailed breakdown
Striped Bass
1Low
PE 1.5-2.0M-MH
Tap for details
Bluefish
1Low
PE 1.5-2.0M
Tap for details
Fluke
1Low
PE 0.8-1.0ML-M
Tap for details
Blackfish
1.9Low
PE 2.0-3.0MH-H
Tap for details
Kingfish
1.7Low
PE 0.6-0.8L-ML
Tap for details
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
6:16 AM
4.1 ft
LLow Tide
1:04 PM
0.2 ft
HHigh Tide
6:57 PM
2.8 ft
LLow Tide
12:53 AM
0.1 ft
HHigh Tide
7:35 AM
4.1 ft
LLow Tide
2:19 PM
0.1 ft
Location
Get Directions →Beach Coordinates
39.8123, -74.0912
Parking Coordinates
39.8130, -74.0920