Loading conditions...
Back to beaches
Central Jersey
Island Beach State Park
8.7
/10
Strike Zone!
Outstanding conditions! Multiple species actively feeding.
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
14 mph
SSW
Tide
falling
10.2h to high
Water
49.4°F
Active
Pressure
30"
steady
Surf Conditions
Current Surf
moderate3.9 ft
Height
9.417705445225483 sec
Period
S
Direction
Rough conditions - experienced anglers can still fish
Data: Interpolated (3 stations)
Wave Forecast
Today3.9ft S
Tomorrow3.9ft S
TrendSteady
Best Fishing DayThursday
Current Flow
Current Status
Outgoing2.9
Knots
90°
Direction
Strong outgoing current
Next slack: 5:23 AM (3.6h)
Data: Barnegat Inlet
Fishing Conditions
poor
Strong outgoing current (2.9 kts)
Wait for slack in ~3.6 hours
Species Forecast
Tap for detailsTop Pick
Blackfish
Best opportunity today
9.8
Excellent
Recommended Tackle
PE 2.0-3.0MH-H
Tap for detailed breakdown
Striped Bass
8.7Excellent
PE 1.5-2.0M-MH
Tap for details
Bluefish
7.5Good
PE 1.5-2.0M
Tap for details
Fluke
4Fair
PE 0.8-1.0ML-M
Tap for details
Weakfish
4.1Fair
PE 0.8-1.0ML
Tap for details
Kingfish
1.8Low
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
LLow Tide
5:54 AM
-0.5 ft
HHigh Tide
11:58 AM
4.3 ft
LLow Tide
5:59 PM
-0.5 ft
HHigh Tide
12:16 AM
5.2 ft
LLow Tide
6:42 AM
-0.6 ft
HHigh Tide
12:45 PM
4.3 ft
Location
Get Directions →Beach Coordinates
39.8123, -74.0912
Parking Coordinates
39.8130, -74.0920