The coastal waters of New Jersey are an incredible place to go fishing. Bluefish, Stripers, Weakfish, Fluke – the Garden State is a treasure trove of big, tasty fish. And what better way to target them than pier fishing? With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best fishing piers in NJ, working our way down the coastline from Raritan Bay to Delaware Bay.
Keansburg Fishing Pier
Address: 275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children (under 48 inches)
Keansburg Fishing Pier has everything you need, all in one place. A classic wooden pier stretching almost 2,000 feet into Raritan Bay. A tackle shop with rod rental and fresh and frozen bait. Stunning views out across the water. On top of that, the pier’s right next to Keansburg Amusement Park, with more rides, slides, and tasty eateries than you’ll know what to do with.
On a good day, you can expect to find anything from Bluefish, Stripers, Flounder, and Fluke, to Sea Robins, Rays, and Horseshoe Crabs. The fishing on Keansburg Pier can be hit and miss, though, and the pier may close in bad weather, even if it’s just a little rain. It’s best to check their Facebook page for an update on the opening hours and the previous day’s catch.
Carteret Fishing Pier
Address: Waterfront Fitness Trail, Carteret, NJ 07008
Opening hours: 24/7
Cost: Free!
If you’re looking for big Striped Bass and great family fun, Carteret Fishing Pier is the place for you. Nestled in Arthur Kill, looking across to Staten Island, the pier offers some great catches of trophy Stripers, doormat Fluke, Dogfish, and more.
Carteret Pier has a large deck with a pier extension running parallel with the strait. This means no fighting for space in one spot, as everybody’s fishing in the same depth of water. It also means that you’re guaranteed a great view of Staten Island as you fish.
The best thing about Carteret Pier is that it’s just one part of the town’s Waterfront Park. Back on dry land, you’ve got everything you need to really make a day of it. There’s a putting green, picnic area, restrooms, playground – plenty to keep the family busy while you reel in trophy Stripers!
Keyport Fishing Pier
Address: 1 American Legion Dr, Keyport, NJ 07735
Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Keyport Fishing Pier is a short-but-spacious public pier with a covered shelter for extra comfort. It’s a decent place to reel in Stripers and Bluefish, but its main appeal is the big numbers of Crab hiding in the murky waters of Matawan Creek. Drop some traps before you make your casts and you’re sure to be heading home with something tasty.
There’s more to enjoy here than the pier itself. Take a stroll around the Waterfront Park and paddle in the sea. Head down to Keyport Farmers Market to browse the stalls, then over to Fireman’s Fair to jump on a ride or pick up some food. That is, if you’re not saving space for a crab dinner!
Bayshore Waterfront Park
Address: 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to dusk (8:30–9:30 p.m. depending on the time of year)
Cost: Free!
There’s a lot to love about Bayshore Waterfront Park. You can park and wander in without having to pay a penny. There’s over 200 acres of shaded park and yellow sands to explore. The crowning jewel? A 500’ pier with wheelchair access and a view of the New York skyline in the distance.
Spend the morning reeling in the classic mix of Stripers, Blues, and Flatfish that all the best fishing piers in NJ offer. Take a break and enjoy some lunch in the large picnic area (there are always plenty of benches free). Round off the day with one of the many fun activities held throughout the summer, then head home to cook up your catch. Talk about a great day out!
John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park
Address: 399 Brennan Concourse, Bayville, NJ 08721
Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park took a big hit from Hurricane Sandy back in 2012. Since then, the park has been completely reworked, with a spray park for the kids, covered picnic areas for a scenic lunch, a safe swimming area to cool off, and more.
By more, we mean a brand new pier with some of the best fishing in Barnegat Bay. Big Weakfish join the already star-studded cast of Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Winter and Summer Flounder. Whether you’re after a Barnegat Bay Slam (Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Fluke) or you just want to reel in some dinner, this is a great spot to spend the day.
Ventnor City Fishing Pier
Address: S Cambridge Ave & Boardwalk, Ventnor City, NJ 08406
Opening hours: 24/7
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, vets, and children ages 10–17. $5 for non-anglers. Children under 10 not permitted.
Ventnor City Fishing Pier is one of the last ocean-facing piers in New Jersey. At least, it’s one of the last ones that you can fish without joining the waiting list for a fishing club. Sitting just down the coast from Atlantic City, Ventnor City Pier extends 1,000 feet out into the Atlantic. It’s the farthest you can get out to sea in NJ without boarding a boat.
For safety reasons, the pier doesn’t allow children under 10 past the gates. That may rule it out for some people, but for others, it’s the perfect excuse to fish in peace for a couple of hours while the family enjoys the beach. And boy, is it a good place to fish!
Fishing in the ocean gives you a whole new list of fish to target. Depending on when you visit, you might find Black Seabass, Tautog (Blackfish), Sheepshead – even Thresher Sharks show up every once in a while. Whatever you catch, the pier is equipped to handle it, with cleaning tables, lights, and plenty of benches. You may even want to come back for more, for which you can purchase an Annual Pier Ticket.
Grassy Sound Marina Pier
Address: 13 Old. N Wildwood Blvd, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and $6 for non-anglers. Weekly, monthly, and yearly passes available.
Grassy Sound Marina Pier is your last chance to fish before you run out of land. Way down on the Cape May Peninsula, this pier and marina combines into a one-stop-shop for all things fishy. You’ll find bait, tackle, and crabbing supplies, as well as rod and trap rental, drinks and snacks, cleaning stations, and restrooms. All you need to bring is the strength to reel in some fish.
The pier itself is a wide, wooden platform sheltered in the Grassy Sound. It’s only 285 feet long, but it’s 24 feet wide, giving every angler space to move around without getting in anyone’s way. You can find a variety of species here, including delicacies like Blue Claw Crab. All in all, it’s a great spot to roll up and catch some fish, especially if you don’t have your own gear with you.
NJ Pier Fishing: a Fun Way to Spend the Day
Pier fishing is the perfect way to fill your cooler on a budget – especially in New Jersey. You don’t need a license to fish in saltwater here. All you need to do is sign up to the saltwater registry program, which is completely free. Head to any one of these spots, and you’re in for a ton of fun, a few new friendships, and hopefully, a trunkful of tasty fish!
What are your favorite fishing piers in NJ? Which of the ones on our list have you visited? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
