With over 130 miles of coastline, overlooking the mighty Atlantic, it’s no wonder that some of the top fishing spots in New Jersey are saltwater. However, the “Garden State” has a lot to offer inland as well, with over 1,700 freshwater lakes, and 240 rivers, streams, and creeks. This small state has incredible fishing opportunities, no matter what you’re looking for.
As you can imagine, it was no easy task putting together a list of top fishing spots in New Jersey. There’s something unique about each destination you’ll read about here. Hopefully, you’ll get all the information you need in order to plan your own New Jersey fishing trip. So let’s dive into it!
Merrill Creek Reservoir
If you’re looking for a prolific freshwater fishery in the Garden State, look no further. Merrill Creek Reservoir is a 650-acre artificial lake connected to the Delaware River. It’s surrounded by nothing but open spaces as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing outing, spending the day enjoying the views and casting your line.
The reservoir has healthy populations of several freshwater game fish, like Bass, Crappie, Pike, Perch, and Trout. You’ll have seven miles of shoreline at your disposal, so you can easily cast from the bank. You can also take a boat out on the water, as boat ramps are open to the public. And one of the most engaging ways of exploring these waters is by kayak.
Interestingly, Merrill Creek Reservoir is one of the few places in New Jersey where you can find Lake Trout. And not only is there a healthy population of these revered species, but they also get pretty big, so don’t miss out on your chance to land a monster.
Lake Hopatcong
As the largest freshwater body of water in the Garden State, Lake Hopatcong is home to a wide variety of fish species. The lake measures 2,700 acres and boasts over 45 miles of shoreline, which means that your options are practically endless.
Bass takes the number one spot on the lists of anglers coming here, with countless Bass fishing tournaments organized every year. But you’ll find Trout, Musky, Pike, Walleye, Catfish, and many more species thriving here as well.
Not only that, but this lake boasts some incredible water activities, especially during the summer months. This is when Lake Hopatcong comes to life, with swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, and much more at your fingertips.
Speaking of boating, it’s the only place in NJ where you can literally get on your boat, stop by a restaurant, grab a bite to eat, and then get back on the water for some fine angling.
Brigantine
Moving on to saltwater fishing, Brigantine is one of those quaint towns on the East Coast that’s often overlooked by visitors. People tend to flock to nearby Atlantic City – which means fewer crowds in Brigantine, and more fishing opportunities for you!
Striped Bass thrives in this area all year-round, so if a trophy Striper is what you’re after, this is where you need to be. Kingfish, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, and Black Seabass are all on the cards as well. And if you head out into the open ocean, Sharks and Tuna will be waiting to take your bait.
There are plenty of jetties around Brigantine offering up some fantastic fishing, like the one at Absecon Inlet. You’ll also find many beaches great for surf fishing, especially near the Brigantine Inlet, as well as a whole host of docks and bridges.
Barnegat Light
This stunning little town on the Jersey Shore is an angler’s dream. Why? Well, it boasts some of the most varied fishing you can find in New Jersey, all while staying clear of the crowds in some of the bigger cities. Nestled on a barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Barnegat Bay on the other, it’s easy to see why fishing in Barnegat Light is a special experience.
On the bay side, families can have a lot of fun while going after Bluefish and Fluke in summer. The beaches offer ample opportunities for productive surf fishing, with trophy Stripers arriving in fall and spring, along with Kingfish in summer. And with Island Beach State Park, arguably the best fishery on New Jersey’s coast, the opportunities are endless.
But what makes Barnegat Light unique? Well, Barnegat Inlet of course. A true angling oasis, the deep waters of the inlet provide shelter to all of the Garden State’s game fish. Fluke, Striped Bass, Tautog, and Bluefish are some of the most popular species fishermen target here.
Another interesting thing about Barnegat Light is Viking Village. This is a historic fishing village founded in the 1920s by Scandinavian immigrants. It’s been recognized for quality and sustainable fishing, but it’s also home to charming shops and a maritime museum. It’s a well-kept secret in the Garden State, and it’s time for everyone to enjoy it!
Belmar/Lake Como
The Belmar/Lake Como area might be known for bars and restaurants, but there’s some amazing fishing to be had here. What’s so special about fishing in this area? Well, there are walkable jetties everywhere you go, meaning you can have a day of shore fishing, and top it off with a cocktail afterwards.
The Shark River Inlet is known as one of the most reliable fishing spots on the Jersey Shore. Anglers flock to its walls in summer to test their luck. Stripers, Fluke, Kingfish, Bluefish, and Black Seabass are all possible targets here. There’s also a fleet of boats that can take you out into Atlantic waters if Tuna and Billfish are more your speed.
But that’s not all! If you’re looking for variety, Lake Como holds Perch, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. Belmar is one of the few places in the Garden State with such a varied offer right at your fingertips.
Sandy Hook
Looking for amazing surf fishing? Sandy Hook is where you need to be! This is a barrier spit at the north end of the Jersey Shore, known for an abundance of beaches – 2,000 acres of them to be exact. This makes it an unparalleled New Jersey surf fishing haven.
With hundreds of shipwrecks, reefs, and lots of rocky structure, this sandy land is a favorite among fishermen. The New York Bight area is known for its fish-rich waters, and with Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, you’ll be in a great position to reel in some of the most prized species in this part of the country.
There are various species you can hook into at Sandy Hook, with Tautog and Striped Bass being the most sought after. Fluke, Bluefish, Whiting, and Sharks are all possible catches too, as well as False Albacore and Bluefin Tuna if you head out into the deeper waters.
Cape May
On the opposite side of the state, the southernmost part of New Jersey is home to Cape May, one of the most prolific Striped Bass fisheries in the country. Known for its Victorian homes and antique shops, the real action in this quiet town is underwater.
While the town might not be action-packed, it’s home to one of the busiest fishing ports in the state. What this means is that offshore fishing is very productive. If you visit Cape May in the summer months, you’ll find many fishing tournaments with big prizes happening.
Tautog, Flounder, Bluefish, Porgy, Sharks, Marlin, Tuna…the list of possible targets goes on and on. In spring and fall though, it’s all about those monster Stripers. With such easy access to the Atlantic, heading out of Cape May will have you in deep blue waters quickly. And if you want to stay inshore, Delaware Bay is a stone’s throw away.
Atlantic City
We can’t really finish off this list without mentioning “America’s Playground.” While Atlantic City might be well-known for its many casinos, nightlife, and iconic boardwalk, fishing is very much a part of the city’s culture.
The sheltered waters of Absecon Bay offer a relaxing day on the water, with large populations of Fluke, Weakfish, and Striped Bass. On the other hand, the deep Atlantic is easy to reach. This is where deep sea fishing for Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin can prove very productive.
The many piers dotted along the coast will have you reeling in trophy Stripers without ever leaving the city. Vermont Avenue Jetty, in particular, is the place to be if Striped Bass is what you’re after. The seawall along Sunset Avenue is a popular spot for fishing in the back bay. We could go on and on, but it’s better to visit yourself and find your favorite spot!
New Jersey Fishing Spots: There’s More!
We’ve tried to give you an overview of what you can expect from fishing in the Garden State. For even more information, take a look at our comprehensive guide to fishing in New Jersey. There are plenty more hidden gems to explore in New Jersey, so we encourage you to take the road less traveled, and maybe find a special place just for yourself. We can assure you, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it somewhere in the state.
What do you think about our list of top fishing spots in New Jersey? Is there a place you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. We love to hear from you!
