🌊 Best Saltwater Fishing Spots in Ocean County

1. Island Beach State Park (IBSP)

Address: 2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Why It’s Great: Premier surf fishing for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, kingfish, and more. Miles of open beach and bay access.
Notes: 4x4 access with permit.

2. Barnegat Inlet – Barnegat Light

Address: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006 (Lighthouse area)
Why It’s Great: Jetty fishing for striped bass, bluefish, blackfish, and fluke.
Bonus: Incredible fall bass migration.

3. Barnegat Bay (Multiple Access Points)

Popular Access:

• Bayview Park: 125 Bayview Ave, Long Beach Township, NJ
• Toms River Waterfront: 1 Robbins Pkwy, Toms River, NJ
  Why It’s Great: Flounder, weakfish, stripers, blowfish, blues. Perfect for boaters and shore anglers.

4. Point Pleasant Canal

Address: 3300 River Rd, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
Why It’s Great: Fast-moving water attracts striped bass, blackfish, and fluke.
Tip: Best fished during tide changes.

5. Tuckerton Seaport & Creek

Address: 120 W Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Why It’s Great: Quiet, scenic, and productive for weakfish, stripers, and fluke.

🏞️ Best Freshwater Fishing Spots in Ocean County

1. Lake Shenandoah County Park

Address: 660 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Fish: Largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie, catfish.
Bonus: Fishing piers and shoreline access.

2. Lake Carasaljo

Address: North & South Lake Dr, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Fish: Bass, carp, catfish, sunfish.
Why It’s Great: Easy access and scenic walking paths.

3. Lake Riviera (Brick)

Address: Lake Shore Way & Riviera Dr, Brick, NJ 08723
Fish: Bass, pickerel, perch.
Notes: Quiet residential lake with strong bass population.

4. Forge Pond (Brick)

Address: 301 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick, NJ 08723
Fish: Bass, crappie, pickerel.
Bonus: Kayak-friendly.

5. Whitesville Pond (Toms River)

Address: Whitesville Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755
Fish: Bass, pickerel, panfish.
Why It’s Great: Underrated and peaceful.

🪝 Nearby Bait & Tackle Shops in Ocean County

Below are the top-rated, most reliable shops for bait, gear, and local fishing reports:

1. Hook House Bait & Tackle

2701 NJ‑37, Toms River, NJ 08753
Live bait, saltwater gear, crabbing supplies.

2. Creekside Outfitters

403 US‑9, Waretown, NJ 08758
Highly rated; excellent for offshore and bay gear.

3. Grumpys Tackle

906 NE Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Legendary surf fishing shop near IBSP.

4. Pell’s Bait & Tackle

335 Mantoloking Rd, Brick, NJ 08723
Great for bay and freshwater supplies.

5. Betty & Nick’s Bait & Tackle

807 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Daily fishing reports and surf essentials.

6. Jersey Hooker Outfitters

2098 NJ‑88, Brick, NJ 08724
Charter services + full tackle shop.

7. Gabriel Tackle Co.

567 Mantoloking Rd Unit 5, Brick, NJ 08723
Friendly staff, great local knowledge.

🎣 Best Places in New Jersey to Fish