Ocean County, NJ · Atlantic Ocean
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Ocean County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Bluefish — Skip the Bluefish trip today.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Island Beach State Park.
Small Craft Advisory issued September 9 at 1:09PM EDT until September 10 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:36 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:39 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 12:37 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:59 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
Species at Island Beach State Park
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Skip the Bluefish trip today. In season 12/100
What's helping
- 78°F water — inside bluefish's active range
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5 fish/day from shore or private boat; 7/day on for-hire vessels.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Summer Flounder Skip the Summer Flounder trip today. In season 0/100
What's helping
- outgoing tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
What's hurting
- 78°F water — above summer flounder's active range (58–75°f) — fish move deep
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 3
18" minimum, 3 fish/day. Exact season dates are set annually by NJ DEP; the typical spring–early-fall window is shown.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 0/100
What's hurting
- 78°F water — above striped bass's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
- outgoing tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
- 4.3 ft seas — building seas — uncomfortable and hard to hold position
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 103 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 38"
- Daily creel
- 1
28–38" slot, 1 fish/day. Circle hooks are required when fishing with bait.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Region
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Jersey
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Island Beach State Park: NJ Fish & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Island Beach State Park?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Island Beach State Park you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Island Beach State Park?
Island Beach State Park is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Island Beach State Park?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Island Beach State Park against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Island Beach State Park have?
Island Beach State Park has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Island Beach State Park?
state agency regulations apply at Island Beach State Park. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Island Beach State Park tidal water?
Yes. Island Beach State Park sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.