Barnegat Bay Fluke and Flounder: LBI Back Bay Fishing Guide
Barnegat Bay: LBI's Hidden Fishery
The Atlantic surf gets all the attention on Long Beach Island, but the 30-mile stretch of Barnegat Bay behind the island quietly produces outstanding fishing year-round. This shallow estuary — averaging just 4-6 feet deep with channels reaching 15+ feet — supports massive populations of fluke (summer flounder), winter flounder, weakfish, and other inshore species.
For anglers with small boats, kayaks, or even access to a dock, Barnegat Bay fishing is accessible and productive without the commitment of ocean trips. The bay is protected from ocean swells, making it fishable on days when the surf is too rough.
Summer Flounder (Fluke) in the Bay
Fluke move into Barnegat Bay through Barnegat Inlet and Little Egg Inlet beginning in May, dispersing through the channels and along structure as water temperatures rise. By June, they're spread throughout the bay system, holding on channel edges, near docks, and along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Top Fluke Spots in Barnegat Bay
- Barnegat Inlet channel: The deepest water in the bay system, holding the largest fluke from May through September
- Double Creek channel: A winding channel near Beach Haven that consistently produces keeper fluke on drifts
- Tices Shoal: A large shallow flat surrounded by deeper water — work the edges where fluke stage to ambush bait
- Morrison's and Dinner Point: Grass-lined channels that hold fluke during incoming tides
- Route 72 bridge pilings: Structure that creates current breaks and attracts baitfish and fluke alike
Bay Fluking Techniques
Drifting is the primary method for bay fluke. Position your boat at the up-current edge of a channel and drift with the tide, bouncing bucktail jigs or bait rigs along the bottom. The standard setup is a white or chartreuse bucktail (1/2 to 2 ounces depending on current) tipped with a strip of squid, Gulp Swimming Mullet, or a live minnow.
| Setup | Components | When to Use | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucktail + Gulp | 1 oz bucktail, 4" Gulp Grub | Light current, shallow flats | Consistent producer, easy to rig |
| Bucktail + Strip | 1-2 oz bucktail, squid strip | Moderate current, channels | Natural scent, good for larger fish |
| Live Minnow Rig | Spinner rig, live killifish | Slow drifts, hot days | Irresistible to big fluke |
| Hi-Lo Rig | Two hooks with squid/spearing | Deeper channels, 10+ feet | Covers two depths, doubles catch |
Bay fluke are often smaller than their ocean counterparts, but don't let that fool you. The deep channels near Barnegat Inlet produce doormats every season. Work the last two hours of the incoming tide through the inlet channel for your best shot at a trophy.
Winter Flounder: The Cold-Water Option
While fluke are a summer pursuit, winter flounder fill the gap during the colder months. These flatfish move into Barnegat Bay from late February through April as water temperatures hover between 38 and 48 degrees. They feed on worms, small clams, and crustaceans in muddy-bottom areas with minimal current.
Target winter flounder in the upper bay areas near Toms River, Forked River, and Cedar Creek. Use small hooks (size 8-10 chestertown hooks) baited with sandworms or bloodworms on a spreader rig. Fish directly on the bottom with minimal weight — these fish have small mouths and subtle bites.
The winter flounder season has seen restrictions in recent years due to declining populations. Check current NJ regulations before targeting them, as seasons and bag limits change frequently.
Other Bay Species Worth Targeting
Barnegat Bay supports a diverse fishery beyond flatfish:
- Weakfish: Once abundant, weakfish are making a slow comeback in Barnegat Bay. Fish the channels at night with soft plastics for your best chance during June and July.
- Striped Bass: Schoolie stripers patrol the bay from April through June and again in fall. The Route 72 bridge and Barnegat Inlet are top spots.
- Bluefish: Snappers (juvenile blues) flood the bay in August and September, providing fast action on ultralight tackle.
Access and Regulations
Public boat ramps along Barnegat Bay include launches in Ship Bottom, Beach Haven, and several mainland-side ramps in Manahawkin and Tuckerton. Kayak access is available at numerous bay-side parks and marinas. The bay is a no-wake zone in many areas, keeping conditions calm and safe for small craft.
New Jersey requires all saltwater anglers to register through the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Registration is free and can be completed online. Size and bag limits for fluke, flounder, and other species are updated annually — verify current regulations before fishing.
Barnegat Bay rewards anglers who explore its winding channels and shallow flats. The fishing is accessible, the bay is protected, and the variety of species keeps things interesting from February through December.