New Jersey · Jersey Shore
INSHORE FISHING
IN LONG BEACH ISLAND
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Long Beach Island. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, New Jersey offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Long Beach Island is an 18-mile barrier island with legendary surf fishing, productive bay waters, and access to offshore wrecks and canyons. LBI's Barnegat Inlet is one of the most productive inlets on the Jersey Shore for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Long Beach Island target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish. Peak season runs through May, April, September, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Long Beach Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, New Jersey fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Long Beach Island
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass |
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F
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F
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G
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P
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P
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F
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| Fluke |
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G
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P
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P
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G
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G
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| Weakfish |
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R
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R
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Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Long Beach Island
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Long Beach Island area.
Barnegat Bay (LBI Flats)
Barnegat Bay's western shore along Long Beach Island features extensive shallow flats, tidal creeks, and marsh islands that hold summer flounder, striped bass, and weakfish from spring through fall. The bay's grass beds and sand bottom provide productive sight-fishing for fluke on calm days when anglers can spot fish cruising the shallows. Drifting live killies across the bay's sandy channels remains the most reliable method for catching keeper fluke.
Little Egg Inlet
Little Egg Inlet at the southern tip of Long Beach Island connects Little Egg Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean, with powerful tidal currents that create prime inshore fishing along the channel edges. Striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and weakfish funnel through the inlet on every tide change, feeding on baitfish washed between the bay and ocean. The inlet's deep channel and adjacent sand bars hold fish throughout the season.
Manahawkin Bay
Manahawkin Bay sits between the mainland and the central section of Long Beach Island, its sheltered waters and marsh-lined shores providing productive habitat for fluke, weakfish, and striped bass. The bay's Route 72 causeway bridge pilings create fish-holding structure that attracts tautog and sheepshead in addition to the seasonal gamefish. Kayak anglers find excellent light-tackle action working the bay's creek mouths and grass edges.
Beach Haven Back Bay
The back bay behind Beach Haven at the southern end of Long Beach Island provides sheltered inshore fishing among docks, bulkheads, and tidal channels. Summer flounder, weakfish, and striped bass hold in the deeper channels and around marina structures, feeding on the abundant killies and spearing that inhabit the estuary. The Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge pilings are a prime spot for targeting tautog and sheepshead.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Long Beach Island
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Long Beach Island charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: Apr, May, Oct, Nov
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Fluke
Paralichthys dentatus
Peak: Jun, Jul
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger siz...
Weakfish
Cynoscion regalis
The weakfish is the mid-Atlantic cousin of the southern speckled trout, named for its tender mouth that easily tears free from hooks. Once incredibly ...
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Long Beach Island
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Long Beach Island.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Long Beach Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Long Beach Island typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Long Beach Island
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Long Beach Island. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Long Beach Island. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Long Beach Island
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Long Beach Island include Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Long Beach Island are May, April, September, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Long Beach Island offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Long Beach Island is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Long Beach Island, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Long Beach Island is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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