New Jersey · Jersey Shore
NEARSHORE FISHING
IN LONG BEACH ISLAND
Explore the best nearshore fishing charters in Long Beach Island. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
About Nearshore Fishing in Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island, New Jersey offers some of the finest nearshore 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 nearshore waters here — waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Nearshore anglers in Long Beach Island target an impressive roster of species including Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Porgy. Peak season runs through July, May, June, but productive nearshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best nearshore 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.
What's Biting in Long Beach Island This September
Nearshore Fishing Calendar — Long Beach Island
Month-by-month availability for nearshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tautog |
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—
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—
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G
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G
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—
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—
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—
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—
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G
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G
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F
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| Black Sea Bass |
—
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—
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—
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—
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G
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G
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G
|
G
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G
|
F
|
—
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—
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| Bluefish |
—
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—
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—
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—
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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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G
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—
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—
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| Porgy |
—
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—
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—
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—
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—
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F
|
G
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G
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F
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—
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—
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—
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Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Long Beach Island
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top nearshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Long Beach Island area.
LBI Surf Beaches
Long Beach Island's 18 miles of Atlantic beach provide outstanding surf-fishing opportunities for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and fluke from the troughs and bars along the beachfront. The island's numerous rock jetties and groins create current breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract predators along the entire oceanfront. The fall striped bass run along the LBI surf is one of the premier shore-fishing events on the New Jersey coast.
Little Egg Reef
Little Egg Reef is a permitted artificial reef site located approximately four miles off the southern end of Long Beach Island in 57 feet of water. The reef is built with concrete, steel, and donated vessels that attract black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, and triggerfish to the deployed structures. Its proximity to Little Egg Inlet makes it one of the quickest nearshore bottom-fishing destinations accessible from LBI.
Holgate Jetty
The Holgate jetty at the southern tip of Long Beach Island guards the north side of Little Egg Inlet, extending into the Atlantic over productive nearshore water. Striped bass, tautog, sheepshead, and bluefish hold along the submerged rocks where tidal currents create feeding opportunities on every tide change. Walk-on access to the jetty makes it one of the most popular shore-fishing structures on the island.
Harvey Cedars Nearshore Wrecks
Several small shipwrecks and debris fields lie in 40 to 60 feet of water within a few miles of the Harvey Cedars section of Long Beach Island. These nearshore wrecks hold black sea bass, tautog, ling, and summer flounder that use the structure for cover in the otherwise sandy bottom. Half-day trips from LBI marinas reach these wrecks quickly, making them ideal for family-friendly bottom-fishing outings.
Top Nearshore Fish Species in Long Beach Island
These are the primary nearshore species you'll target on a Long Beach Island charter. Click any species to learn more.
Tautog
Tautoga onitis
Also called Blackfish, tautog are tough bottom dwellers found around rocky reefs, jetties, and wrecks from Virginia to Massachusetts. Revered for thei...
Black Sea Bass
Centropristis striata
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Peak: Jun, Jul
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzi...
Porgy
Stenotomus chrysops
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provi...
Nearshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Long Beach Island
Here's what to expect when you book a nearshore charter in Long Beach Island.
Boats
Nearshore fishing in Long Beach Island is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Nearshore charters in Long Beach Island typically use medium spinning and conventional tackle with 15-30 lb test line. Live bait, jigs, and trolling plugs are popular.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Nearshore Fishing Charters in Long Beach Island
We're partnering with top nearshore 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 nearshore 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 Nearshore Fishing in Long Beach Island
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
The top nearshore species in Long Beach Island include Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Porgy. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for nearshore fishing in Long Beach Island are July, May, June, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Long Beach Island offers productive nearshore fishing year-round.
Nearshore fishing in Long Beach Island is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
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, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Nearshore 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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