While many states have fishing piers, few can match the variety in New Jersey.
After all, New Jersey was the home of the first fishing pier on the Atlantic seaboard when the city of Long Branch opened its pier in 1828. There are now more than 25 fishing piers in NJ, with some just a short drive from New York City in urban environments, while others are in the scenic southern part of the state near Atlantic City and Cape May.
Piers have remained viable destinations for fishing all over the state. While the effects of Hurricane Sandy (in late 2012 ) are still being felt, some of the top New Jersey fishing piers are found in Keansburg, Keyport, and Hoboken, in the northern/central part of the state, while South Jersey features the largest ocean-facing pier in the state in Ventnor.
Fishing from New Jersey piers is typically, but not always, free, making them accessible to just about anyone looking for an inexpensive fishing experience and for those at all skill levels. Some piers have bait/tackle shops on-site; others require a quick pit stop at a nearby shop.
Although saltwater anglers do not have New Jersey fishing licenses, all anglers 16+ have to register online to fish in marine and fresh tidal waters with the N.J. Saltwater Angler registry.
Learn more about New Jersey fishing license
Note: For the best places and times to fish off New Jersey Piers, one of the best resources to check out is the Fishbox app. The app saves valuable time and energy by providing pinpoint information for your specific area.
The biggest news about pier fishing in New Jersey is that a new 550-foot pier is being built in Long Branch, with construction expected to start this summer/fall. The last iteration of the Long Branch Pier burned down in June 1987 after a fire destroyed it, and the latest version is expected to open in late 2026.
Similarly, the Grassy Sound Fishing Pier in Wildwood, N.J., is currently under construction and is expected to open this May.
So while Long Branch gets to work on its fishing/recreation pier and Wildwood puts the finishing touches on its version, let’s dive into the top places for pier fishing in New Jersey and how to get the most out of every visit:
HOBOKEN
Looking for some of the best fishing while visiting New York City? Take public transportation or make a short drive directly across the Hudson River to Hoboken. While it’s known for its nightlife–restaurants, music, coffee shops, and bars are in no short supply—the Mile Square City also offers some wonderful pier fishing with the dramatic New York City skyline as a backdrop.
Several piers in town are located on the waterfront off Frank Sinatra Drive (in honor of the city’s favorite son); the 164-foot-long Pier C is a favorite among locals. It’s a short walk from the main transportation hub in town; buses and PATH trains from New York City and surrounding New Jersey towns are just 3-4 blocks away from the pier.
Read also: Complete Guide to New York Fishing Licenses
The free pier is busiest in the early morning and right before dusk most days as anglers look to hook up with fluke, blackfish (tautog), sea bass, stripers, croakers, and whiting. It’s open until 10 pm every day all year.
Do your research on the best bait and tackle shops nearby before venturing to Hoboken. There are no shops in town, and the one that did serve the city—the legendary Moe’s Bait and Tackle in Jersey City—recently closed.
KEANSBURG
The Keansburg Fishing Pier is often the first place anglers explore for pier fishing in New Jersey. Located less than an hour’s drive from New York City –depending on traffic, of course— the pier is located behind a sizable amusement park, offering plenty of diversions for those either not interested in fishing or anglers just looking to take a break.
One of the few piers in Northern/Central New Jersey to charge admission ($12 for adults, $6 for children over 48 inches tall), the privately owned Keansburg Fishing Pier in the Atlantic Highlands area stretches almost 2,000 feet into Raritan Bay. There’s an on-site tackle shop located on the pier for rod and scoop net rentals, along with fresh and frozen bait.
The fishing action is best in the spring and fall, especially for striped bass, bluefish, red and black drum, and weakfish. The summer and early fall provide opportunities to catch flukes; savvy anglers often use live minnows. Keep in mind that, like most coastal areas of New Jersey, the area gets crowded on summer weekends. Once the weather starts to cool in late September, the crowds thin out.
The pier typically closes at 10 pm nightly, but hours are often extended. Check on its Facebook page or call the pier directly for updates.
KEYPORT
Another pier in the Atlantic Highlands area of New Jersey, the 300-foot-long Keyport Pier, is an extremely viable option, especially when the nearby Keansburg Pier gets too crowded.
It’s a much shorter pier, but like Keansburg, it features strong pier fishing opportunities in the spring through fall. Fishing warms up in June, with everything from stripers, bluefish, flounder, and an occasional bonito typically hitting. Crabbing is also popular on the pier, and if nothing’s biting, the nearby Waterfront Park offers plenty of other diversions.
Looking to try fishing from a kayak? Kayaking near the Keyport Pier is an extremely popular activity as the surrounding waters seldom get too choppy.
Read also: Tips for Fishing by Kayak
The pier entrance and parking lot are both wheelchair-accessible, and areas of the pier are covered. During the summer months, the pier closes at 11 pm nightly but opens at 6 am.
Nearby bait shops include Crabby’s in Keyport or the TackleBox near Keansburg. Both have self-serve bait vending machines to use at night, but it’s always best to call ahead to see what’s being stocked.
CARTERET
While it may be in an urbanized/industrial section of New Jersey, the city of Carteret continues to make improvements to its waterfront, including the addition of a food pavilion connected to the 700-foot Veteran’s Pier in Waterfront Park.
It’s expected to be open this summer and add to the appeal of one of the hidden gems for pier fishing in Northern/Central New Jersey, providing anglers with a clean, comfortable fishing spot on the Arthur Kill waterway with views of Staten Island.
Fishing during the early summer months of the Waterfront Park Pier in Carteret can yield striped bass in the 20-30 pound range, along with bluefish tipping the scales at 8-12 pounds. More blues and smaller stripers in the 24-36 inch range typically start hitting in the fall.
The pier is open 24/7 and is free.
PORT MONMOUTH
Located within the 229-acre Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth, the 495-foot-long fishing pier offers anglers outstanding fishing action on Raritan Bay and views of the New York City skyline in the distance.
Bluefish, striped bass, and flounder can all be caught beginning in the spring and lasting well into the fall months, along with blue crabs.
The free pier is open all year and is wheelchair accessible. Bayshore Waterfront Park also features plenty of sandy beachfront, which can be a sweet respite if the fish aren’t hitting from the pier. A large marina for excursions into Raritan Bay and beyond is also adjacent to the park.
For history buffs, the Seabrook-Wilson House, which dates to the 1700s, is within walking distance of the pier and offers a glimpse into the area’s past and maritime history.
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP
In Central New Jersey, John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park in Berkeley Township (near Bayville) features a reconstructed 100-foot-long, T-shaped fishing/crabbing pier, along with other attractions.
Severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the pier was replaced with a new structure and now features some of the best pier fishing and crabbing in the area. Like most piers, the pilings have attracted baitfish and crustaceans, which in turn attracts fish.
The fishing and crabbing action heats in the late summer through September at the pier, with snappers, juvenile red drum (or “puppy drum’), fluke, blowfish, and even eels all hitting. Locals swear by live bait (squid and clam strips are preferred) along with small bucktail lures and smallish spoons.
The “puppy drum” can reach lengths of 20 inches in the spring and late summer and often attracts the most anglers when the runs begin.
Along with the fishing pier, the park features a children’s splash park, bocce, horseshoe, and cornhole courts, and a new picnic area.
VENTNOR
The 1,000-foot-long Ventnor Fishing Pier, located just south of Atlantic City in Southern New Jersey, is the largest ocean-facing pier in the state. The pier is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and offers anglers the opportunity to catch everything from black sea bass, stripers, and bluefish to flounder, croakers, and sheepshead. Shark fishing off the Ventnor Pier is prohibited.
Ventnor—which is named after Ventnor, England–has had a fishing pier since 1914 and has had three iterations since. The current pier underwent extensive renovations in 2007 and re-opened in 2008. Unlike Atlantic City, Ventnor offers visitors a quaint, village-like experience without all the glitz associated with the nearby casinos.
Spring and summer offer the best opportunities to catch fish near the pier, as many species prefer shelter and food in the same locale. Live bait, such as herring clam, bloodworms, or eels, is always preferred, along with light/medium gear.
The pier charges a daily fee of $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, vets, and juniors. Children under 10 are not allowed on the pier, and annual passes are available. Keep in mind that access to the far end of the pier is limited to members of local fishing clubs.
QUICK TIPS FOR PIER FISHING IN NEW JERSEY
Fishing off New Jersey piers in the summer can mean potentially dealing with other anglers, spectators, and kids. Chances are you’ll be able to carve out your own spot from which to fish, but there may be times when there will be too many anglers in insufficient space.
Read also: New Jersey Fishing Seasons: Your Comprehensive Guide
If that’s the case, move to an open area or find another pier.
Most anglers use middle-distance casts and slow retrieves when fishing off piers in New Jersey. If there’s not enough room, or you’re concerned about not being able to cast straight and tangling lines with another angler, drop a line over the edge of the pier.
Many local outfitters report that you’ll probably catch as many fish closer to the pier than you will with a 20-foot cast. Maintain your composure if you do get tangled or hook another angler. Mistakes happen.
The best plan is to swing-cast underhanded. Most piers are not wide, so underhand casting may be the best plan of attack if you want to get your bait away from the pier and not run the risk of injuring anyone.
Pier trolling is another tactic—assuming there’s room to roam in your locale. After dropping your bait or lure, walk up and down the pier while towing your bait along, giving it an occasional pump now and then.
Since fish congregate where there are structures and bait, pier trolling could be a novel way to generate some hits.
Sometimes, things get interesting once a fish is caught on a pier. Anglers fishing off a pier face a big disadvantage compared to those fishing from boats or the shoreline in that they sometimes have to reel in their catch from 25 feet above the water’s surface (depending on the tide). Most guides say the best tactic is to point your rod straight down when the fish is hooked while picking up the slack before smoothly swinging the fish up and onto the pier in one motion.
This tactic works for smaller fish, but for larger fish, a circular net is all but mandatory. Experienced pier anglers lower their nets to just below the water’s surface and keep them there while they fish. Then, when the fish is hooked, the net is ready for action.
So whether it’s just across the Hudson River from the bright lights of New York City or in the quiet enclave of Ventnor in the southern end of the state, fishing from piers in New Jersey is a great alternative to fishing from boats near shore or surfcasting. It’s typically a fun, affordable experience that all ages can enjoy and can certainly make a business trip or vacation to the Northeast more rewarding.
