New Jersey Fishing Tips: Information For Saltwater and Freshwater Anglers
A good day on the water in New Jersey starts before you ever cast a line.
You need to know where you can fish, what species are in season, and which rules apply in saltwater or freshwater spots. This guide breaks down New Jersey fishing in plain language, so you can spend less time guessing and more time fishing.
- New Jersey saltwater anglers must register before fishing in marine and tidal waters.
- Freshwater fishing requires a license for residents ages 16 to 69 and for non-residents ages 16 and older.
- Residents age 70 and over do not need a freshwater fishing license.
- The guide lists public fishing piers across Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties for shore access.
- License fees vary by residency and age, and licenses can be purchased online through the state DEP.
What Recreational Anglers Need to Know About Saltwater Fishing Requirements
Registration is required for anyone fishing in New Jersey’s marine and tidal waters.This registry serves as a vital tool that helps anglers and policy makers work together to better understand the contributions and impacts of saltwater fishing on ocean ecosystems and coastal economies.
The program is part of a nationwide update to how NOAA collects and reports recreational fishing data. Known as the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), this initiative aims to produce the most accurate, science based information available to assess the health of fish stocks.
Reliable, widely trusted data ultimately benefits everyone—anglers, fisheries managers, and coastal stakeholders—by supporting fair, effective regulations that protect the long term sustainability of recreational fishing.
NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program
New Jersey Saltwater Angler's Guide: Where Fish Live and How to Catch Them
New Jersey's Saltwater Fishing Piers
Atlantic CountyBrigantine: Old Brigantine Bridge, across from Harrah's Marina Ramp
Margate City: The Margate Fish Pier The Angler's Club, extends into the Atlantic Ocean. Somers Point: Edward Klingener Fishing Pier Between Somers Point & Longport Off Rte. 152. Its on a wide highway off Great Egg Harbor Bay over mostly shallow water.
Ventnor City: Fishing Pier Cambridge Avenue & the Boardwalk, It is the only public fishing pier in New Jersey that goes out into the open Atlantic. T
Cape May County
Avalon: Municipal piers at: 5th Avenue and 20th Street; 5th Avenue and 24th Street; 6th Avenue and 22nd Street; 23rd Street and 3rd Avenue, Ocean Drive; 33rd Street and 3rd Avenue, Ocean Drive; 37th Street and 3rd Avenue, Ocean Drive; 53rd Street and 3rd Avenue, Ocean Drive; and 57th Street and 3rd Avenue, Ocean Drive Grill Fishing Pier. One of the few oceanfront fishing piers in the area. Avalon Boardwalk between 31st and 32nd Streets .
Ocean City: Fishing Club 14th and Boardwalk, Ocean City.
Sea Isle City: Municipal Pier, 59th Street and Sounds Avenue
Wildwood: Municipal Pier at Sunset Lake, w Sweet Briar Rd & Park Ave. Grassy Sound Marina - Fishing and Crabbing Pier. 13 Old N. Wildwood Blvd. Between North Wildwood & Stone Harbor off Ocean Drive. They charge a small admission fee but offers access to excellent bay fishing. They provide landing nets, a fish cleaning station, picnic area, and toilet facilities. It is well-lit at night, family-friendly, and catches include Flounder, Striper, Bluefish, Weakfish, Croakers, Kingfish.--- and Blue Claw Crabs.
Monmouth County
Keansburg: Keansburg Fishing Pier, extends into the Raritan Bay. 732-495-8842
Keyport: Keyport Fishing Pier, extends into the Raritan Bay
Ocean County
Beach Haven: Beach Haven Pier 2nd St. and the bay, extends into Barnegat Bay
Point Pleasant: 9/11 Memorial Bridge Fishing Pier, Route 70 and River Avenue and the Maxson Avenue Pier, Maxson Avenue
Seaside Heights: Has two piers extending into Barnegat Bay and the Seaside Heights Fishing/Casino Pier extending into the Atlantic Ocean. A daily pass to the pier allows you to come and go all day.
Seaside Park: Seaside Park Municipal Piers, South Bayview and 5th avenues and South Bayview and 14 avenues
New Jersey Freshwater Fishing Regulations for Recreational Anglers
A New Jersey fresh water fishing license is required for:
- Residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age
- Non-residents 16 years and older
- Resident anglers age 70 and over do not require a fishing license.
License Fees
Resident Fishing Ages 16-64 yrs. ...................$22.50
Senior Resident Fishing Ages 65 -69 yrs. ........$12.50
Resident Trout Stamp Ages 16 69 yrs. ............$10.50
Non-resident Fishing Age 16 yrs. and older .....$34.00
Non-resident Trout Stamp ............................$20.00
Non-resident 2-Day Vacation Fishing ...............$9.00
Non-resident 7-Day Vacation Fishing ............ $19.50
Fresh water Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line through the Department of Environmental Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
About New Jersey Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing
Do you need a fishing license in New Jersey?
Freshwater fishing in New Jersey requires a license for most anglers. Residents ages 16 to 69 and non-residents ages 16 and older need one, while residents age 70 and over do not. Saltwater fishing uses a separate registration rule for marine and tidal waters.
Do you need to register for saltwater fishing in New Jersey?
Yes, registration is required for anyone fishing in New Jersey's marine and tidal waters. The guide points readers to the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program for that requirement. That makes it clear that saltwater fishing has a different process than freshwater fishing.
How much does a New Jersey freshwater fishing license cost?
The article lists several options, including a resident fishing license for $22.50, a senior resident license for $12.50, and a non-resident license for $34.00. It also includes trout stamps and short-term vacation licenses for non-residents. Licenses can be purchased online through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Where can you shore fish in New Jersey?
The guide lists public piers and fishing spots in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Examples include Brigantine, Ventnor City, Avalon, Wildwood, Keansburg, Keyport, Beach Haven, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights. That makes the page useful for anglers who want land-based access without a boat.
