FISHING IN NEW JERSEY
With more than 400 publicly accessible lakes, ponds and reservoirs, as well as miles of public streams and rivers, you’ll find plenty of places to fish in New Jersey. For the ultimate New Jersey fishing experience, get out on the open water, and catch something big, exciting and picture worthy with a day of sport fishing.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN NEW JERSEY
ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR
BULL'S ISLAND STATE PARK
SPRUCE RUN STATE PARK
GET A NEW JERSEY FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN NEW JERSEY
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits |
SMALLMOUTH BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 8-pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best) |
STRIPED BASS
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
To most freshwater anglers, the striped bass is a very important game fish is relatively new.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7 or 7.5-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | 4000 Spinning reel |
| Line | 15-20 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Topwater, Shallow Running Crankbaits,Medium Running Crankbaits, Deep Running Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers |
BLUEFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
You can sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-foot, light- to medium-action spinning |
| Reel | Matching spinning reel with quality drag |
| Line | 15-20-pound braid; and 20-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Popper's; Bluefish aren't picky about lure type, just needs to create a surface disturbance. Smaller does well. |
BROOK TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brook trout is one of the most popular game fishes in northeastern North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 4-5 foot light weight flexible spinning or spin-cast rod |
| Reel | Spin-casting or spinning reel |
| Line | 6 pound test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Gold or Silver Spoons (not longer than 2 inches), Night Crawlers, Minnow-like-spinner, Jig |
AMERICAN SHAD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The American shad is highly regarded as a game fish and its white, flaky flesh supports a considerable commercial fishery.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Long, lightweight spinning or fly rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 5-8 pound braided line works really well, run about 10 feet of clear monofilament or fluorocarbon for a leader. |
| Lure | Barbless Hooks, Flyes (white or yellow with red heads), Spinners, Spoons |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
SALTWATER BAY FISHING
Reefs, hills and shallows are some the best saltwater fishing locations.
