What You'll Find at 5th Avenue Pier
5th Avenue Pier in Seaside Park is a public fishing pier that extends into Barnegat Bay, offering access to saltwater fishing without a boat. The pier is open to the public year-round during daylight hours and charges a small daily or seasonal fee to fish there. You can fish from the pier without a New Jersey saltwater fishing license if you're using a rod and reel, though you do need to follow state regulations on species and catch limits.
The pier attracts both casual anglers and experienced fishermen because it sits in productive bay waters where multiple species move through seasonally. The structure itself — a fixed wooden pier with railings — is accessible and well-maintained, making it a straightforward option if you don't own a boat or want to avoid the cost and logistics of charter fishing.
Key Takeaways
- 5th Avenue Pier is open to the public year-round during daylight hours and charges a daily or seasonal fishing fee.
- You do not need a New Jersey saltwater fishing license to fish from the pier with a rod and reel, but you must follow state catch limits and size regulations.
- Summer brings flounder, weakfish, and bluefish; fall and spring produce striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel; winter fishing is slower but possible for hardy anglers.
- Bring your own rod, reel, and tackle — the pier does not rent equipment or sell bait on-site, so plan ahead.
- Parking is available at the pier, and the location is accessible from Route 37 and the Garden State Parkway.
What Species You Can Catch by Season
Summer (June through August) is the busiest season at 5th Avenue Pier. Flounder, weakfish, and bluefish are the primary targets, with striped bass also present. Flounder fishing peaks in July and August when they move into the shallower bay waters. Most anglers use live bait — mullet, bunker, or killifish — or soft plastic lures worked along the bottom where flounder hunt.
Fall (September through November) brings striped bass and bluefish into Barnegat Bay as water temperatures drop. Mackerel also appear in October and November. This season often produces the largest striped bass of the year, and many pier anglers switch to live eels or bunker to target them. Bluefish are aggressive and will strike metal jigs and topwater lures.
Spring (April and May) mirrors fall conditions, with striped bass and bluefish returning as they migrate. Weakfish also become available in May. Winter (December through March) is slower; some anglers fish for striped bass on mild days, but the pier sees far fewer visitors during these months.
Regulations and Licensing Requirements
New Jersey does not require a saltwater fishing license for rod-and-reel fishing from a public pier, so you can fish at 5th Avenue Pier without one. However, you must follow all state size and catch limits for each species. Striped bass, for example, must be at least 18 inches long, and there is a daily limit. Flounder must be at least 16.5 inches. Bluefish have a 15-inch minimum and a daily limit of 10 fish.
Check the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife website or call their hotline before you go, because regulations change seasonally and occasionally mid-season. Possession limits and size rules vary by species and can shift based on stock assessments. Keeping current takes five minutes and prevents a costly violation.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
The pier does not have a bait shop, rental equipment, or concessions on-site. You must bring your own rod, reel, tackle, and bait. Most anglers targeting flounder and weakfish use medium-action spinning rods (6 to 7 feet) with 12- to 20-pound test line. For striped bass, slightly heavier gear (20- to 30-pound test) handles the larger fish and occasional snags on structure.
Live bait — mullet, bunker, or killifish — is the most effective option for flounder and striped bass. You can catch your own in the bay shallows or purchase bait from tackle shops in Seaside Park or nearby towns. Bring a cooler with ice to keep bait fresh, especially in summer. A landing net makes it easier to bring fish up from the water to the pier deck, and a small tackle box keeps your lures and rigs organized.
Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish in the water, and bring sunscreen and a hat — the pier offers no shade. If you plan to fish early morning or evening, bring a headlamp or flashlight. Summer heat and winter wind can be intense, so dress in layers and bring water.
Access, Parking, and Hours
5th Avenue Pier is located at the end of 5th Avenue in Seaside Park, a small barrier island community in Ocean County. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 82 and follow Route 37 east toward the shore. Once in Seaside Park, follow local signs to 5th Avenue and the pier. Parking is available at the pier lot, though it can fill on summer weekends and holidays.
The pier is open during daylight hours year-round. Exact opening and closing times vary by season — summer hours are typically 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., while winter hours may be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead or check the Seaside Park municipal website to confirm current hours before you go. The pier is closed during severe weather and occasionally for maintenance.
Nearby Tackle Shops and Resources
Several tackle shops within a short drive of 5th Avenue Pier stock bait, lures, and gear. These shops also have current information on what's biting, recent catches, and any changes to regulations. The staff can recommend rigs for the species you're targeting and sell live bait if you don't want to catch your own.
The New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a website with current regulations, size limits, and seasonal closures. Their hotline provides recorded updates on saltwater fishing conditions and rule changes. Local fishing reports and forums also track what anglers are catching at Barnegat Bay piers and nearby waters, which helps you decide whether conditions are worth the trip on any given day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish from 5th Avenue Pier?
No. New Jersey does not require a saltwater fishing license for rod-and-reel fishing from a public pier. You do, however, need to follow all state size and catch limits for each species you keep.
Can I fish at night?
The pier closes at sunset or dusk depending on the season. Night fishing is not permitted. Summer hours typically extend to 9 p.m., but confirm current hours with Seaside Park before you plan an evening trip.
What's the best time of year to fish here?
Summer (June through August) is most productive for flounder and weakfish, while fall (September through November) and spring (April and May) are best for striped bass and bluefish. Winter is slower but possible on mild days if you're targeting striped bass.
Where can I buy bait?
The pier itself has no bait shop. Tackle shops in Seaside Park and nearby towns sell live bait, frozen bait, and lures. You can also catch your own mullet or killifish in the bay shallows if you have a small net.
Is the pier accessible for people with mobility issues?
The pier has railings and a fixed wooden structure, but you should call ahead to confirm current accessibility conditions. Parking is available near the pier entrance, which helps reduce walking distance.