What You'll Find at Belmar Beach

Belmar Beach is a public ocean access point in Monmouth County that works for both shore and surf fishing. The beach sits on the central Jersey coast where the Atlantic meets a working fishing town—you'll see commercial boats and party boats alongside recreational anglers. The main draw is striped bass and bluefish, especially in spring and fall when they move through the shallows. Summer brings smaller blues and occasional weakfish. Winter is quieter but produces stripers for anglers who can handle cold water.

The beach itself is wide and sandy with a jetty to the north (at the Shark River inlet) that concentrates bait and predators. The jetty is a popular spot but requires careful footing and awareness of tides and waves. The open beach to the south offers more room and fewer crowds, though fish are less predictable there. Access is straightforward: the beach is public, parking is available, and there are no special permits required to fish from shore.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary species, with best action in April through June and September through November.
  • The Shark River jetty to the north holds more fish but demands respect for tides, currents, and wave conditions.
  • Parking is available near the beach, and you can fish without a license if you're using rod and reel from shore in New Jersey.
  • Bait fishing with bunker, mullet, or sand eels works well; light tackle and topwater plugs produce during low-light hours.
  • Tides matter significantly—incoming tides and the hour before sunset typically produce the most consistent action.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is prime time at Belmar. Striped bass move north along the coast as water temperatures climb, and they feed aggressively in the shallows. You'll see the most consistent action during this window, with fish ranging from 18 inches to over 40 pounds. Bluefish arrive slightly later, usually by mid-May, and can be aggressive on small plugs and live bait.

Summer (June through August) slows considerably. Water temperatures push into the 70s, and stripers move to deeper water or offshore. Bluefish remain but tend to be smaller—8 to 15 pounds—and scattered. Many anglers shift to early morning or evening sessions to avoid the heat and find feeding fish. This is also peak beach season for swimmers, so expect crowds and less room to fish.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for quality fishing. Stripers return as water cools, and they're often larger and more aggressive than spring fish. Bluefish are abundant and fat from summer feeding. October is frequently the best single month. By late November, action drops as fish move south, though dedicated anglers still find stripers on mild days.

Winter (December through March) is sparse. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, and most recreational anglers stay home. Stripers are present but scattered and less active. If you fish winter, focus on the jetty during slack tide and use live bait rather than artificials. Dress for cold water and watch weather forecasts closely.

How to Fish the Jetty vs. Open Beach

The Shark River jetty is the most productive spot at Belmar, but it requires different tactics than open beach. The jetty creates a current break and concentrates baitfish, which draws stripers and blues. Fish the jetty during incoming tide when current is moderate—too much current makes it dangerous and unproductive. The hour before sunset is typically best. Use live bait (bunker or mullet) or small plugs (2 to 3 inches) worked slowly along the rocks.

Jetty fishing demands caution. Waves can sweep you off the rocks without warning, and the current is strong. Wear a belt with a knife in case you fall in, use felt-soled boots for grip, and never turn your back to the ocean. Fish with a partner if possible. Many experienced anglers avoid the jetty in winter or after storms when waves are large.

The open beach south of the jetty is safer and less crowded but requires more patience. Fish are less concentrated, so you may spend long periods without action. The advantage is that you can cover more ground and fish during daylight without fighting crowds. Use a longer rod (8 to 10 feet) to cast farther and reach deeper water. Bait fishing works, but topwater plugs and soft plastics often outperform bait on the open beach, especially at dawn and dusk.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique

For striped bass, a 7 to 8-foot medium-action spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line is standard. Bluefish have sharp teeth, so use a 12-inch fluorocarbon leader or 30-pound monofilament to prevent bite-offs. Live bait—bunker, mullet, or sand eels—works consistently, especially on the jetty. Cast and hold position, or work the bait slowly along structure. Dead bait works too but attracts smaller fish and crabs.

Artificial lures produce well when conditions are right. Small plugs (2 to 4 inches) in silver, white, or natural colors work during low light. Topwater plugs create commotion that draws strikes in shallow water, especially at dawn. Soft plastics rigged on 1/4 to 1/2-ounce jigs cover water quickly and work in deeper areas. Experiment with retrieve speed—sometimes fast and erratic triggers strikes; other times a slow, steady retrieve works better.

Tide timing is critical. Incoming tide concentrates bait and predators, making it the most productive window. The hour before and after slack tide (when current changes direction) can also be good. Outgoing tide is typically slowest. Check tide tables for Belmar before you fish—the timing shifts by about 50 minutes each day. Many anglers fish the last two hours of incoming tide and the first hour of slack, then leave.

Parking, Access, and Regulations

Belmar Beach has public parking near the fishing areas. Lot 1 (at the north end, closest to the jetty) fills quickly during peak season and summer weekends. Lot 2 and Lot 3 are south of the main beach and offer more space but require a longer walk. Parking is metered during summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) and free in off-season. Arrive early during spring and fall to secure a spot near the jetty.

New Jersey does not require a saltwater fishing license for rod-and-reel fishing from shore, so you can fish without a permit. If you fish from a boat or use other methods (net, trap), different rules apply. Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for current regulations on size and possession limits—these change annually and vary by species.

The beach itself is open to the public year-round. Swimming is prohibited during winter months, but fishing is allowed. Be respectful of other beach users during summer and avoid casting near swimmers. The jetty is accessible but not maintained, so use caution and assume the rocks are slippery even when they look dry.

What Makes Belmar Different from Other Jersey Beaches

Belmar sits in the middle of the Jersey coast, making it a natural funnel for migrating stripers and blues. The Shark River inlet to the north creates structure and current that concentrate fish. Unlike beaches farther south (Cape May area), Belmar gets consistent spring and fall runs without the extreme tidal ranges. Unlike northern Jersey beaches (Sandy Hook, Barnegat), Belmar is easier to access and less crowded during off-season.

The town itself is a working fishing community, not a resort. This means the beach is less manicured, parking is practical rather than premium, and you'll see commercial fishing activity alongside recreational anglers. Party boats and charter boats operate from Belmar, so you'll often see them working the same water you're fishing. This is actually useful—if the boats are catching fish, the shore bite is usually on.

When to Go and What to Bring

Plan your trip for April through June or September through November if you want consistent action. Spring is slightly more crowded but offers excellent stripers. Fall is less crowded and produces larger fish. If you can only fish weekdays, do—weekends bring swimmers, families, and other anglers, especially in summer.

Bring more water than you think you'll need, sunscreen, and a headlamp if you're fishing dawn or dusk. The beach is exposed with little shade. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot feeding fish. If you're fishing the jetty, wear sturdy boots with good grip and bring a small first-aid kit—cuts from rocks are common. A cooler for bait and fish is essential if you're staying more than a couple of hours. Check the weather forecast and wind direction—strong onshore winds make casting difficult and can churn up the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Belmar Beach?

No. New Jersey does not require a license for rod-and-reel fishing from shore in saltwater. If you fish from a boat or use other methods, different rules apply. Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for current regulations on your specific situation.

What's the best time of day to fish Belmar?

The hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise are typically most productive. Incoming tide during these windows is ideal. Many anglers also fish the last two hours of incoming tide regardless of time of day. Midday fishing is possible but slower, especially in summer.

Is the Shark River jetty safe to fish?

The jetty is productive but requires caution. Waves can sweep you off the rocks, and the current is strong. Fish during moderate incoming tide, wear felt-soled boots, and never turn your back to the ocean. Many anglers avoid it in winter or after storms. If you're uncomfortable on rocks, fish the open beach instead.

What size stripers and bluefish are common at Belmar?

Stripers range from 18 inches to over 40 pounds, with spring fish averaging 20 to 30 pounds and fall fish often larger. Bluefish are typically 8 to 20 pounds, though larger fish appear in spring and fall. Size limits and possession limits change annually—check current regulations before you fish.

Can I keep fish I catch at Belmar?

Yes, but size and possession limits apply and change each year. Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for current regulations on striped bass and bluefish before you fish. Regulations vary by season and are updated annually.