What Huddy Park offers and who fishes there

Huddy Park is a public fishing access point in Keyport, Monmouth County, located on the Raritan River where it widens into Raritan Bay. The park sits at the end of a residential street and gives anglers direct waterfront access without a boat — you fish from shore or wade into shallow areas. The water here is brackish, mixing saltwater from the bay with freshwater from the river, which means the species change with the season and tide.

The park draws both locals and visiting anglers because it requires no permit, costs nothing to use, and sits close to the Garden State Parkway. Most people fish here for striped bass in spring and fall, weakfish in summer, and winter flounder when the water cools. The shoreline is rocky in places and muddy in others, so bring appropriate footwear and check tide tables before you go — low tide exposes more ground but also concentrates fish in deeper channels.

Parking is limited to a small lot that fills quickly on weekends, especially during spring migration. The park has no facilities — no restrooms, no bait shop, no concession stand — so plan accordingly. Bring water, snacks, and any tackle you think you'll need before you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Huddy Park is a free, no-permit-required shore fishing location on the Raritan River in Keyport, open to the public year-round.
  • Spring and fall striped bass runs are the busiest seasons; summer brings weakfish and other bay species, while winter is slower but holds flounder.
  • Parking is tight and fills early on weekends, so arrive before dawn or plan a weekday visit if possible.
  • The park has no amenities — bring your own water, food, and tackle, and check tide tables before you fish because water depth changes dramatically.
  • New Jersey saltwater fishing requires a license for anyone 16 and older; you can purchase one online or at tackle shops before your trip.

Seasons and what fish are biting

Spring (April through May) is peak season at Huddy Park. Striped bass migrate north through the Raritan Bay on their way to spawning grounds, and they feed aggressively in the shallows. Dawn and dusk are most productive, and live bunker or eels work better than artificial lures, though topwater plugs can draw strikes in low light. Water temperature climbs from the 50s to the 60s, and the bite is most reliable when the tide is moving — either incoming or outgoing.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to weakfish, also called sea trout, which move into the bay as water warms. Striped bass are still present but less predictable because they disperse into deeper water. Small soft plastics, shrimp, and live baitfish all work. The park gets crowded on weekends, and afternoon heat can be intense, so many anglers fish early morning or evening. Humidity is high and bugs are thick near the shoreline vegetation.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong striped bass run as fish move south. The water cools from the 70s back into the 50s, and the bite can be excellent in October and early November. Bunker, eels, and plugs all produce. Parking fills even faster than spring because the weather is pleasant and word spreads among local anglers. By late November, the bite slows as water temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Winter (December through March) is quiet but not empty. Winter flounder move into the deeper channels, and a few dedicated anglers fish the park on mild days. Clams and small baitfish are the standard baits. Expect fewer people, colder wind, and shorter productive hours around midday when the sun is highest. Some winters are milder than others, so conditions vary year to year.

Access, parking, and what to bring

Huddy Park sits at the end of Bedle Street in Keyport, just off Route 36. The address is 1 Bedle Street, Keyport, NJ 07735. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 117 and follow local roads east toward the waterfront. GPS works reliably here, but the final turn is easy to miss because Bedle Street is narrow and residential. There is no sign marking the park entrance, so look for the small parking area at the street's end.

The parking lot holds roughly a dozen cars, and it fills by 6 a.m. on spring and fall weekends. There is no overflow lot and no street parking nearby. If the lot is full, you will need to leave and try another access point. Weekday mornings and winter afternoons are your best bet for finding a spot. The park itself is open dawn to dusk, though many anglers fish the hour before sunrise and the hour after sunset when the light is low and fish feed most actively.

Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish early or late. The shoreline has no lighting, and the walk from the parking area to the water is short but unlit. Wear sturdy shoes or waders because the bottom is rocky and uneven in places, and you may step into a hole. Bring more water than you think you'll need — there is no source at the park. A small cooler with snacks and a change of clothes is practical, especially in spring and fall when the weather can shift quickly. Sunscreen and bug spray are essential in summer.

Tackle and bait that work at Huddy Park

Live baitfish are the most reliable choice year-round. Live bunker (menhaden) in the 4- to 6-inch range are excellent for striped bass in spring and fall. Live eels work equally well and often draw larger fish. You can catch your own bunker using a cast net if you have the skill, but most anglers buy them from tackle shops in the area — Keyport Bait and Tackle and other local shops stock them during the season. Live shrimp work for weakfish and other bay species in summer.

Dead bait is cheaper and works when live bait is not available. Clams, squid, and frozen bunker all produce, especially for flounder and bottom feeders. Rig them on a simple two-hook bottom rig or a single hook depending on what you are targeting. Artificial lures — soft plastics in the 3- to 5-inch range, topwater plugs, and metal spoons — work best during low-light hours when fish are feeding actively. Bring a variety because what works one day may not work the next.

A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line is a solid all-purpose setup. If you plan to fish for flounder or other bottom species, a conventional reel gives you better feel for the bottom. Bring a net if you plan to land larger striped bass — the rocky shoreline makes it hard to beach a fish safely without one. A tackle box with extra hooks, sinkers, leaders, and a knife or pliers is essential.

Regulations and licensing requirements

New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at most tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting briefly. The license is immediate if you buy it online, so you can fish the same day. Bring proof of purchase or have it on your phone in case a ranger checks.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of one fish per person in New Jersey. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Winter flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically, so check the current rules on the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish. Possession of undersized fish is illegal, even if you plan to release them, so measure before you keep anything.

The park itself has no special restrictions beyond standard New Jersey fishing laws. You may not use explosives, poisons, or electrofishing devices. Chumming is allowed. You may fish 24 hours a day if you choose, though the park is technically open dawn to dusk — enforcement is light, but respect the spirit of the rule and the neighbors who live nearby.

Nearby tackle shops and other access points

Keyport Bait and Tackle is the closest shop, located on Route 36 near the park. They stock live bunker, eels, and other baitfish during the season, and the staff knows the local conditions well. They can tell you what is biting that week and whether the tide is right for your target species. Other shops in the area include tackle retailers in Keansburg and Red Bank, though they are farther away.

If Huddy Park is full or you want to explore other options, the Raritan Bay shoreline has several other public access points. Keyport Waterfront Park, also in Keyport, offers similar fishing but is smaller and fills even faster. Keansburg Fishing Pier is a paid option (a few dollars per person) that gives you access to deeper water and is less crowded because of the fee. Cheesequake State Park, south of Keyport, has freshwater and brackish ponds with different species — largemouth bass and catfish instead of striped bass and weakfish.

Tides, weather, and timing your visit

Tides matter more at Huddy Park than at many freshwater locations because the water is brackish and connected to the bay. A moving tide — either incoming or outgoing — concentrates fish and triggers feeding. Slack tide (the brief period between incoming and outgoing) is usually slower. Check tide tables for Keyport or Raritan Bay before you fish. Most fishing apps and websites include tide predictions, and you can plan your trip around the best tide window.

Wind direction affects the bite. A northeast wind pushes water into the bay and can improve conditions, while a strong southwest wind can muddy the water and slow the bite. Spring and fall winds are often unpredictable, so check the forecast the night before and be ready to adjust your plans. Summer heat can be intense, so fish early morning or evening to stay comfortable and avoid the midday lull when fish are less active.

Rain does not close the park, but heavy rain can muddy the water and reduce visibility for fish. A light rain often improves the bite because it reduces light penetration and makes fish less cautious. Fog is common in spring and fall mornings and can make navigation tricky, so use a headlamp and stay aware of your surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Huddy Park?

No. Huddy Park is a shore fishing location, and you can reach productive water by wading or casting from the rocks. The water is shallow near shore, so you do not need a boat to catch fish. If you have a small boat or kayak, you can launch elsewhere and fish the deeper channels, but shore fishing is the standard and most accessible way to fish here.

What is the best time of day to fish Huddy Park?

Dawn and dusk are most productive because fish feed actively in low light. Spring and fall striped bass bite best in the hour before sunrise and the hour after sunset. Summer weakfish also feed during these windows. Midday can be slow, especially in summer heat. If you can only fish during the day, focus on overcast days or periods when the tide is moving fastest.

Can I fish Huddy Park in winter?

Yes, the park is open year-round and you can fish in winter. The bite is slower than spring and fall, and you will see fewer anglers. Winter flounder are the main target, and they bite best on mild days around midday when the sun is highest. Bring warm clothes and expect shorter productive hours compared to other seasons.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Leave and try another location. There is no overflow parking and no street parking nearby. Keyport Waterfront Park is close by but also small. Keansburg Fishing Pier is a paid alternative that usually has space. Check back at Huddy Park on a weekday morning or during winter when fewer people fish.

Is there a bait shop at Huddy Park?

No. The park has no facilities, shops, or amenities. Keyport Bait and Tackle is the closest option, located on Route 36 near the park entrance. Stop there before you fish to buy live bait and ask about current conditions. Bring your own water, food, and tackle because nothing is available at the park itself.