What You'll Find at Manasquan Inlet

Manasquan Inlet is a working tidal passage between Point Pleasant Beach and Brielle that holds striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish on predictable seasonal schedules. The inlet itself—roughly 800 yards of moving water between two jetties—produces best during the two-hour window around tide changes, when baitfish concentrate and predators feed hard. You can fish from the jetties, from boats anchored in the inlet, or from charter boats that work the inlet mouth and nearby offshore structure.

The inlet's reputation rests on spring and fall runs. Stripers move through in April and May heading north, and again in September and October on the way south. Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through October, with peak action in June and again in September. Summer brings weakfish and smaller stripers, though the water warms and fishing slows during July and August. Winter is quiet—most anglers move to other locations once water temperature drops below 45 degrees.

Key Takeaways

  • Manasquan Inlet fishes best during spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) when stripers and bluefish move through on migration.
  • Jetty fishing requires a New Jersey saltwater fishing license and works best during slack tide and the first two hours of incoming or outgoing flow.
  • Charter boats and party boats operate from Point Pleasant Beach year-round and handle all tackle, bait, and licensing—a practical option if you don't own a boat.
  • Access to the inlet is free from public beaches and jetties, but parking fills quickly on weekends during peak season.
  • Regulations change annually; check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website for current size and bag limits before you fish.

Jetty Fishing: Access and Technique

Both the north and south jetties at Manasquan Inlet are open to public fishing. The north jetty (Point Pleasant side) is more crowded but slightly easier to walk; the south jetty (Brielle side) sees fewer anglers and offers better footing in some sections. Both require a New Jersey saltwater fishing license, which you can purchase online through the state's licensing system or at tackle shops in Point Pleasant.

Jetty fishing works best during the last hour of slack tide and the first two hours of the incoming or outgoing tide. When water moves hard, baitfish get pushed into the rocks and predators follow. Cast small metal jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce), soft plastics rigged on jig heads, or live mullet and mackerel if you bring bait. Stripers and bluefish will hit moving water; during dead slack, fishing slows noticeably. Wear a life jacket or belt—the rocks are slippery, the water is cold, and the current can be strong.

Parking is available at Point Pleasant Beach (fee parking, typically $5–$10 depending on season) and at smaller lots near the Brielle side. On weekends during May and September, arrive by 6 a.m. if you want a spot. Jetty fishing is free once you have your license; no additional permits or fees apply.

Boat Fishing in the Inlet and Offshore

If you own a boat, you can anchor in the inlet during slack tide and fish the deeper channels where stripers and bluefish hold. The inlet mouth (the area just outside the jetties) holds structure and current breaks that concentrate fish, especially during the last two hours of an outgoing tide. Boats also work the nearby offshore reefs and wrecks—the Manasquan Ridge and various wreck sites lie 8 to 15 miles offshore and hold stripers, bluefish, and cod depending on season.

Charter boats and party boats operate from Point Pleasant Beach docks year-round. Half-day inlet trips (typically 4 hours) run $60–$90 per person and target stripers and bluefish during spring and fall. Full-day offshore trips (8 hours) cost $120–$180 per person and fish deeper structure. Charter boats provide tackle, bait, and a licensed captain; party boats are walk-on, shared-boat trips that are cheaper but more crowded. Most boats require you to call ahead or book online, especially on weekends.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect

Spring (April–May) brings the first major striper run. Fish move through the inlet on their way north to summer grounds, and action can be intense for two to three weeks. Water temperature ranges from 48 to 58 degrees. Bluefish arrive in late May as water warms. Jetty fishing and inlet boat fishing both produce during this window.

Summer (June–August) sees peak bluefish numbers in June, then a slowdown in July and August as water warms to 72–78 degrees. Weakfish and smaller stripers are present but less reliable. Many anglers shift focus to offshore wrecks or move to other inlets. Inlet fishing is still possible but requires fishing early morning or late evening when water is cooler.

Fall (September–October) brings the second major striper run and a resurgence of bluefish. Water cools from 70 degrees in September to 55 degrees by late October. This is often the most consistent season for both species. Fishing remains good through October; by November, water temperature drops and fish move out.

Winter (November–March) is slow. Water temperature falls below 50 degrees, and most stripers and bluefish have migrated. Some anglers fish for cod and other bottom species offshore, but inlet fishing is minimal. Many charter boats reduce trips or focus on other locations.

Regulations and Licensing

New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes from shore or from a private boat. You do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter or party boat. Licenses are available online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. Cost varies by residency and license type (annual, three-day, or one-day options are available).

Size and bag limits change annually and vary by species. Striped bass has a minimum size (typically 18 inches) and a daily bag limit (typically one fish per day). Bluefish has a minimum size (typically 8 inches) and a bag limit (typically 10 fish per day). Weakfish has a minimum size and a lower bag limit. Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or call their hotline before you fish to confirm current rules. Regulations are posted at tackle shops and on the state website.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For jetty fishing, bring 1/2- to 1-ounce metal jigs in silver or chartreuse, soft plastic shads (3 to 4 inches) rigged on jig heads, and topwater plugs for early morning or evening. If you bring live bait, use live mullet or mackerel (4 to 6 inches). A medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braid works well for both jigs and live bait.

For boat fishing, the same jigs and soft plastics work in the inlet. Offshore, anglers use heavier jigs (2 to 4 ounces), live mackerel, and squid for bottom fishing. Charter boats provide tackle and bait, so you do not need to bring your own if you book a trip. If you own a boat, tackle shops in Point Pleasant (including several along Bridge Avenue) stock local favorites and can advise on what's working that week.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Manasquan Inlet is located in Point Pleasant Beach, Monmouth County, about 60 miles south of New York City and 40 miles north of Atlantic City. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 98 and follow signs to Point Pleasant Beach. Parking for jetty fishing is available at Point Pleasant Beach municipal lots (fee parking, seasonal rates) and smaller lots near the Brielle side of the inlet.

If you plan to fish from a charter or party boat, most operations are based at docks along Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant. Call ahead or check their websites to confirm trip schedules, pricing, and whether they require advance booking. Tackle shops in Point Pleasant can provide current information on what's biting, recent catches, and any changes to access or regulations.

Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends during peak season. Tide tables are essential—download a tide app or check NOAA's tide predictions for Manasquan Inlet before you go. Fishing is most productive during the two hours around tide changes, so timing your arrival to match the tide will improve your chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from a charter boat?

No. If you fish from a licensed charter boat or party boat, the boat's license covers you. You only need your own license if you fish from shore or from a private boat.

What's the best time of day to fish Manasquan Inlet?

Early morning (one hour before sunrise to two hours after) and the last two hours before sunset are most productive. Tide matters more than time of day—fish during the last hour of slack tide and the first two hours of incoming or outgoing tide, regardless of what time that occurs.

Can I fish the jetties in winter?

Technically yes, but fishing is slow. Water temperature drops below 50 degrees, and most stripers and bluefish have left. A few anglers fish for cod and other bottom species, but the inlet is not a reliable winter destination.

How much does a charter boat trip cost?

Half-day inlet trips run $60–$90 per person. Full-day offshore trips cost $120–$180 per person. Prices vary by boat and season. Party boats (walk-on shared trips) are typically cheaper than private charters. Call ahead to confirm current pricing and book a spot, especially on weekends.

What size stripers can I keep?

New Jersey's minimum size for striped bass is typically 18 inches, with a daily bag limit of one fish per day. Limits change annually, so check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish to confirm the current rules.