Barnegat Inlet / Island Beach State Parkon Barnegat Bay / Manasquan Inlet
Large schools of baitfish are present
- 01Large schools of baitfish are present, attracting aggressive feeders.
- 02Bluefish are actively blitzing, particularly during tide changes.
- 03Weakfish are targeting both baitfish and shrimp in estuaries and grass flats.
- 04Cooling water temperatures are concentrating fish.
What to tie on at Barnegat Inlet / Island Beach State Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Chartreuse Deceiver
A versatile baitfish imitation that is effective year-round in murky inshore waters, targeting both Bluefish and Weakfish during their active spring feeding.
Buy at AmazonDeceiver (Lefty's)
A general baitfish imitation that works year-round inshore and nearshore for predatory species like Bluefish and Weakfish, which are actively feeding in the spring.
Buy at AmazonTan Spawning Shrimp
This shrimp imitation is particularly effective during the spring spawning season in marshes and estuaries, directly targeting both Bluefish and Weakfish.
Buy at AmazonSilversides
Atlantic Silversides are a common baitfish in Northeast coastal waters. While mentioned for fall, they are present in spring and are a key food source for Bluefish and Weakfish.
Clouser Minnow (Saltwater)
A classic and highly versatile baitfish/shrimp imitation, effective year-round for a wide range of saltwater predatory species, including Bluefish and Weakfish, as they actively hunt in spring.
Buy at AmazonSurf Candy
This baitfish imitation is directly effective for both Bluefish and Weakfish year-round, especially productive in clear surf and nearshore waters during the spring run.
Buy at AmazonEP Shrimp
Shrimp are a consistent food source in saltwater inshore environments year-round. This pattern is effective for both Bluefish and Weakfish actively feeding on shrimp in the spring.
Buy at AmazonGurgler (Saltwater)
A topwater pattern that creates disturbance, mimicking a fleeing baitfish. This can entice aggressive strikes from Bluefish and Weakfish, especially during active feeding periods in spring.
Saltwater Gurgler
A topwater pattern that creates disturbance, mimicking a fleeing or injured baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from Bluefish and Weakfish during summer.
New Jersey season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.