Barnegat Township, NJ sits at the heart of the Barnegat Bay and Inlet region, offering diverse saltwater and bay fishing opportunities throughout the fall. Early October brings a mix of summer holdovers and the first signs of the fall migration, with anglers targeting a range of species from the surf, inlet rocks, and local reefs.

Weekly Catches

The catches below cover the last 7 days.

Sea Bass

Sea bass season just opened, and anglers are reporting excellent action on local reefs and wrecks in 50–80 feet of water. Multiple boats have reached their 10-fish bag limit at 12.5 inches, with some trips producing a mix of sea bass and triggerfish. The bite has been described as “drop and reel” fishing, especially as the ocean calms after recent swells. Productive areas include deeper structure off Barnegat Inlet, and both green crabs and clam baits have been effective.

• Boat limits of sea bass reported, with fish up to keeper size.
• Triggerfish still present on some wrecks and reefs.
• Best action in 50–80 feet, especially as swells subside.

Tautog (Blackfish)

The tautog bite has turned on with the recent drop in bay water temperatures to the low 60s. Anglers fishing the inlet rocks and jetties have reported strong action, with catches of up to 20 fish per outing and several keepers landed. Notably, a 22-inch, 5+ pound tautog was caught from shore, which is considered a standout catch for land-based fishing. Green crabs are the top bait, and the best bite has been during late afternoon hours.

• Multiple anglers catching 20+ tautog each, with several keepers.
• Largest reported tautog: 22" and over 5 pounds from the rocks.
• Best results on green crabs, especially 4–6pm at the inlet rocks.

Kingfish

The kingfish bite remains steady along the surf, with both northern and southern kingfish reported. The largest recent weigh-in was a 14.5-inch, 1.12-pound kingfish caught in Holgate on mullet. Other anglers are catching kingfish on bloodworms and Fishbites, with the bigger fish coming on small mullet strips. The bite is described as consistent, though not red hot, and is expected to continue as long as surf temperatures remain near 70°F.

• 14.5" kingfish (1.12 lbs) weighed in from Holgate on mullet.
• Steady surf action on bloodworms, Fishbites, and mullet strips.
• Most reliable in the surf zone, especially on calm days.

Bluefish

Bluefish are present in the surf, mostly as snappers and cocktail-size fish. These smaller blues are being caught on mullet and small lures. Occasional feeding frenzies occur when bluefish find schools of rain bait, bay anchovies, or spearing. The action is best during periods of active bait movement along the beach.

• Surf catches of small bluefish (snappers and cocktails).
• Effective on mullet and small metal lures.
• Feeding frenzies possible when baitfish are present.

Striped Bass

Resident striped bass are still active in the bay and inlet, feeding on mullet and peanut bunker. The surf bite has not yet started in earnest, but a few early arrivals have been reported, including an 8.64-pound, 29.5-inch striper caught at Barnegat Light on a lure. The main run is expected soon as water temperatures continue to drop and more bait moves out front.

• 8.64 lb, 29.5" striped bass caught at Barnegat Light on a lure.
• Best action currently in the bay and inlet on mullet and peanut bunker.
• Surf action expected to increase as fall migration progresses.

Fluke

Although the season is nearly over, a few fluke are still being caught. Notable recent catches include a 19-inch fluke from the inlet on minnows. Out-of-season fluke are also being reported tight to the surf wash, but most are being released. The last week of the season offers a final chance for a keeper before closure.

• 19" fluke caught in the inlet on minnows.
• Surf anglers still finding out-of-season fluke close to shore.
• One week remains in the fluke season.

Other Species

Triggerfish are still being caught on local reefs and wrecks, often mixed in with sea bass. Blowfish are tapering off in the back bays, and spot are likely exiting soon. There is also a chance for a late-season pompano in the surf while water temperatures remain warm.

• Triggerfish present on reefs and wrecks, often with sea bass.
• Blowfish catches declining in the bay.
• Occasional pompano possible in the surf.

Weather & Marine Conditions

Early October brought a mix of big swells from offshore hurricanes and periods of calm, sunny weather. The surf is currently running 2–3 feet with powerful sets, but conditions are improving with the swell dropping and light winds forecasted for the weekend. Surf temperatures have cooled to 64–70°F, and the bay is in the low to mid-60s. Some eelgrass and cabbage weed have been present in the wash, but overall water clarity is improving.

Tides & Solunar Activity

Recent tide cycles have featured high tides around 4:10 AM and 4:29 PM, with low tides at 10:28 AM and 11:15 PM. These cycles provide productive windows for both surf and inlet fishing, especially during the early morning and late afternoon periods when many recent catches have been reported.

Fishing Conditions & Tips

With the fall transition underway, shorter days and cool nights are accelerating the bay’s cooling. The mullet run is winding down, but peanut bunker and rain bait are still present and attracting predators. For best results, target sea bass and triggerfish on reefs and wrecks with green crabs or clams, fish the inlet rocks for tautog with green crabs, and work the surf for kingfish and bluefish using mullet, bloodworms, or Fishbites. Keep epoxy jigs and small metals ready for possible false albacore appearances. Early and late in the day have produced the most consistent bites.

Regulations & Notices

The sea bass season is open with a 10-fish bag limit at 12.5 inches. Fluke season is in its final week. The 71st Annual LBI Surf Fishing Classic is ongoing, with daily, weekly, and grand prizes for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, tautog, and other species. All LBI beach towns, including Barnegat Township, are open for 4×4 vehicle access with proper permits. Boaters should be aware of active dredging operations in local channels, including Holiday Harbor, Skippers Cove, Waretown Creek, South Harbor, Double Creek Mainland, Double Creek, High Bar Harbor, and Barnegat Light Stake. Exercise caution and maintain no wake speed near dredging equipment.

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