First time surf fishing

[bbills4x]

Going to try fishing from the beach for stripers and blues for the first time. Coming from Essex County, where are some good locations no more than 60 minutes drive to fish from ? thanks in advance

[Gerry Zagorski]

If you want to stay north, your best bet is going to be from the shore of western Raritan bay. Keyport and west to South Amboy.

[Salt]

If you want to stay north, your best bet is going to be from the shore of western Raritan bay. Keyport and west to South Amboy.


+ 1

[youngdumbandfulloffish]

Perth Amboy also has a few fishing piers that I have had some luck at.

[glen65]

Hey,
Fishermen are a strange breed. They are really good about helping out with all sorts of questions except information on their fishing spots. Usually they will yell at you if you "spot burn"... post your fishing spot. Anyway, I think it's stupid and we should help each other out. If you're going to try surf fishing, I would suggest Sandy Hook. You can try the ocean and bay side without having to drive. If you park at the 9 Gun Battery area you can walk to the tip. You better be in good shape because it's a long walk in the sand (about a mile) to get to the tip.
That's where I first tried surf fishing about this time of year a couple of years ago and immediately hooked up with some cocktail blues. Luck has been spotty since then because I only get to go out a few times a year (live in Bethlehem, PA)

[Hunter 2]

Tip of Union Beach, Cliffwood beach wall and beach, Laurence Harbor, usually produce this time of year. Good Luck

[torchee]

All good suggestions.....
The bay early in season

But I really enjoy fishing out front in May

Sandy hook is really beautiful and has miles of surf

[torchee]

The beach port Monmouth/Belford inlet has been good to me

[NJ219bands]

Leonardo

[AndyS]

............and waders and SP Minnows, be SAFE !!!

[NJ Dave]

A 1 oz Yo Zuri mag darter is one of the best swimmers you can fish from the surf. This lure will out catch on most if not every day.
Time tested items such as buck tail with a pork rind strip or a rubber worm is a must have and a true darter or a pencil popper should be in any basic bag.
I have found with these three items you can cover the top, middle, and bottom water column targeting bass.
Bluefish, we'll they will just eat anything.
90 % of my sure fishing is from dusk into the night or from the dark into sunrise. I seldom surf fish for bass during the day but I have had some great bass day fishing.
Pick up a book by John Skinner or You tube John skinner and you will have some great ideas.

[Rippnlips]

All great tips. Good luck