New Jersey fishing report for the week of October 22, 2026. Late October is prime time on the Jersey Shore, with the fall striper migration building and blackfish settled onto the structure.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass are moving along the beaches and inlets, bluefish are crashing bait in the surf, and blackfish are on jetties, wrecks and bridges. False albacore and bonito are still around in some areas, and fluke are heading offshore.
Looking ahead, the striper run should keep building over the next several weeks as water temperatures drop.
Where to Find Them
Fish the inlets at Manasquan and Barnegat on the outgoing tide for stripers, work the surf at Island Beach State Park for stripers and blues, and fish wrecks, jetties and bridges for blackfish.
Tides & Conditions
With the moon building toward full, tides are strengthening. Moving water at the inlets is best, and early morning and dusk are prime. Check a current tide chart and marine forecast.
Tackle & Tactics
Bunker, bucktails and swimming plugs for stripers, green crabs or clams on a blackfish jig for the structure. Use a medium-heavy rod with 30 pound braid.
Bring a variety of lures to match the bait.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes Island Beach State Park, Manasquan Inlet and Sandy Hook. Check current New Jersey regulations and seasons before keeping any fish, as striper and tautog rules are specific.
This Week’s Tip
Follow the bait. Peanut bunker and mullet schools often lead you to the stripers.
More New Jersey Resources
All New Jersey fishing reports · Seasonal fishing calendars · Submit your own report
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This report tells you what happened. ReelAI tells you what to do about it — a briefing for your date, your target species and how you're fishing, built from our reports plus live NOAA and USGS data.
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