What You'll Find at Belmar Beach

Belmar Beach is a working fishing town's public shoreline, not a resort beach. The sand runs narrow in places, the parking fills fast during runs, and the water temperature swings hard between seasons—but that's exactly why striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish show up here in predictable waves. Spring and fall are the real seasons; summer is slow for serious fishing, and winter is cold enough that most anglers move south.

The beach itself stretches roughly a mile along Ocean Avenue, with the Belmar Fishing Club and tackle shops within walking distance. Access is free year-round. Parking is street parking along Ocean Avenue and side streets—arrive early during May and September, or you'll circle for twenty minutes. The beach faces northeast, which means it takes the swell well and holds baitfish in the wash during tide changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass move through Belmar in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), with the best action on incoming tide and low-light hours.
  • Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through September, feeding aggressively in the wash and around structure like jetties at the north end.
  • Parking is street-only and fills during peak season; arrive by 6 a.m. or plan for a walk from nearby residential streets.
  • The beach drops gradually, so you can wade out 50 to 75 yards at low tide and still be in productive water.
  • Baitfish—mullet, sand eels, and silversides—are most abundant during tide changes, which is when predators feed hardest.

Spring Striper Run: April Through May

Striped bass move up the coast in April and May on their way to spawning grounds in the Hudson River and Delaware Bay. Belmar sits directly in that migration corridor. The fish are hungry after winter, and they stack in the wash and along the drop-off where the beach shelf breaks deeper. You'll see them most consistently on the incoming tide, especially the last two hours before high water.

Fish live eels or mullet on a simple two-hook rig, or throw plugs and soft plastics if you prefer casting. The water is cold—50 to 55 degrees—so the bass move slowly and feed in predictable zones. Dawn and dusk are best, but overcast days produce all day. The run peaks around mid-May; by late May, most fish have moved north and the water warms enough that bluefish take over.

Fall Striper Run: September Through October

The fall run is longer and often more intense than spring. Stripers begin moving south in late August, but September is when they pack the beaches. The water is still warm enough for active feeding, and the baitfish are abundant. Fish the same incoming tide pattern as spring, but expect larger fish and more aggressive strikes. A 30-pound striper is not uncommon in September.

Mullet and bunker are the preferred baits; if you're casting, metal spoons and pencil poppers work well in the wash. The run typically holds strong through mid-October, then tapers as water temperature drops below 55 degrees. By November, most fish have moved to deeper water and the beach fishing slows dramatically.

Summer Bluefish and Weakfish

Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through September. They're aggressive, fast, and will hit almost anything that moves—which makes them fun but also means the fishing can be chaotic. They school in the wash and around the jetties at the north end of the beach. Live mullet or bunker works, but so do small metal jigs, spoons, and topwater plugs. Expect to lose terminal tackle; blues have sharp teeth and will bite through monofilament.

Weakfish (sea trout) show up in June and July, feeding on sand eels and silversides in the shallow wash. They're smaller than stripers—most run 12 to 18 inches—but they're fun on light tackle. Fish small soft plastics or live sand eels on a light jig head. Weakfish are sensitive to water temperature; they disappear when it climbs above 75 degrees, so focus on early morning and evening in midsummer.

Tides, Baitfish, and When to Fish

Belmar's tides swing roughly 4 to 5 feet between low and high water. The incoming tide is almost always better than the outgoing, because baitfish get pushed into the wash and predators follow. The last two hours before high tide and the first hour after are the most reliable window. Slack water—the moment between incoming and outgoing—is usually slow.

Baitfish abundance changes with the season. Spring brings mullet and sand eels; summer adds silversides and small bunker; fall brings large mullet and bunker schools. If you see baitfish in the wash, predators are usually nearby. Overcast days and low-light hours (dawn, dusk, and night) are more productive than bright midday sun, especially in summer when water clarity is high.

Access, Parking, and Local Tackle

Belmar Beach is open to the public year-round. Parking is street parking only along Ocean Avenue and the side streets running perpendicular to the beach. During peak season (May and September), arrive by 6 a.m. or plan to park a quarter-mile away and walk. There are no lifeguards during fishing season, and the beach can be rough; pay attention to water conditions and don't wade beyond your comfort level.

The Belmar Fishing Club is located at 601 River Road, a short walk from the beach. Several tackle shops operate nearby—they stock live bait, rigs, and current information about what's been caught. Stop in before you fish; local knowledge about recent catches and water conditions is worth the five minutes. Restrooms are available at the municipal building near the parking area.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (7 to 8 feet) and 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. A small cooler with ice, a headlamp for dawn fishing, and polarized sunglasses will make the day easier. Waders are optional in spring and fall but helpful if you want to wade out to the drop-off. The beach is sandy with no rocks or structure in the water, so you won't snag often—but the wash can be rough during nor'easters, so check the forecast before you go.

Belmar is a working fishing town, not a vacation spot. The beach is narrow, the parking is tight, and the fishing is seasonal. But if you time it right—spring or fall, incoming tide, low light—you'll find consistent action and fish worth the drive. The town has a fishing culture that goes back generations, and that shows in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best month to fish Belmar Beach?

May and September are the most consistent. May brings hungry stripers on their spring migration, and September offers both large stripers moving south and aggressive bluefish. October is also good for stripers, but the window closes as water temperature drops.

Can I fish at night?

Yes. Night fishing is often better than day fishing, especially in summer. Stripers and bluefish feed more actively in darkness. Bring a headlamp and be aware of the tide; it's easy to lose track of water level in the dark.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license?

Yes. New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license (3 days, 7 days, or annual) online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Licenses are inexpensive and can be bought the day you fish.

What if the beach is crowded?

The north end near the jetties is usually less crowded than the central beach. If parking is full, try the side streets running north and south from Ocean Avenue. The walk is worth it during peak season. Early morning (before 7 a.m.) is almost always less crowded than midday.

Is there a minimum size for stripers and bluefish?

Yes. Striped bass have a 18-inch minimum size limit in New Jersey. Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum. Check the current regulations with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before you fish, as rules can change.