What You'll Catch at Long Branch Pier

Long Branch Pier is a working fishing pier that extends into the Atlantic off the New Jersey coast, giving you access to striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder without a boat. The pier sits in a transition zone where the continental shelf begins to drop off, which means you're fishing deeper water than you'd find from the beach. That depth brings larger fish closer to shore, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Stripers are the main draw here from April through June and again in September and October. They move through the inlet system and along the coast on their way to and from spawning grounds, and the pier puts you right in their path. Bluefish show up in similar windows, often mixed in with the stripers, and they hit hard and fast. Summer flounder (fluke) move in around June and stay through September, feeding on the sandy bottom just off the pier's end.

Winter fishing is quieter but not dead. Cod and pollock move into deeper offshore waters, and some anglers work the pier for them from December through February, though you'll need heavier tackle and patience. The pier also holds smaller species year-round—porgies, sea bass, and the occasional weakfish—which make for good action when the bigger fish aren't biting.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Branch Pier sits in deeper water than the beach, which attracts stripers, bluefish, and fluke during their seasonal migrations.
  • Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are peak times for striped bass, when fish move through the inlet on their way to spawning grounds.
  • Summer flounder fishing peaks from June through September in the deeper channels just off the pier's end.
  • The pier is a working facility, so hours and access can change; confirm before you go and respect any posted restrictions.
  • Bring heavier tackle than you'd use on the beach—the deeper water and larger fish require 20- to 30-pound test and sturdy rods.

Getting to Long Branch Pier and What to Bring

The pier is located at the end of Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, right where the Shrewsbury River meets the Atlantic. Parking is available nearby, though it fills quickly on weekends and during peak fishing hours. The pier itself is a public fishing pier, but it's also an active commercial and recreational facility, so hours can vary. Check ahead by calling the Long Branch Parks Department or stopping by the harbormaster's office to confirm the pier is open and to ask about any current restrictions.

Bring a medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 20- to 30-pound test line. The deeper water and stronger currents here demand more backbone than beach fishing. A conventional reel works well too if you're comfortable with it. Pack a tackle box with live bait (bunker, herring, or mullet for stripers; live eels for larger bass), artificial lures (metal spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs), and a good net or gaff. The pier can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with grip, and bring a headlamp if you plan to fish dawn or dusk.

Spring Stripers and the Inlet Migration

April through June is when Long Branch Pier shines for striped bass. Fish moving north to the Hudson River and other spawning grounds funnel through the inlet system, and many pause to feed in the deeper water off the pier. The bite is often strongest on the incoming tide, when baitfish get pushed into the channel and stripers follow them in to feed.

Live bunker (menhaden) is the classic choice here. Rig it on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook with a light sinker just heavy enough to keep it near the bottom in the current. Cast uptide and let the bait drift naturally. If live bait isn't available, work metal spoons or soft plastics along the bottom and around any structure on the pier. Dawn and dusk are most productive, but don't leave at midday—overcast conditions and slack tide can trigger bites any time.

Fish in the 15- to 25-pound range are common in spring; larger fish (30 pounds and up) show up less often but are possible. The fight in open water off a pier is different from beach fishing—you have less room to move, so a good drag setting and patience matter more than anything else.

Summer Flounder in the Deeper Channels

Fluke move into the Long Branch area around mid-June and stay through August and into September. They're bottom feeders that hunt in the sand and mud channels just off the pier's end, where the water is 25 to 40 feet deep. The best fishing happens on slack tide or the first hour of the incoming tide, when fluke are most active.

Live or fresh-dead baitfish work best—squid, mullet, or small mackerel rigged on a 1/0 to 2/0 hook with just enough weight to reach bottom. Drop straight down and work the bait slowly along the sand. Fluke often bite soft and tentatively, so watch your line and feel for the subtle tap rather than waiting for a hard strike. Many anglers also use small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches) on a jig head, which lets you cover more water and find where the fish are concentrated.

Summer flounder in this area run 2 to 4 pounds on average, with fish to 6 or 7 pounds possible. The state minimum is 19 inches, so measure before you keep. The season runs through September, and the bite often improves in late August and early September as water temperature drops slightly and fluke become more aggressive.

Fall Bluefish and the Second Striper Run

September and October bring a second wave of striped bass and a strong bluefish bite. Bluefish are aggressive hunters that chase baitfish in the shallower water around the pier, and they'll hit almost anything that moves. They're also strong fighters that test your drag and your patience, especially fish in the 8- to 15-pound range.

Bluefish respond well to metal spoons and small plugs worked fast and erratic. Cast uptide and retrieve with sharp jerks to mimic an injured baitfish. Live bait works too, but bluefish often bite through the line with their sharp teeth, so use a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader. Stripers in fall are often larger and more cautious than spring fish, so slow down and fish live bait or soft plastics near the bottom where they hunt.

Fall fishing can be excellent, but weather changes fast. Nor'easters can close the pier or make it unsafe, so check conditions before you go and be ready to leave if the wind picks up or the swell gets rough.

Winter Cod and Pollock

December through February is quieter, but anglers who fish winter can find cod and pollock in the deeper offshore water. These fish move in as water temperature drops, and they're less active than warm-water species but still worth targeting. You'll need heavier tackle—a conventional reel with 30- to 40-pound test and a sturdy rod that can handle the deeper water and stronger current.

Jigging is the most productive method. Drop a 4- to 8-ounce jig straight down and work it with sharp upward strokes, pausing to let it flutter back down. Cod and pollock respond to the motion and the flash. Live or fresh squid also works, fished on the bottom with a simple rig. Winter fishing requires patience and persistence, but the fish are often larger and less pressured than in other seasons.

Tides, Weather, and When to Fish

Long Branch Pier fishes best on moving water. The incoming tide pushes baitfish into the inlet and channel, which brings predators in to feed. The outgoing tide can be productive too, especially in the first hour after the turn. Slack tide (the brief period between tides) is usually slowest, though overcast conditions or a recent rain can trigger bites even then.

Check the tide tables for Long Branch or the Shrewsbury River inlet before you go. Plan to fish the two hours before and after the tide change, and don't leave just because the tide is slack—conditions can shift fast. Wind direction matters too. A northeast wind pushes water into the inlet and often improves the bite; a southwest wind can flatten things out.

Weather can close the pier without notice. Nor'easters, heavy swells, and high winds make the pier unsafe, so always call ahead to confirm it's open. Summer thunderstorms can also shut things down quickly, so keep an eye on the sky and be ready to leave if conditions deteriorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Long Branch Pier?

Yes, New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can get a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife or at most tackle shops. A seven-day license is available if you don't want to commit to a full year.

What's the best time of day to fish the pier?

Dawn and dusk are most productive for stripers and bluefish, especially in spring and fall. Summer flounder bite throughout the day but are often more active on slack tide. Winter cod and pollock can bite any time, though early morning and late afternoon are usually best.

Can I fish the pier in winter, or does it close?

The pier stays open year-round, but hours and access can change due to weather or maintenance. Call ahead to confirm. Winter fishing is quieter but possible, and you may have the pier mostly to yourself.

What should I do if I hook a large striper I can't land?

Keep your drag set properly so the fish can take line without breaking off. Use steady, even pressure and work the fish toward you in short bursts. If you don't have a gaff or net, ask other anglers on the pier for help—most will assist. If the fish breaks off, it's not a failure; large stripers are strong and sometimes win.

Is there a tackle shop near Long Branch Pier?

Yes, several tackle shops operate in Long Branch and nearby towns. Ask at the harbormaster's office or check online for current locations and hours. Local shops can tell you what's biting and what tackle works best that week.