What You'll Find at Seven Presidents

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is a 33-acre public beach and fishing access point in Long Branch that sits directly on the Atlantic. The park runs along Ocean Avenue between First and Seventh Avenues—hence the name—and gives you direct access to a rocky and sandy bottom that holds striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish depending on the season. You can fish from the beach itself or from the jetties that jut into the water at both ends of the park. Parking is free year-round, and the park is open dawn to dusk.

The bottom structure here matters. The beach drops off gradually at first, then steeper as you move out, and the rocks and boulders along the jetties create the kind of current breaks where striped bass and blues hold during their migrations. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons, but summer and early winter can produce if you know what to target and when the tide is moving.

Key Takeaways

  • Seven Presidents offers free parking and 24-hour access to a public beach with jetties on both ends, making it one of the easiest entry points for shore fishing in Long Branch.
  • Striped bass move through in April and May and again in September and October; bluefish peak in May and June, then return in fall.
  • The jetties hold fish year-round but require careful footing on wet rocks and awareness of incoming tide, which can cut off your exit.
  • Live bunker, eels, and metal lures all work here depending on season and tide; dawn and dusk are most productive, especially around moving water.

Spring Striped Bass Run

April through May is when striped bass move north along the Jersey coast, and Seven Presidents sits right in their path. The fish are heading to spawning grounds in the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, so they're feeding hard and moving through in waves tied to water temperature and tide. You'll see the best bite on the incoming tide, especially in the hour before and after high water, when baitfish get pushed into the shallower areas near the beach.

Live bunker is the standard here—a 4- to 6-inch bunker on a two-hook rig, cast out and left to work. If bunker is hard to find, live eels work just as well and often draw bigger fish. Fish the jetties on the incoming tide and the open beach on the outgoing, since the structure of the rocks changes how the current flows. Expect fish from 18 to 35 inches; a 40-pounder is possible but not common from the beach.

Summer Bluefish and Weakfish

May through July, bluefish arrive and can be aggressive. They're smaller than the spring stripers—mostly 3 to 8 pounds—but they hit hard and are fun on light tackle. Weakfish (also called sea trout) show up in June and July, usually in the early morning hours before the sun gets high. Both species prefer moving water, so time your fishing around the tide change rather than fishing slack water.

Metal lures work well for blues—a 1-ounce Hopkins or similar spoon cast and retrieved steadily will draw strikes. For weakfish, live shrimp or small live bunker on a light rig is more effective. The beach itself is often better than the jetties in summer, since the water is warmer and baitfish spread out more. Fish dawn to mid-morning, then again in the late afternoon as the sun drops.

Fall Striped Bass and Bluefish Return

September through November, both striped bass and bluefish return on their way south, and the fishing can be as good as spring—sometimes better. The water is still warm enough to hold baitfish in the shallows, and the fish are feeding to build reserves for winter. The same tactics that work in spring apply here: live bunker or eels on the jetties during incoming tide, metal lures for blues on the open beach.

October is often the peak month. The water temperature is dropping, which triggers aggressive feeding, and the tide swings are larger, creating stronger current. Fish the hour before high tide and the first two hours after it turns. If you're fishing at dawn, you'll often see baitfish breaking on the surface, which means stripers are underneath pushing them up.

Winter Fishing and Access

December through March is quieter but not dead. Striped bass linger in deeper water just offshore, and you can reach them from the jetties with live eels or large bunker. The bite is slower and more selective, but the crowds are gone and you might have the jetties to yourself. Dress for cold and wind—the Atlantic side of Long Branch gets the full force of nor'easters.

Winter access is straightforward: the park stays open, parking is free, and there are no seasonal restrictions. Just be aware that winter storms can make the jetties unsafe. If there's heavy surf or a strong wind warning, the rocks get slick and the water can pull you in. Check conditions before you go, and don't fish the jetties alone in rough weather.

Parking, Facilities, and Practical Details

Parking at Seven Presidents is free and available year-round in the lot along Ocean Avenue. There are restrooms open during daylight hours and a small pavilion area, though amenities are basic. The park has no bait shop, so bring your own or stop at one of the tackle shops in Long Branch before you arrive. The nearest shops are within a few miles on Broadway or Ocean Avenue.

The beach is open dawn to dusk, though the parking lot gates close at sunset. If you want to fish the evening bite, plan to leave before dark. The jetties are accessible from the beach at both ends of the park, but they're slippery when wet and can be dangerous if you're not paying attention to the tide. Never turn your back on the water, and always know where the tide is—incoming water can trap you on the rocks if you're not watching.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For striped bass, bring a medium-heavy spinning rod (7 to 8 feet) spooled with 20-pound braid. A 2- to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader will help in clear water. Live bunker or eels are the standard, but if you want to throw lures, a 1.5- to 2-ounce pencil popper or a large soft plastic shad (5 to 7 inches) will work. For bluefish, lighter tackle is fine—a medium rod and 15-pound braid is plenty, since they're not leader-shy.

Weakfish require a lighter touch. A 6-foot medium-light rod with 12-pound braid and a 12-pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. Small live shrimp or 2- to 3-inch live bunker are best. Bring a small cooler with ice if you plan to keep bait alive, and always check the current regulations on size and bag limits before you fish—they change by species and season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the jetties at high tide?

Yes, but it's riskier. The rocks are submerged or partially submerged at high tide, so footing is uncertain and waves can wash over you. The incoming tide is when fish feed, so the bite is often best, but fish the jetties on incoming tide only if you're comfortable on wet rocks and you know exactly when the tide turns so you can get off safely.

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

Dawn and dusk are most productive, especially around moving water. The hour before and after high tide is usually best for stripers. Bluefish and weakfish often bite early in the morning before the sun gets high. Midday fishing is slower but can work if you're fishing the jetties where there's shade and current.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license?

Yes, you need a New Jersey saltwater fishing license to keep any fish. You can get one online through the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife or at most tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and required even if you're fishing from shore. Check the current regulations for size and bag limits on striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish before you go.

Is there a bait shop at the park?

No. There's no bait shop at Seven Presidents, so you'll need to bring your own or stop at a tackle shop in Long Branch before you arrive. Several shops are within a few miles on Broadway and Ocean Avenue, and most carry live bunker and eels during the peak seasons.

Can I fish here in winter?

Yes, the park is open year-round and fishing is allowed. Winter is slower than spring and fall, but striped bass linger in deeper water and can be caught from the jetties with live eels. Dress for cold and wind, and avoid the jetties if there's heavy surf or strong wind warnings—the rocks get dangerous in rough conditions.