What You'll Find at 5th Avenue Pier

5th Avenue Fishing Pier is a public access point in North Wildwood that puts you directly over the bay with a straightforward setup: a fixed pier, no boat required, and fish that move through with the tide. The pier runs into Wildwood Bay, which means you're fishing structure and current rather than open ocean. This is a working pier—not a resort destination—so expect a casual crowd of locals and visiting anglers, especially in summer and early fall.

The pier itself is concrete and steel, built for function. It's not long—roughly 400 feet—but that length is enough to get you away from shore and into water where striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish hold during their seasonal runs. The bay bottom here is mostly sand and mud, with some scattered structure that holds baitfish. Water depth ranges from about 8 feet at the pier's base to 12 to 15 feet at the end, depending on tide.

Access is straightforward: you walk on, pay a small daily or seasonal fee at the gate, and fish. There's no reservation system. The pier operates year-round, though most anglers fish spring through fall. Winter is quieter but can be productive for stripers if you're willing to work cold water.

Key Takeaways

  • 5th Avenue Pier is a bay-side access point in North Wildwood where you can fish without a boat, with depths ranging from 8 to 15 feet depending on tide.
  • Spring and fall bring striped bass and bluefish; summer is reliable for weakfish and smaller species; winter holds stripers for anglers who target them deliberately.
  • The pier charges a daily or seasonal fee, and you'll need light to medium tackle suited for bay fish rather than heavy surf gear.
  • Incoming tide is generally more productive than outgoing, and dawn and dusk are better than midday, especially in summer.
  • Parking is available nearby on 5th Avenue, but it fills quickly on weekends during peak season.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Spring (April through May) brings the first serious run of striped bass moving through the bay on their way north. These fish are hungry after winter and will hit live bunker, eels, and shad patterns. The water is still cool—in the 50s—so fish move slower and stay deeper. Fish the deeper end of the pier and work the bottom. Bluefish show up later in spring, usually by late May, and they're aggressive on anything shiny.

Summer (June through August) shifts the bite toward weakfish, small blues, and flounder. The water warms into the 70s, and fish spread out more. Weakfish are the bread-and-butter catch here in July and August—they'll take small soft plastics, spoons, and live shrimp. Flounder move in around the pier's pilings and structure. This is when the pier gets crowded, and midday fishing is slower; dawn and dusk are much better. Many anglers switch to lighter tackle and smaller baits in summer.

Fall (September through November) is arguably the best time. Striped bass return on their way south, water cools back down, and bluefish are aggressive and abundant. September and October are peak months. Fish the incoming tide hard, especially the last two hours before high water. Live bunker or eels will take stripers; bluefish will hit anything that moves.

Winter (December through March) is quiet but not dead. Stripers stay in the bay if water doesn't freeze, and a few dedicated anglers fish them with eels or live baitfish. The pier is less crowded, and you might have long stretches to yourself. Water temperatures drop into the 40s, so fish are sluggish but concentrated. This is not the time to learn pier fishing, but it's a solid option if you know what you're doing.

Tackle and Bait That Works

You don't need heavy gear for 5th Avenue Pier. A medium-action 7-foot spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament is ideal for most of the year. In summer, when you're targeting weakfish and smaller fish, you can drop to 12-pound line and lighter rods. Avoid anything heavier than 20-pound test unless you're specifically targeting large stripers in fall.

Live bait is the most reliable choice: bunker (menhaden), eels, and live shrimp all work. Bunker is the top choice for stripers in spring and fall. Eels are excellent year-round and especially good in fall and winter. Live shrimp works well in summer for weakfish. You can buy bait at shops on the boardwalk or in North Wildwood proper—there are several tackle shops within a short drive.

If you prefer casting, small soft plastics (2 to 4 inches) in natural colors work for weakfish and bluefish. Spoons in silver or gold are reliable for bluefish and stripers. Shad patterns and small swimbaits work in spring and fall. The key is matching the size of baitfish actually in the bay—in summer, that's small; in spring and fall, larger profiles work better.

Tides, Time of Day, and Where to Stand

Tide matters more at 5th Avenue than at many other spots because you're in a bay with real tidal movement. Incoming tide is almost always better than outgoing. Fish move with the incoming water, and baitfish get pushed toward the pier. The last two hours before high tide and the first hour after high tide are usually the most active. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is often slow.

Time of day is secondary to tide, but dawn and dusk are more productive than midday, especially in summer. If you can only fish midday, focus on the deeper end of the pier and fish the bottom. Early morning (first light through 9 a.m.) is excellent year-round. Evening (two hours before sunset through dark) is also reliable.

Position yourself at the end of the pier if you can—deeper water and more current. If the end is crowded, the middle section is still productive. The pilings and structure near the base of the pier hold flounder and small fish in summer. In spring and fall, when stripers and blues are the target, the deeper water at the end is better.

Parking, Facilities, and What to Bring

Parking is available on 5th Avenue itself and in nearby municipal lots. On weekends during peak season (June through September), arrive early—parking fills by mid-morning. There's no dedicated angler parking, so you're competing with beach traffic. Weekday mornings are much easier.

The pier has minimal facilities. There are no restrooms, no shade structures, and no food vendors. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. A small cooler for bait and a headlamp for early morning or evening fishing are useful. The pier can get slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. In summer, the sun reflects hard off the concrete, so sunglasses are essential.

Bring a net if you plan to land larger fish—the pier is high enough that netting is easier than trying to hand-line a striper. A small tackle box with extra hooks, leaders, and a few lures covers most situations. If you're fishing live bait, a bait bucket with an aerator keeps bunker or eels alive longer.

Rules, Regulations, and What You Need to Know

New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can get a three-day, seven-day, or annual license through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The license is inexpensive and can be purchased online or at most tackle shops. Bring proof of your license with you.

Size and possession limits vary by species and change annually. Striped bass have a minimum size (currently 18 inches) and a daily limit. Bluefish have a minimum size and daily limit. Weakfish have a minimum size. Check the current regulations on the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website before you go—regulations change, and it's your responsibility to know what's legal.

The pier itself has a daily use fee, usually a few dollars. Some days it's free for residents; check locally. No live bait sales happen on the pier, so bring your own or buy it beforehand. The pier is open to the public during daylight hours year-round, though hours may vary seasonally.

When to Fish 5th Avenue vs. Other North Wildwood Spots

5th Avenue Pier is best when you want bay fishing without a boat and don't want to deal with surf conditions. It's more sheltered than ocean-side piers and works in rougher weather. If you're new to pier fishing or want a reliable, straightforward experience, this is a good choice.

If you want to target larger stripers or want more space to cast, the ocean-side piers in North Wildwood (like Wildwood Crest Pier or the Boardwalk Pier) are better. Those piers fish deeper water and see bigger fish, but they're also more crowded and more exposed to weather. 5th Avenue is the quieter, more consistent option for bay species and smaller to medium stripers.

If you have access to a boat, bay fishing from a drifting boat covers more water and can be more productive in summer. But if you're fishing on foot and want a solid, accessible pier, 5th Avenue delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish 5th Avenue Pier?

No. The pier is a fixed structure that extends into the bay. You walk on, pay the daily fee, and fish from the pier itself. No boat is required or allowed.

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

Fall (September through October) is peak season for stripers and bluefish. Spring (April through May) is also excellent. Summer is reliable but slower during midday. Winter is quiet but can be productive if you target stripers deliberately.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes, as long as the fish meet New Jersey's minimum size and you stay within daily possession limits. Check current regulations on the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website before you fish. You'll need a saltwater license.

Is the pier crowded?

It depends on the season and day of the week. Summer weekends are busy. Weekday mornings and off-season days are quiet. Spring and fall weekends can be moderately crowded but not as packed as summer.

What if I've never fished a pier before?

5th Avenue is a good starting point. The setup is simple, the fish are consistent, and local anglers are usually willing to share information. Bring live bait, fish the incoming tide, and focus on dawn or dusk. You'll catch fish.