What You'll Catch at Jenkinson's Beach

Jenkinson's Beach is a working fishing beach in the middle of Point Pleasant's commercial and recreational activity, and it holds striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder year-round depending on the season. Spring and fall bring the most reliable stripers—fish moving through the inlet and along the nearshore structure. Summer is fluke season, when the sandy bottom and deeper holes hold keeper-sized fish. Bluefish show up in waves, usually May through June and again in September, and they hit hard when they're present.

The beach itself is narrow and busy, especially in summer, but the fishing window before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. gives you room to work. The inlet current and the nearshore drop-off create natural feeding zones, and the jetties on either side of the inlet funnel baitfish and predators through predictable paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass peak in April through May and September through October when they migrate through the inlet and along the beach structure.
  • Summer fluke fishing (June through August) works best on the sandy bottom and deeper holes just off the beach in 15 to 25 feet of water.
  • Bluefish arrive in waves during May and June, then again in September, and they respond to small metal lures and live baitfish.
  • Fish the beach before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. when crowds thin and water conditions are calmer.
  • The inlet jetties and nearshore drop-off hold structure year-round and concentrate feeding fish during tidal movement.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Target

Spring (April and May) is when striped bass move through the inlet on their way north. Fish the beach at dawn with live bunker, eels, or large plugs. The current runs strongest around the inlet mouth, and stripers hold in the deeper water just off the bar. You'll also see some early bluefish mixed in, especially if water temperatures are warming quickly.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to fluke. The sandy bottom and shell beds off Jenkinson's hold keeper fish, and the deeper holes near the inlet are reliable spots. Drift with live squid or small minnows, or anchor and work the bottom with bucktail jigs tipped with squid. Bluefish taper off by mid-June but can show up in scattered pods on hot days.

Fall (September and October) brings the return migration of stripers and a second wave of bluefish. Conditions are often cleaner than spring, and the fish are feeding hard before winter. Fish the same inlet and nearshore structure you worked in spring, but expect larger average fish and more consistent action.

Winter (November through March) slows considerably. Some stripers stay in the inlet, and you'll find occasional fish on mild days, but most anglers move to deeper structure or shift to other beaches. If you do fish, focus on the inlet mouth and the deeper holes just offshore.

Access, Parking, and Practical Details

Jenkinson's Beach is public and free to fish. Parking is available at the Jenkinson's Boardwalk lot (Bay Avenue at the beach), though it fills quickly in summer and costs vary by season. In off-season months, parking is easier and cheaper. There are no dedicated fishing-only lots, so arrive early if you're fishing during the day or plan to fish the evening bite when daytime crowds leave.

The beach has lifeguard stations and is monitored during summer months. Fishing is allowed outside lifeguard hours (before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. in summer) and year-round in off-season. Bring a beach cart or wagon if you're carrying gear—the sand can be soft, especially near the waterline.

Restrooms and a small tackle shop are available at the boardwalk. The nearest full-service tackle shops are a short drive away on Arnold Avenue and in downtown Point Pleasant, so stock up on bait and lures before you arrive if you want specific sizes or species.

Bait, Lures, and What Works

Live bunker (menhaden) is the gold standard for stripers in spring and fall. A 4- to 6-inch bunker on a fish-finder rig or a simple two-hook setup will draw strikes from fish moving through the inlet. Eels work well too, especially at night or in lower light. For bluefish, live mullet or mackerel works, but they'll also crush small metal spoons and poppers.

Fluke respond to live squid, small minnows, and sand eels. Bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink, tipped with squid or a minnow, are reliable. Work the bottom slowly and feel for the soft take—fluke often mouth the bait before committing.

Plugs and soft plastics work for stripers, especially early and late in the day. A 4- to 6-inch shad-pattern plug or a 5-inch soft plastic on a 1-ounce jighead will cover water quickly and draw aggressive strikes. Bluefish will hit almost anything that moves, so don't overthink it—focus on casting distance and working the bait near the inlet mouth where fish concentrate.

Tides, Currents, and Timing

The inlet current is the engine of Jenkinson's Beach fishing. Incoming tide pushes baitfish into the inlet and concentrates predators. Outgoing tide pulls baitfish out and can create a feeding frenzy as fish chase them toward deeper water. The hour before and after slack water is often slow, so plan your session around tidal movement rather than fighting it.

Spring tides (around new and full moons) create stronger currents and more dramatic baitfish movement. Neap tides (around quarter moons) are gentler and can be better for fluke, which prefer calmer conditions. Check a tide table before you go—the difference between fishing the slack and fishing the peak current can mean the difference between a slow session and a productive one.

Dawn and dusk are most productive year-round. Stripers and bluefish feed more aggressively in low light, and the beach is less crowded. If you can only fish midday, focus on the deeper holes and the inlet mouth where structure and current provide shade and feeding opportunity.

Nearby Alternatives and Related Spots

If Jenkinson's is crowded or conditions aren't right, the Point Pleasant Inlet jetties (both north and south sides) offer similar fishing with less foot traffic. The north jetty is more accessible and holds stripers and bluefish on the same seasonal schedule. The south jetty requires a bit more scrambling but can be less crowded.

Bay Head, just south of Point Pleasant, offers bay-side fluke fishing and is a good option if you want to avoid the ocean beach crowds. The Manasquan Inlet, about 3 miles north, has similar inlet dynamics and often holds larger stripers, though access is more limited.

For a different target, the Point Pleasant Canal and the Metedeconk River hold weakfish, catfish, and smaller stripers in summer and fall. These are calmer-water options when ocean conditions are rough or when you want a change of pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Jenkinson's Beach at night?

Yes. The beach is open to fishing year-round outside lifeguard hours. In summer, that means after 5 p.m. Night fishing for stripers and bluefish can be excellent, especially around the new moon when the beach is darkest. Bring a headlamp and watch for the current—it's stronger and harder to read at night.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license to fish from the beach?

Yes. A New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can get one online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife or at most tackle shops. Licenses are inexpensive and can be purchased for a day, a year, or longer.

What's the best time of year to fish Jenkinson's for beginners?

Summer (June through August) is most forgiving because fluke are abundant, the water is warm, and conditions are usually calm. Fluke are less aggressive than stripers or bluefish, so you have more time to feel the bite and set the hook. Spring and fall are better for experienced anglers who can read the inlet current and work structure effectively.

Is there a bait and tackle shop at Jenkinson's?

There's a small shop at the boardwalk, but it's limited. For a full selection of bait, lures, and tackle, visit one of the shops on Arnold Avenue or in downtown Point Pleasant before you fish. Having the right bait and lure size makes a real difference, so plan ahead.

What should I do if I hook a large striper?

Keep your rod tip up and let the reel do the work—don't horse the fish. Large stripers are strong and can break light tackle if you rush. If the fish runs toward the inlet or deeper water, follow it along the beach rather than trying to hold it in place. Most stripers over 30 pounds will take several minutes to land, so be patient and keep steady pressure.