Best Times & Seasons to Fish Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City, New Jersey is one of the most popular and best fishing spots on the eastern coastline. Knowing the best seasons and times of day to fish in Ocean City can make a huge difference for your fishing success.
The best time to fish in Ocean City, New Jersey is from May to September when the bite is hottest for striped bass, weakfish, flounder, marlin, tuna, sharks, kingfish, and bluefish. Winter is the worst time of year to fish these waters.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Ocean City Coastal Waters |
| Bluefish | July through early October is the best season for local bluefish. |
| Kingfish | June through September is the best time window for king mackerel. |
| Tuna | July and August are the two best tuna fishing months. |
| Marlin | Marlin can be caught from July through September. August is the best month. |
| Striped Bass | The fall is the best season as stripers target schooling bait. August through October is the hottest. |
| Sharks | June & July are the best Ocean City shark fishing months. |
| Flounder | Summer is best from early June through September in most years. |
| Weakfish | May through August is the best month for weakfish. |
Before embarking on your next fantastic fishing experience in Ocean City, it’s a good idea to read more about what to expect. Knowing the local wildlife will assist you in planning your journey and bringing the appropriate tools and equipment.
We’ll go over the many species of fish you’ll encounter, the finest fishing spots, and the strategies local fishermen use to catch them in our comprehensive guide to fishing in Ocean City, NJ.
Species to Expect (Seasonal Availability)
One of the biggest deciding factors for most fishermen looking for a nice location is, what type of fish are present. Being located in a rather temperate climate in the New Jersey waters are subject to seasonal change. Your options will be vastly different in the winter when compared to the summer.
Open water fishing can net you larger fish like bluefish, flounder, or sea bass. If you’re going to be out on the beaches, there will be plenty of options for you to catch.
You will also find blackfish, kingfish, and some species of sharks. Some rockfish have also been reported by beach fishers. Striped bass tends to come through in the thousands during certain periods.
Catfish, sea trout, sea bass, and drumfish are all commonly spotted in the bay and the creeks of Ocean City. If the beaches are crowded and the charters are full, you can always turn around and head to the bay for some reliable fishing opportunities. Sheepshead, croakers, flounder, and snapper blues are also common features of the local bays and creeks.
Bluefish
The best time to catch bluefish is from May through August. Bluefish have silver sides and stomachs and vary from blue to green. They grow swiftly and usually reach a length of 31 to 39 inches.
They’re known for their razor-sharp, compressed teeth, which allow them to devour quickly and viciously. Baitfish, particularly squid or eel, are excellent for catching bluefish.
Whole squid is also a good option. The key to success when fishing for bluefish is to make the bait look natural on the hook.
Bluefish travel in schools, so bringing plenty of baitfish will help to keep the feeding frenzy going. Although a school of hungry fish may seem appealing, bluefish in New Jersey are subject to a three-fish restriction.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are available in good numbers from May through October. August through late September seems to be the best time. Stripers can be found near any structure, such as piers or rock structures.
Adult stripers consume squid and crabs as well as other baitfish. New Jersey does regulate striped bass and participates in a striped bass bonus program, with one fish between 28 and 43 inches and one fish 43 inches or greater.
Weakfish
The best time to target weakfish in Ocean City is during the late spring until the end of summer. Weakfish, sometimes known as sea trout, got their name from the thin skin surrounding their mouth, which is easily damaged by a fishhook. Weakfish in New Jersey grow to be between 12 and 18 inches long and weigh no more than 15 pounds.
They eat shrimp, mollusks, and crab, and go after schools of baitfish-like anchovies. Because these fish are readily startled, many anglers prefer to fish at night or early in the morning when boat traffic is light.
Mackerel
The best time to catch mackerel in south New Jersey waters is from May through September. Several varieties of mackerel, including Atlantic and king, can be found off the coast of Jersey. The Atlantic mackerel is the tiniest of the mackerel species, at around one foot in length.
King mackerels grow to be enormous. Because mackerel are bottom feeders, you’ll need a strong — yet flexible — rod and reel, as well as depth sinkers and access to a deep-sea fishing vessel. Fishing for mackerel is best done with sand eels and squid.
White Marlin
The best time to catch white marlin in the coastal waters around Ocean City is from May through September. The white marlin is a fisherman’s dream, weighing up to 150 pounds when fully grown.
Marlin cannot be caught from a pier because they spend the late spring and early summer at depths of 1,000 fathoms.
A boat with sonar is required because of the depth at which you will be fishing. Marlin are natural predators, baitfish and artificial lures like outriggers and dredges might work as well.
Yellowfin Tuna
The best time to catch yellowfin tuna is from June through mid-September in the waters surrounding Ocean City, New Jersey. Yellowfin tuna is one of the tuna species that can be caught off the coast of New Jersey.
Their name comes from their unusual coloring, which includes a blue back, silver belly, and a yellow stripe running down the middle of the body. Yellowfin tuna can grow up to seven feet long and weigh 400 pounds, while larger fish are infrequent.
They can swim quickly and powerfully, making them a thrilling challenge for experienced anglers. They can be found in a wide range of water temperatures and depths due to their fast movement and adaptability.
Live bait such as menhaden, hardtails, and mullet are good for tuna. Match your live bait to the tuna that you are most likely to come across to get the greatest results.
Wahoo
Summer through mid-fall is the best fishing window for big wahoo near Ocean City, NJ. Wahoo is a kind of mackerel that is prized by fishermen for its excellent flavor.
They prefer to congregate among the wreckage, debris, tall weeds, and ledges because they are structure-loving fish.
Wahoos can be found as deep as 1,000 feet below the surface. However, around 15 feet below the surface, you can troll for wahoo.
Flutter jigs, as well as live bonito and herring, are useful for sinking behind structural wrecks and attracting these quick swimmers.
Mahi-mahi
The best time to catch mahi-mahi in Ocean City waters is July through September. Mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish is a popular gourmet fish. Its rounded, bulbous forehead, which resembles that of a dolphin, gives it the name “dolphinfish.”
Although mahi-mahi appears gray when caught, they are a brilliant shade of green, yellow, or blue underwater. They can grow to be three feet long and weigh up to twenty pounds. They feed on other fish such as mackerel and sardines while swimming close to baitfish schools.
Pollock
Pollock are best targeted from November through February. These fish are best caught in cold water 20 to 40 miles off the coast, preferably above wreckage sites or big clusters of debris.
They’re around 125 to 150 feet deep during the winter and spring. They descend further in the summer and autumn. Jigging using fresh clams, mackerel, or herring as bait is perfect for pollock.
Black sea bass
Black sea bass are available year-round but some of the best fishing is during the middle of summer and also in January near Ocean City. Black sea bass, starting July through October, spawn off the coast of New Jersey.
This makes winter the greatest season to catch large, mature sea bass. Because sea bass are bottom feeders, the ideal area to catch them is 20 to 40 feet over a flat, solid bottom. Squid, clams, mussels, and crabs make excellent live bait. Sea bass fishing rules exist in New Jersey.
Flounder
Flounder can be caught year-round in Ocean City but really peak during the summer months. Winter flounders come in a variety of colors, but their most distinguishing trait is their eyes, which are located on the right side of their thick bodies. They spawn in the winter and can reach a length of two feet when fully grown.
Winter flounders are best caught from a dock or pier in muddy, grassy areas. Bait can include larvae, shrimp, clams, bloodworms, mussels, or chum. Because winter flounders have small jaws, the bait should never be too large for them to ingest.
Atlantic Cod
The best time to catch cod near Ocean City is from September through January. Cod start spawning in the winter and continue until spring. Cod live and travel in big schools once they are born. Atlantic cod is more likely to be found in cold water, near the seafloor.
Many cod, on the other hand, swim to the surface or stay within 500 feet of the surface. You’ll also need reasonably sized live bait, such as smaller fish, lobsters, or shrimp, in addition to jigs and sinkers.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are available year-round in Ocean City waters but May through October is the best prime fishing window. Sheepshead, which are members of the porgy family and are frequently referred to as “Convict Fish,”. How you lure in sheepshead will vary depending on where you’re fishing.
Small crabs are your best bet for enticing their powerful jaws, the more realistic the better with a practical presentation in most cases.
Fiddler crabs are among the most popular choice for bait. You want your bait to stay alive for maximum attractiveness, so avoid puncturing the organs and killing the crab.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Ocean City
These Ocean City-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Icon Fishing and Watersports | Inshore, Nearshore & Offshore |
| Mighty Heron Charters | Wreck, Reef, Nearshore, Inshore & Offshore |
| Allyn’s Ocean City Wee Cat Charters | Wreck, Reef, Nearshore & Inshore |
| Reel Sportfishing Charters | Wreck, Reef, Nearshore, Inshore & Offshore |
| A-Bomb Fishing Charters | Wreck, Reef, Nearshore, Inshore & Offshore |
Best Fishing Spots in Ocean City, NJ
Corson Inlet State Park
On the beach at Corson Inlet State Park, located at the end of Central Ave and 59Th St. is a fantastic area for shore casting for stripers and bluefish in the spring.
Diamond jigs 6 to 8 ounces work great, try squid during daytime outings and eel for productive night fishing adventures.
Garden section Beach
North End beaches in the Gardens section are worth the trip especially when looking for a less crowded place to throw your line in.
A variety of cut fish and squid works well for bait when surf fishing the North End. Shore casting can be very successful in this area during the evening hours also.
Longport Bridge fishing pier
Longport Bridge fishing pier is an excellent spot for flounder, blues, and even sheepshead. Jigging with fiddler crabs on number #4 or #6 hooks is a method preferred by locals. Expect snappers and toadfish to bite here during the fall.
J. Edward Klingener Fishing Pier
J. Edward Klingener Fishing Pier is located in nearby Somers Point, this go-to place is fantastic for fishing and crabbing and is ideal for a day with the family.
Best Time of Day to Fish Ocean City Piers
Time of Day, because piers are popular, they might get congested. You will want to go early in the morning for a more peaceful experience because there will be less competition.
Another great time is at sunset. You will also want to keep an eye on the wind and weather, as well as the tides because the greatest fishing is usually two hours after low tide and two hours before high tide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cape May, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Montauk, please check out this helpful guide.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish the Chesapeake Bay, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Atlantic City, please check out this helpful guide.
Location on the Pier
Location on the pier, you will need to figure out where the fish look for food, which could be among rocks or pilings. Being watchful is perhaps one of the best tips. Anglers are unlikely to assemble for no reason, so check out which site they’re on and how far down the pier they’ve gone.
The type of lure you use will depend on where you’re fishing and what kind of fish you’re hoping to catch. Some fish in Ocean City like the traditional cast and wait approach, while others prefer bouncing the bottom or drifting.
With so many fish to be discovered in Ocean City, New Jersey, whatever your baiting method techniques, rest assured you are bound to catch something, and have a great experience doing it.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New Jersey, please check out this helpful guide.
