Fishing Gear Guide
Everything you need to catch stripers, blues, fluke, and more along the Jersey Shore. From surf rods to offshore tackle, we've got you covered.
New Jersey offers incredible fishing opportunities from surf casting to offshore charters. Whether you're targeting striped bass from the beach, jigging for fluke in the bays, or trolling for tuna offshore, having the right gear is essential.
Surf Fishing Setup Comparison
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA HandlesVersatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
$119.99
Check Current PriceTackle Box
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle StorageOrganize lures, hooks, and tackle.
$25.57
Check Current PriceFishing Cooler (50qt+)
Coleman
Coleman Marine Cooler with Fully Insulated UV Guard Lid & Body, Keeps Ice for 3+ Days, Great for Boating & Fishing, 52qt/100qt Wheeled/120qt OptionsKeep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
$95.99
Check Current PriceSurf Fishing Waders
FROGG TOGGS
FROGG TOGGS Amphib Neoprene Stockingfoot Chest WaderStay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
$89.15
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Surf & Pier Tackle
Essential tackle for your shore trip
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Rods, reels, and tackle for fishing from the beach, pier, or jetty.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
PENN
Penn Pursuit V LE Spinning Reel and 9' 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle Storage
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal 3500 Double-Sided Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box – Adjustable Dividers, EVA Foam Jig Storage, Lure & Terminal Tackle Organizer,2 Pack
Fishing Cooler (50qt+)
Keep your catch fresh. 50+ quart for serious fishing.
Coleman
Coleman Marine Cooler with Fully Insulated UV Guard Lid & Body, Keeps Ice for 3+ Days, Great for Boating & Fishing, 52qt/100qt Wheeled/120qt Options
“Holds ice through a full day on a Manasquan or Barnegat charter.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Igloo
Igloo 100 QT Latitude Marine Ultra White Cooler
Surf Fishing Waders
Stay dry during surf fishing. Neoprene for cold water.
Studded Jetty Boots
Grip on slippery rocks and jetties.
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Offshore & Boat Tackle
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Heavy-duty gear for tuna, mahi, and other offshore species.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Loomcraft
Loomcraft Fishing Belt & Shoulder Strap Harness Set, Enhanced Protection Shoulder Back Support System, with Rod Locking Buckle, Offshore Big Game Fishing Fighting Gear
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Wide Body Fishing Belt – Adjustable Rod Holder Fighting Belt for Offshore & Saltwater – EVA Padded Harness with Stainless Steel Gimbal – Deep Sea Fishing Gear | Blue
Gaff Hook
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.
SANLIKE
SANLIKE Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Soft Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
Wamlet
Wamlet Telescopic Fishing Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Nonslip Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool (CURVEDHOOK)
Trolling Lures & Spreader Bars
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.
Narcissus
Narcissus 6PCS Trolling Lures Kit Saltwater – 6.5inch Offshore Big Game Fishing Lures,Pre-Rigged Lure with Mesh Storage Bag for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi, Wahoo
LOONVA
LOONVA Set of 10 Pcs 9/8/6 Inch Trolling Lures - Marlin Tuna Mahi Wahoo Big Game Squid Skirted Deep Sea Offshore Fishing Lures Included Durable Hard Case
Insulated Fish Bag
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO 48'' Fish Kill Bag Game Bag Leak Proof Insulated for Offshore Inshore Fishing Designed in USA (48X24)
Buffalo Gear
Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag 106Qt Fish Kill Bag with YKK Zipper, Flat Bottorm Fishing Bag Keep Your Catch Cool and Fresh All Day
Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
Drchoer
Fishing Wire Leaders for Saltwater: 30pcs Stainless Steel Line Leaders Nylon-Coated 19" - 100 LB High Strength Wire Rig for Shark Barracuda Pike Fishing - Black
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Wire Leader - Wire Fishing Leader Line for Saltwater 10lb Up To 250lb Test in Bright, Black, Camo in 30ft, 100ft, 300ft, & 1000ft Lengths
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag – Salt Water Resistant Tackle Box Bag, 1000D PVC Waterproof Material, Durable Liner, Removable Dividers, for 3600 or 3700 Trays, XL
KastKing
KastKing All Weather Fishing Tackle Backpack with 4 Waterproof Tackle Boxes & Removable Rod Holders,Waterproof ArmorShield Fabric Fishing Bag Storage Fishing Gear
Diamond Jigs
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
Gamakatsu
Gamakatsu 221417-25 Octopus Circle Inline Point Hooks- 25 Pack (7/0), NSB
Mustad
Mustad Demon Perfect® Inline Circle Hook - 1X Fine Fishing Hook, Wide Gap Circle Hook, Ideal for Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing, Original Design Big Fishing Hook, Black Nickel, 7/0, Pack of 25
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Bay & Tidal Fishing
Gear up for the tides
Track tides & catch more fish
Light tackle for back bay fishing, flounder, and weakfish.
Fishing Tide Watch
Track tides, moon phases, and barometric pressure on your wrist.
Wading Belt
Critical safety gear - prevents waders from filling with water if you fall.
Coume
Coume 3 Pcs Neoprene Adjustable Wading Fishing Belt Waterproof with Adjustable Buckle Wader Belt for Men Fly Fishing Hiking Kayaking Outdoor Treading Water Accessories
O'Pros
O’Pros Premium 2” Neoprene Adjustable (24” to 48”) Wading Belt – Fishing wader belt (Black)
Fishing Headlamp
Red/green light modes preserve night vision for dawn/dusk tide fishing.
LHKNL
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight, Lumen Ultra-Light Bright LED Rechargeable Headlight with White Red Light, 2-Pack Waterproof Motion Sensor Head Lamp,8 Modes for Outdoor Camping Running Hiking Fishing
DARKBEAM
DARKBEAM Red LED Headlamp Dual Light High Lumens USB Rechargeable Redlight Headlight for Hardhat with Motion Sensor, Up/Down Adjustable, Waterproof Head Lamps for Camping, Fishing, Hunting
Kayak Anchor Trolley
Position your kayak precisely in tidal currents for optimal fishing.
YUSOVE
Kayak Anchor Trolley Kit Anchor Wizard Kayak LeverLock Anchor Trolley,Anchor System for Kayak Canoes Boat etc,Rope Cleat carabiner Pulley Anchor Ring Pad Eyes 30 Feet paracord,With Bolts Screws Rivets
Atader
Atader Kayak Anchor Trolley Kit, Heavy Duty Anchor Trolley System for Kayak Canoe, Suitable for Freshwater and Saltwater Use, with Stainless Steel Screws
Drift Sock / Sea Anchor
Control drift speed in tidal currents for better presentations.
MOOCY
Drift Sock for Fishing Boat, Sea Anchor Drift Control Bag for Kayak, Canoe, Pontoon & Trolling Boats - Water Brake Parachute with Harness Buoy Ball Rope Float & Dump Line (50'' for 18-20ft Boat)
Tandefio
Tandefio 2 Pcs Marine Boat Parachute Sea Anchor Drift Sock for Fishing Boat 250d Nylon Trolling Fishing Drogue for Inflatable Sail Drift Anchor for Kayak Pontoon (32 Inch,Blue)
Portable Fish Finder
Find bait concentrations and structure in tidal areas.
Deeper
Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats and Ice Fishing with GPS Enabled | Castable Deeper Fish Finder with FREE User Friendly App
Deeper
Deeper Start Fish Finder - Portable and Depth Finder for Recreational Fishing from Dock, Shore, Bank or Kayak | Castable Deeper Smart Sonar with Free User Friendly App
Wade Fishing Bag
Waterproof shoulder bag keeps tackle accessible while wading.
KastKing
KastKing BaitSpace Standard Fishing Tackle Sling Bag, Water-resistant Sling Pack for Bank, Wader & Boat Fishing, Rod & Beverage Holder, Adjustable Straps, Durable 420D Nylon Fabric
MATEIN
MATEIN Fishing Sling Bag for Men & Teens, Waterproof 3600 Tackle Bag Lightweight Convertible Tackle Backpack with Removable Bait Binder, Phone Pouch & Rod Holder, Fishing Gifts for Men, Olive Green
Floating Landing Net
Rubberized net that floats - essential when wading in moving water.
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Seasonal Fishing Gear Guide
Spring (Mar-May)
Striper Season Opens
- Surf rod 10-12ft
- Bunker chunks & clam
- Circle hooks 6/0-8/0
- Waders recommended
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak Variety
- Light tackle for fluke
- Wire leaders for blues
- Live bait (spot, killies)
- Offshore trolling gear
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Striper Blitz
- Metal lures (Hopkins)
- Bucktails for stripers
- Tog jigs & green crabs
- Heavier surf gear
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Tog & Blackfish
- Short, stiff boat rods
- Green & Asian crabs
- Heavy jigheads 1-4oz
- Cold weather gear
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Fishing Gear FAQs
What fishing rod length do I need for surf fishing in NJ?▼
For surf fishing, a 9-12 foot medium-heavy rod is ideal. The longer length helps cast beyond the breakers. For pier or jetty fishing, a shorter 7-9 foot rod offers more control. Boat fishing typically uses 6-7 foot rods.
What size spinning reel do I need for striped bass?▼
For striped bass, use a 4000-6000 size spinning reel. The 4000 works for smaller fish and lighter tackle. Go with 5000-6000 for surf fishing or targeting larger fish. Match your reel to 15-30lb braided line.
Do I need wire leaders for bluefish?▼
Yes, wire leaders are essential for bluefish. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono and fluorocarbon in seconds. Use 6-12 inch wire leaders, and pre-make extras - you will lose some to toothy fish.
What is the best bait for NJ surf fishing?▼
Fresh bunker (menhaden) chunks are the top choice for stripers and blues. Clam works well for kingfish and croaker. Bloodworms and sandworms are excellent for weakfish and flounder. Buy fresh from local bait shops.
Should I use braided or mono line for surf fishing?▼
Braided line is preferred for surf fishing. It casts farther due to thinner diameter, has no stretch for solid hooksets, and is more sensitive. Use 15-30lb braid with a mono or fluoro leader to prevent line shy fish.
More Fishing Gear Resources
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