Shark River Inlet is bordered by Avon-by-the-Sea to the north and Belmar to the south, placing it just about in the middle of our fair state. Fishing here is an inexpensive way for an angler or an entire family to enjoy the day; there is easy access and easy parking. And it’s probably one of the safest inlets to fish. You do not have to struggle to get out to the point as you do in other inlet locations in New Jersey, such as Barnegat Inlet.
Basically, whatever you can catch in the ocean is in the inlet at any given time of the year. I’ve had tremendous days at Shark River Inlet, catching bluefish, summer flounder, and the occasional delicious, yet powerful striped bass which is always a treat to snag.
Your best bet for a successful day of fishing at the Shark River Inlet is to stop by any bait store to purchase fresh or shucked clams because the fish love them. Additionally, you can buy frozen squid and cut your own strips which makes for equally good bait at the Inlet. Down the shore, both the clams and the squid are very common and can be found easily at any bait store along the coast. Personally, I like to bring my little cooler with a few hoagies, some soft drinks, and my folding beach chair and make a day of it. What a great day you’ll have, and my guess is that you will meet some experienced fishermen there who are always ready to share the tactics they use to nab their quarry.
But a word of caution: beware of your bait at all times! Seagulls are natural-born and crafty thieves. I have lost countless pieces of clam and squid because I didn’t pay attention to where the gulls were or was distracted for a moment. Before you know it, the gulls will be flying off with your bait in their beaks, enjoying what they’ve stolen from you, and leaving you with having to make another visit to the bait store!
Adam Canto
