Barnegat Light, NJ Marine & Fishing Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tides in Barnegat Light, NJ today?

Barnegat Light, NJ experiences two high tides and two low tides each day. Tide times and heights are sourced from NOAA station data (Station 8533119) and updated daily.

What is the best time to fish in Barnegat Light, NJ?

The best fishing in Barnegat Light, NJ is typically one to two hours before and after each tide change, when current movement activates feeding. Solunar major and minor periods shown in the forecast can also indicate peak fish activity windows.

Is it safe to boat in Barnegat Light, NJ today?

Check the live wind forecast above for current boating conditions near Barnegat Light, NJ. Winds under 15 mph are manageable for most inshore boats, but factor in wave period and tidal current at inlets. Always review the official NOAA marine forecast before heading offshore.

What is the water temperature near Barnegat Light, NJ?

Water temperature data for Barnegat Light, NJ is sourced from the nearest NOAA station (8533119). In New Jersey, seasonal temperature swings significantly influence which species are active and where they can be found — check current readings in the tide panel above.

What wind conditions are expected in Barnegat Light, NJ today?

See the live wind chart above for today's detailed hourly wind forecast near Barnegat Light, NJ, including speed and direction from Open-Meteo model data. Wind direction affects water clarity, bait movement, and which shorelines will fish best.

Fishing in Barnegat Light, NJ

Barnegat Light sits at the north end of Long Beach Island, and Barnegat Inlet is one of the most productive fishing inlets on the Jersey Shore. The current running through the inlet is powerful and it's what concentrates fish — striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder all pile up in the inlet and the bay waters just inside.

Planning Your Trip

The Barnegat Inlet jetty is a premier striper spot. Fall and Spring runs of stripers move through on every tide, and casting metal or live-lining through the rip produces fish from the rocks. Summer flounder fishing in the bay-side shallows near the inlet is excellent — drift the flats west of the bridge with bucktails or paddle tails for consistent keepers.

Barnegat Bay holds a productive population of weakfish in its deeper channels through Summer. Blue claw crabs are thick in the bay and crabbing is a serious local pursuit. Offshore from Barnegat Light, the nearshore reef system holds sea bass and porgy, and mahi-mahi arrive in Summer on the warm-water edges.

Barnegat Inlet is one of the most challenging inlets on the Jersey Shore — the shallow bar and strong current create conditions that change quickly with wind and tide. A southeast swell can make the inlet dangerous. Check inlet conditions before making the run outside.

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