What You'll Find at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch is a working fishing destination with direct ocean access, jetty fishing, and a sandy beach that holds striped bass, summer flounder (fluke), and bluefish depending on the season. The park sits on the northern Jersey Shore and draws both shore anglers and boat fishermen. The jetties are the main draw for stripers in spring and fall, while the beach and nearshore waters produce fluke and blues in summer.

The park is free to enter and open year-round. Parking is available in a dedicated lot, though it fills on weekends during peak fishing seasons. The jetties require careful footing and wave awareness, especially in rough conditions. A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, whether you fish from shore or from a boat.

Key Takeaways

  • The north and south jetties at Seven Presidents are the primary fishing structure, producing striped bass in April through May and September through October.
  • Summer fluke fishing works best from June through August in the nearshore waters and along the beach drop-off, with a 19-inch minimum size limit.
  • You need a New Jersey saltwater fishing license to fish here, available online or at tackle shops in Long Branch and nearby towns.
  • Parking is free but limited; arrive early on weekends or fish weekday mornings when the lot is less crowded.
  • Jetty fishing requires sturdy shoes with good grip and awareness of wave surge, especially during nor'easters or high tide.

Striped Bass Fishing on the Jetties

The jetties at Seven Presidents hold striped bass during the spring and fall migrations. April through May is the most reliable window, when stripers move north along the Jersey coast. Fish the jetties on the incoming tide, casting into the current breaks and around the rocks where baitfish congregate. Live bunker (menhaden) and live eels work well, as do metal spoons and soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or natural colors.

Fall fishing runs from late August through October, with September and early October often producing the largest fish. The water is warmer in fall, which can extend the bite into November if conditions stay mild. Dawn and dusk are most productive, though jetty fishing can be good throughout the day if there is cloud cover or rough water.

The south jetty is more accessible than the north jetty and draws more anglers, but both hold fish. The north jetty can be less crowded and is worth exploring if you are comfortable with the walk and the rock scramble. Always check the tide and wave forecast before heading out; a rising tide combined with a northeast swell can make the jetties unsafe.

Summer Fluke and Bluefish

From June through August, the beach and nearshore waters at Seven Presidents hold summer flounder (fluke). Fish the sandy bottom and the drop-off where the beach shelf ends, typically 50 to 150 feet offshore. Fluke are bottom feeders and respond well to live killifish, live spearing, or squid drifted or cast near structure. A 19-inch minimum size applies in New Jersey state waters, and the daily limit is five fish per person.

Bluefish arrive in late May and stay through September, with peak numbers in June and July. They are aggressive feeders and will take metal spoons, small plugs, and live bait. Bluefish can be caught from the beach, the jetties, or from boats working the nearshore zone. There is no size minimum for bluefish in New Jersey, but they are fast-growing and most fish you encounter will be 12 to 20 inches.

The beach at Seven Presidents can be productive for both species, especially early morning before swimmers arrive. Fishing the beach is free and requires no special access; simply walk down from the parking area. The water is colder and clearer in early summer, which can slow the bite, so mid-June onward is generally more reliable.

Seasons and Tides at Seven Presidents

Spring (April–May) is peak season for striped bass on the jetties. Water temperatures rise from the low 50s to the high 60s, triggering the migration. Incoming tides are most productive, and the bite is strongest in the first two hours of the flood and the last two hours of the ebb.

Summer (June–August) shifts focus to fluke and bluefish. The beach and nearshore waters warm to the mid-70s. Slack tide and the early ebb are often best for fluke, while bluefish bite throughout the tidal cycle. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends, and the water is typically calmer early in the day.

Fall (September–October) brings another strong striped bass run. Water temperatures drop from the 70s to the 50s, and the fish are aggressive as they feed before moving south. The jetties are productive again, and the fall bite often lasts longer than spring because the water cools gradually. Winter (November–March) is slow; most anglers target stripers in December and January if conditions allow, but the jetties can be dangerous in winter storms.

Access, Parking, and Regulations

Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is located at 1300 Ocean Boulevard in Long Branch, New Jersey. Parking is free and available in a dedicated lot adjacent to the beach. The lot holds roughly 100 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends during spring and fall. Arrive by 6 a.m. on weekends if you want a spot during peak season, or fish on weekday mornings when parking is plentiful.

The park is open dawn to dusk year-round. Restrooms are available near the parking area. A New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, or at tackle shops in Long Branch such as Fisherman's Den or at nearby bait and tackle retailers. A seven-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting briefly.

Striped bass have a 28-inch minimum size and a two-fish daily limit in New Jersey state waters. Fluke have a 19-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Bluefish have no size minimum. Possession limits apply, so keep track of what you have landed. The jetties are public access, but use caution during rough water or high tide; the park does not restrict access, but conditions can change quickly.

Gear and Tackle for Seven Presidents

For jetty fishing, bring a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 15- to 20-pound braided line and a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. Metal spoons (1 to 2 ounces), soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), and live bait rigs work well. If you plan to fish with live eels or bunker, bring a small cooler with ice and a bait net.

For beach and nearshore fluke fishing, a 6.5- to 7-foot medium spinning rod with 12- to 15-pound braided line is sufficient. Use a two-hook fluke rig or a single-hook setup with a small sinker to keep the bait on the bottom. Killifish and spearing are the most effective baits; squid is a good backup if live bait is hard to find.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip when fishing the jetties—wet rocks are slippery, and a fall can be serious. Bring a headlamp if you fish at dawn or dusk. A small tackle bag or backpack keeps your gear organized and leaves your hands free for balance on the rocks. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, especially in summer when the sun reflects off the water and rocks.

Nearby Tackle Shops and Bait Sources

Fisherman's Den is located in Long Branch and stocks live bait, tackle, and licenses. They carry killifish, spearing, and squid, and the staff can provide current conditions and recent catch reports. Other nearby options include tackle shops in Asbury Park and Ocean Township, both within 10 minutes of the park.

Live bait is fresher if you buy it the morning you fish. Call ahead to confirm what is in stock, especially during peak season when supplies can run low. If you cannot find live bait, frozen squid and clams are reliable alternatives and are stocked at most shops year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Seven Presidents?

Dawn and dusk are most productive for stripers on the jetties, especially during spring and fall. For summer fluke, early morning before swimmers arrive is best. Bluefish bite throughout the day but are often more active in low light. Weekday mornings are less crowded than afternoons and weekends.

Can I fish the beach without a license?

No. A New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, whether you fish from the beach, jetties, or a boat. You can purchase a seven-day license online or at a tackle shop if you are visiting for a short time.

Are there fish here in winter?

Yes, but the bite is slower. Striped bass can be caught in December and January, and some anglers fish the jetties year-round. Winter storms and rough water make the jetties dangerous, so check conditions before you go. Summer species like fluke and bluefish are gone by November.

Do I need a boat to fish Seven Presidents?

No. The jetties and beach provide excellent shore fishing for stripers, fluke, and bluefish. Many anglers fish exclusively from shore here. Boats can fish the nearshore waters offshore of the park, but shore access is productive and requires no boat.

What should I do if I hook a large striper on the jetty?

Keep steady pressure and work the fish toward the rocks slowly. Do not rush. If the fish runs hard, let it take line rather than risk breaking off. Once the fish is close, guide it into a calm pocket between rocks if possible, or use a net if you have one. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the rocks and the fish's rough scales.