What You'll Find at Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach sits at the southern tip of Cape May County, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The beach itself is a narrow strip of sand backed by marsh, and the real fishing happens in the inlet and the bay shallows rather than from the beach proper. You can wade into the bay side and cast for striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish depending on the season. The inlet current runs hard, especially around tide changes, and that moving water is where the fish congregate.

The beach is also the jumping-off point for small-boat anglers heading into the bay or across to the Delaware side. If you have your own boat or can hire a charter, the deeper channels and structure around the inlet hold larger stripers and drum. The area is quieter than the crowded central Jersey shore — you'll see more locals than tourists, and the fishing pressure is lighter than at Cape May Point just to the north.

Key Takeaways

  • Sunset Beach is a wade-fishing destination in the Delaware Bay with good access to striped bass and weakfish in spring and fall.
  • The inlet current is strong and changes direction with the tide, so plan your wade around slack water or incoming tide for safety.
  • Parking is limited and fills early on weekends; arrive before dawn if you want a spot during the busy season.
  • A New Jersey saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and you can purchase it online or at local tackle shops.
  • The beach is open year-round, but the best fishing is April through June and September through November.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (April through June) brings the first strong bite of the year. Striped bass move into the bay to spawn and feed, and they're aggressive in the shallows around Sunset Beach. Weakfish show up in May and June as water temperatures climb. Use small shad patterns, bucktail jigs, or live minnows. The bite is best at dawn and dusk, and the incoming tide often produces better than the outgoing.

Summer (July and August) is slower. Water temperatures climb into the 70s, and the fish move to deeper, cooler channels. If you do fish, focus on early morning or late evening, and be prepared to work harder for fewer fish. Many anglers skip this season and return in fall.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring for quality. Stripers return to the bay as they move south, and the water cools into the 50s and 60s. Weakfish and bluefish are also present. The bite can be explosive in October, especially around the new and full moons. Larger fish are more common in fall than spring.

Winter (December through March) is possible but inconsistent. Stripers are present but scattered, and cold water makes wading uncomfortable. Some anglers fish the inlet channels from boats, but shore fishing is slow. A few dedicated anglers work the deeper holes on mild days, but you should expect to work hard for results.

How to Get There and Where to Park

Sunset Beach is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, Cape May County. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 0 and follow signs toward Cape May. Once in Cape May, head south on Sunset Boulevard — it's a straight shot to the beach. The drive from central New Jersey takes about two and a half hours.

Parking is the biggest challenge. There is a small lot at the beach entrance with perhaps 30 to 40 spaces, and it fills by 6 a.m. on weekends during spring and fall. There is no overflow lot, so if the main lot is full, you'll need to park on nearby residential streets — which are narrow and fill quickly as well. Arrive before dawn if you want a may provide spot. On weekdays, parking is usually available until mid-morning.

Once parked, the walk to the water is short — less than a minute from the lot to the bay edge. The beach itself is public, and there are no access fees beyond parking.

Wading and Inlet Safety

The bay side of Sunset Beach is wadeable for about 100 to 150 yards depending on tide and recent weather. The bottom is sand and mud, and it slopes gradually. However, the inlet current is strong and can catch you off guard, especially around tide changes. Never wade during the peak of an outgoing tide — the current can sweep you into deeper water faster than you can swim back.

The safest approach is to fish the incoming tide or slack water. Check the tide tables before you go — they're available free online through NOAA or through most fishing apps. Wade with a wading belt and a personal flotation device if you're uncomfortable in water. The water temperature in spring and fall is cold enough that hypothermia is a real risk if you go in unexpectedly.

The inlet itself — the narrow channel between the bay and ocean — is off-limits to waders. Boat traffic is constant, and the current is dangerous. Stay in the shallow bay water and avoid the inlet proper unless you're in a boat.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique

For wading, bring a light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range and 8- to 12-pound braided line. Stripers and weakfish in the shallows aren't leader-shy, so you can tie directly to your line or use a short 12-pound fluorocarbon leader. Small shad patterns (2 to 3 inches), bucktail jigs tipped with squid or shrimp, and live minnows all work. Cast toward structure — the deeper channels, the edges of the marsh grass, and anywhere the current creates a seam.

Live bait is effective but requires keeping baitfish alive in a bucket or aerator. Many waders prefer artificials because they're simpler to manage. If you use live bait, mullet and silversides are the most reliable options and are sold at local tackle shops.

Fish the edges of the current rather than the strongest flow. Stripers and weakfish position themselves where they can intercept food without fighting the full force of the tide. Cast up-current and let the current swing your lure or bait into the strike zone. Retrieve slowly — these fish aren't chasing fast-moving prey in the shallows.

Regulations and Licensing

New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, at most tackle shops, and at some sporting goods stores. A seven-day license costs less than a full-year license, so if you're visiting for a weekend, the short-term option is cheaper. Licenses are instant — you can buy online and fish the same day.

Striped bass have a 18-inch minimum size and a two-fish daily limit in New Jersey. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a three-fish daily limit. Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a ten-fish daily limit. These regulations change periodically, so check the current rules on the Division of Fish and Wildlife website before you fish.

There are no special permits or reservations required to fish Sunset Beach. The beach is open to the public year-round during daylight hours.

Nearby Tackle Shops and Resources

The closest tackle shop is Sunset Beach Bait and Tackle, located in Cape May a few miles north. They stock live bait, artificial lures, and local knowledge — the staff there fish the area regularly and can tell you what's been working. They also sell licenses and can answer questions about current conditions.

For tide tables and weather forecasts, use NOAA's tide prediction service or the Tides Near Me app. Both are free and accurate for the Cape May area. Check the forecast the night before you fish — wind and rain can change conditions dramatically, especially in spring when storms are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Sunset Beach at night?

The beach is technically open during daylight hours only, and there is no lighting. Night fishing is not practical here. If you want to fish after dark, consider a charter boat or a private boat with proper navigation and safety equipment.

Do I need a boat to fish Sunset Beach?

No. Wading from shore is productive, especially in spring and fall. A boat gives you access to deeper channels and more water, but it's not required. Most visiting anglers fish from shore.

What's the best time of day to fish?

Dawn and dusk are most productive. Fish are more active in low light, and the water is usually calmer in early morning. If you can only fish midday, focus on deeper channels and structure where fish retreat during bright sun.

Is there a restaurant or lodging near Sunset Beach?

Cape May, about five miles north, has hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's a tourist town with plenty of options. Sunset Beach itself has no facilities — bring water and food with you.

What should I do if I hook a large striper?

Keep your rod tip up and let the rod absorb the runs rather than setting the hook hard — these fish have soft mouths and can tear free. If it's a keeper (18 inches or longer), land it in the shallow water and measure it before you decide whether to keep it. If you're catch-and-release, wet your hands before handling the fish and return it quickly.