AVON-BY-THE-SEA, N.J. — Tucked beneath the Shark River Bridge in Avon-by-the-Sea, the Shark River Access Wildlife Management Area offers anglers a unique opportunity to fish one of the Jersey Shore’s most productive inlets while enjoying a scenic stretch of protected public land.
Owned and managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife Division, the approximately one-acre property was preserved with Green Acres funding and provides shoreline access along the north side of the Shark River Inlet for both hook-and-line and spearfishing enthusiasts.
- Free public fishing access along Shark River Inlet.
- Popular catches include striped bass, summer flounder, tautog and bluefish.
- The site is managed by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife as part of the state’s Wildlife Management Area system.
A productive spot for Jersey Shore anglers
According to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, anglers fishing the inlet regularly catch winter flounder, blowfish, tautog, bluefish, summer flounder and striped bass throughout the year. Cast nets are also commonly used to catch menhaden, a favorite live bait for striped bass and other predatory fish.
More adventurous anglers can make their way to the tip of the inlet jetty, although state officials recommend wearing studded footwear because the rocks can become extremely slippery.
Part of New Jersey’s Wildlife Management Area system
The Shark River Access site is one of 122 Wildlife Management Areas maintained by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife across the state. Together, the system encompasses more than 360,000 acres, representing over 44 percent of New Jersey’s state-owned public open space.
Funding for Wildlife Management Areas comes through hunting and fishing license sales, the Federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and the Wildlife Habitat Supporter Program. The state also encourages visitors to support maintenance efforts through voluntary Wildlife Habitat Supporter donations.
Visitors can reach the site from Garden State Parkway Exit 105 by following Route 18 South to West Sylvania Avenue, then Main Street, Washington Avenue and First Avenue in Avon-by-the-Sea, where ample public parking is available near the water.
NJDEP reminds visitors that Wildlife Management Areas are patrolled by Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers. Anyone observing violations is encouraged to report them through the department’s 24-hour hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.
FAQ
- What fish can be caught at Shark River Access WMA?
Anglers regularly catch striped bass, summer flounder, tautog, bluefish, winter flounder and blowfish. - Is parking available?
Yes. Public parking is available near the fishing access area in Avon-by-the-Sea. - Who manages the property?
The site is owned and maintained by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish & Wildlife Division.
Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Wildlife.
