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Manahawkin Bay

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

New Jersey, United States

4.4·562 catches

Top fish species at Manahawkin Bay

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Manahawkin Bay fishing reports

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Oyster toadfish

length · weight

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Dusky smooth-hound

length · weight

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Dusky smooth-hound

13 in · 1 lb

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Spot croaker

length · weight

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Spot croaker

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Summer flounder

length · weight

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General info

Manahawkin Bay is an inshore water located in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. It is most popular for fishing Striped bass, Dusky smooth-hound, and Summer flounder.

Location

39°39′39.2″N 74°12′35.1″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Striped Bass biting on Manahawkin Bay?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Manahawkin Bay. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Manahawkin Bay, NJ

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in New Jersey can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size31" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Special gear

NJ Circle Hook

Anglers are required to use non-offset (inline) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This shall not apply to any artificial lure with bait attached. Striped bass caught on any unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.

Restrictions & requirements

NJ No Gaff

It is prohibited for any person to gaff striped bass when fishing recreationally.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Effective on July 2, 2023: 1 striped bass from 28" to 31" in all state watersAtlantic Ocean (0 to 3 miles from shore): no closed seasonAll other marine waters: open Mar. 1 to Dec. 31Delaware River and tributaries from Calhoun St. Bridge, Trenton to Salem River and tributaries: closed from April 1 until May 31The emergency action will not affect the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP):1 fish @ 24" to less than 28"Open season: May 15 to December 31Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with natural bait in all waters; see NJ Striped Bass Hook Requirements.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
Season open: year-round
Dusky smooth-hound

Dusky smooth-hound

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Additional information
No closed season. No possession limit. No size limit.
Synonyms
Dusky smoothhound, Mustelus canis
Season closed: September 26 - May 3
Summer flounder

Summer flounder

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Possession and size limits: Delaware Bay & Tributaries: 3 fish at 17 inchesIsland Beach State Park: 2 fish at 16 inchesAll Other Marine Waters: 3 fish at 18 inchesFor more info see NJ Fish and Wildlife 2024 Angler Summary.Federal regulations are waived for Summer Flounder, and recreational anglers shall follow regulations for the state in which their catch is landed.
Synonyms
Fluke, Paralichthys dentatus
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Local laws and licenses

New Jersey fishing license

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Reviews of Manahawkin Bay

4.4
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9 ratings

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Cities nearby

Beach Haven West

1.4 miles away

Ship Bottom

1.7 miles away

Surf City

2.1 miles away

Manahawkin

3.1 miles away

North Beach Haven

4.2 miles away

Stafford

4.2 miles away

Harvey Cedars

4.5 miles away

Ocean Acres

6.8 miles away

Beach Haven

6.9 miles away

Tuckerton

7.8 miles away

Barnegat

8.1 miles away

Barnegat Light

8.3 miles away

Little Egg Harbor

8.5 miles away

Waretown

8.9 miles away

Mystic Island

11.3 miles away

Forked River

11.5 miles away

Lacey

13.8 miles away

New Gretna

13.9 miles away

Leeds Point

17.1 miles away

Port Republic

17.1 miles away

Berkeley

17.6 miles away

Oceanville

18.3 miles away

Smithville

18.5 miles away

Beachwood

18.5 miles away

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FAQ about Manahawkin Bay fishing

📍 Where is Manahawkin Bay located?
Manahawkin Bay is an inshore water located in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. Its coordinates are:
39°39′39.2″N 74°12′35.1″W
.
🎣 Where on Manahawkin Bay is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Manahawkin Bay by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Manahawkin Bay?
The most common species in Manahawkin Bay are:
📢 What are the latest Manahawkin Bay fishing reports?
The latest Manahawkin Bay fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Manahawkin Bay right now?
According to fishing regulations at Manahawkin Bay, some of the species in season this November include: Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Scup. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Manahawkin Bay?

Fishing in New Jersey requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In New Jersey, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 70 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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