What You'll Find at Broadway Fishing Beach

Broadway Fishing Beach is a working public access point in Long Branch where you can fish the surf and jetty for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke without paying a fee or dealing with private property hassles. The beach sits along the Shrewsbury River inlet where it meets the ocean, so you get both tidal current and open-water conditions in the same spot. The jetty runs north from the beach and gives you a platform above the water when the surf is rough or when you want to cast farther out.

The beach itself is sandy and slopes gradually, which means you can wade out and work the deeper channels without scrambling over rocks. Parking is street-level on Broadway Avenue, and the walk to the water is less than a minute. This is not a remote spot — you'll see other anglers, especially on weekends and during the spring and fall runs — but that also means the access is maintained and you're not fishing alone if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Broadway Fishing Beach offers free public access to the Shrewsbury River inlet with parking on Broadway Avenue and a short walk to the water.
  • Spring and fall bring the best striped bass fishing, with bluefish and fluke available through the summer months.
  • The jetty provides a higher vantage point and longer casts, but the sandy beach works well for wading and working the deeper channels.
  • Tides matter here more than at ocean beaches because the inlet current amplifies the tidal swing, so check the tide before you go.
  • The beach can get crowded on weekends and during peak season, but weekday mornings and off-season visits are usually quieter.

Seasonal Patterns and What Bites When

Striped bass move through the inlet on their spring migration in April and May, and again in the fall from September through November. During these windows, live bunker or eels work best if you have them, but metal spoons and soft plastics will catch fish too. The bite is usually strongest on the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed into the inlet from the ocean.

Summer brings bluefish and fluke. Bluefish show up in June and stay through August, especially on the jetty where the current is strongest. Fluke move into the inlet in July and August and hold in the deeper channels and around the jetty pilings. For fluke, a small bucktail jig tipped with squid or a live killie works better than casting — you're working the bottom rather than the surface.

Winter fishing is slower but not dead. Stripers sometimes winter in the inlet, and you'll catch them on slow-moving eels or live baitfish if you're patient. The water is cold and the fish are less active, so early morning and late afternoon are better than midday.

How to Fish the Jetty and Beach Together

The jetty is the higher-percentage spot when the wind is up or the surf is rough, because you're above the chop and can cast farther. Walk out carefully — the rocks are slippery when wet, and a wave can catch you off guard. Fish the seaward side of the jetty on the incoming tide, casting parallel to the rocks where stripers and bluefish hunt along the edge. The shoreward side is calmer and works better for fluke and smaller fish.

The beach itself is better when you want to wade and work the water column. The sandy bottom means you can walk out 50 to 75 feet and still be in fishable water. Cast parallel to the shore and work the deeper channels that run along the beach — these are where baitfish concentrate and where stripers hunt. On an outgoing tide, the current pulls toward the inlet, so cast uptide and let the current bring your bait or lure into the strike zone.

If you're new to the spot, start on the beach on a calm day to get a feel for the bottom and the current. Once you know where the deep water is, the jetty becomes more useful because you can reach it from above.

Tides and Timing at the Inlet

The Shrewsbury River inlet is tidal, which means the water level and current strength change dramatically between high and low tide. The incoming tide pushes water from the ocean into the river, creating a strong current that concentrates baitfish and makes stripers and bluefish more active. The outgoing tide reverses the flow and can be just as productive, but the current direction changes where fish hold and how you need to cast.

Check a tide table for Long Branch before you go — the inlet tide is roughly the same as the ocean beaches nearby, but the current is stronger because the water is funneled through a narrow opening. Plan to fish the hour before and the hour after the tide change, when the current is moving fastest. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is usually slower.

If you're fishing the jetty, the incoming tide is usually better because it pushes baitfish toward the rocks. If you're on the beach, both incoming and outgoing can work, but you need to adjust where you cast based on which way the current is moving.

Parking, Access, and What to Bring

Park on Broadway Avenue near the beach entrance. There is no dedicated lot, so you're looking for street parking. The walk from the car to the water is short, which is good if you're carrying gear, but it also means the spot fills up on nice weekends. Weekday mornings are usually quieter.

Bring a headlamp if you're fishing early or late — the beach is not lit, and the rocks on the jetty are easy to trip on in the dark. Wading shoes or boots are worth the investment because the rocks are sharp and the bottom can be uneven. A small tackle bag is enough; you don't need a full cart for this spot. If you're fishing the jetty, leave the waders at home — you're standing on rocks, not wading, and waders will slow you down if you need to move quickly.

The beach is open year-round, but summer has lifeguards and can have swimming restrictions. Check with the Long Branch Parks Department if you're planning to fish during peak beach season — they may have rules about where anglers can stand.

What Gear Works Best Here

A 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braid is the standard setup for stripers and bluefish. The braid gives you better feel and casting distance, and the 15- to 20-pound test is heavy enough to handle the current and any snags on the jetty. A 6-foot rod works fine on the beach if you prefer something lighter.

For fluke, drop down to 12-pound braid and use a small bucktail jig (1/2 to 1 ounce) or a light jigging setup. The fluke bite is more subtle than stripers, and lighter gear lets you feel the bottom and the fish better.

Lures that work: metal spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster), soft plastics (Savage Gear sandeel, Berkley PowerBait), and live baitfish if you can get them. Bunker and eels are the gold standard for stripers, but they're not always available. Killie and mullet work for fluke. If you're not sure what to bring, start with a few metal spoons and a selection of soft plastics in natural colors — you can catch fish on those without needing live bait.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The biggest mistake is fishing slack tide or the wrong part of the tide. The current is what brings baitfish to the inlet and makes fish active. If you show up at slack tide, you'll see other anglers catching fish and wonder why you're not. Check the tide table and plan to be there when the current is moving.

The second mistake is not respecting the jetty. The rocks are slippery, waves can surprise you, and a fall into the water in cold months can be dangerous. Fish the jetty, but stay alert and don't get so focused on casting that you forget where you are.

The third mistake is using tackle that's too light. The current at the inlet is strong, and if your line is too thin or your rod is too soft, you'll lose fish and lures. Stick with 15-pound braid minimum for stripers and bluefish, and don't cheap out on the rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Broadway Beach year-round?

Yes, the beach is open year-round and you can fish any time. Summer has lifeguards and swimming areas, so check with Long Branch Parks to see if there are restrictions on where anglers can stand during peak season. Winter and early spring are usually quieter and have fewer rules.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license?

Yes. New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can get one online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife or at most tackle shops. The license is inexpensive and covers all saltwater fishing in the state.

What's the difference between fishing the jetty and the beach?

The jetty is higher and lets you cast farther, and it's better when the surf is rough or the wind is strong. The beach is better for wading and working the water column, and it's easier to fish if you're new to the spot. Both can be productive depending on the tide and the season.

Is Broadway Beach crowded?

It can be on weekends and during spring and fall migration, especially if the bite is good. Weekday mornings are usually quieter. If you want to avoid crowds, fish early in the morning or on a weekday during the off-season.

What should I do if I hook a large striper?

Keep your rod tip up and let the drag do the work — don't try to horse the fish in. If you're on the jetty, be ready to move along the rocks to follow the fish. If you're on the beach, walk backward and keep the line tight. Large stripers can take 10 to 15 minutes to land, so be patient and don't break off.