What Money Island Beach Offers

Money Island Beach sits at the mouth of Toms River where it opens into Barnegat Bay, about three miles south of Toms River inlet. It's a narrow barrier beach with shallow water on both sides—bay water to the west, ocean to the east—which makes it one of the most accessible shallow-water fisheries in central Jersey. You can fish from the beach itself, wade into the bay, or launch a small boat from nearby ramps and work the flats and drop-offs that form around the island.

The fishing here is seasonal but reliable. Spring and fall bring striped bass moving through the inlet and along the beach. Summer is prime time for fluke (summer flounder) in the bay shallows and along the deeper channels. Weakfish show up in May and June, and bluefish are common in fall. The bay side is calmer and more forgiving than the ocean side, making it a good choice if you're fishing from a kayak or small skiff.

Key Takeaways

  • Money Island Beach is accessible by foot from the parking area at Island Beach State Park's southern end, a short walk across the inlet area.
  • Spring and fall stripers are the main draw, with fish moving through the inlet and along the beach in predictable patterns tied to tide and time of day.
  • Summer fluke fishing in the bay shallows is productive from June through August, especially around the deeper channels and drop-offs.
  • The bay side is shallow and calm, making it suitable for wading, kayaking, or small-boat fishing; the ocean side has more structure but rougher conditions.
  • Parking and access are through Island Beach State Park, which charges a day-use fee and has specific hours; check current conditions before you go.

How to Reach Money Island Beach

Money Island Beach is accessed through Island Beach State Park, which sits at the southern tip of the barrier island. From Toms River, take Route 37 east toward Island Beach, then follow signs to the park entrance. The park charges a day-use parking fee (the amount varies by season; check the New Jersey state parks website for current rates). Once parked, walk south along the beach toward the inlet—Money Island is the narrow strip at the very end of the developed park area.

The walk is short but can be soft sand, so wear shoes that drain. At low tide, you can wade across shallow areas to reach the island's bay side. If you're launching a boat, nearby ramps at Toms River proper offer better access than trying to launch from the beach itself. The park has specific hours of operation; arrive early in the day, especially during peak season, because the parking lot fills quickly on weekends.

Spring Stripers and the Inlet Run

April through May is when striped bass move through Barnegat Inlet and stage along Money Island Beach. The fish are migrating north along the coast, and the inlet acts as a funnel—they bunch up, feed, and rest before pushing through. Fish the inlet mouth itself on the incoming tide, when baitfish get pushed in and stripers follow. The deeper channels on the bay side hold fish during slack tide and the early part of the outgoing tide.

Casting small plugs (2 to 3 inches) or soft plastics on light jig heads works well. Early morning and the hour before sunset are most productive. The water is cold in spring, so fish move slowly and feed less aggressively than they will in summer—work your lure slowly and be patient. If you're wading, stay in the deeper channels and drop-offs; the flats are too shallow to hold stripers consistently in spring.

Summer Fluke in the Bay Shallows

June through August, the bay side of Money Island becomes a reliable fluke ground. Fluke are bottom feeders that prefer sandy and muddy substrate, and the bay around the island has plenty of both. The fish are shallow—often in 4 to 8 feet of water—which means you can reach them from a kayak or small boat without needing to run far offshore.

Drift or anchor over the deeper channels and drop-offs, and fish with live or fresh-dead baitfish (mullet, mackerel, or squid). Fluke bite best on slack tide and the early part of the outgoing tide. Jigging with bucktail jigs tipped with squid or shrimp also works. The bay is usually calm in summer, making it a good place to fish if you're new to boat fishing or prefer a gentler experience than the ocean side offers.

Fall Bluefish and Late-Season Stripers

September through November, Money Island Beach becomes active again as bluefish and stripers move south along the coast. Bluefish are aggressive and will chase baitfish in shallow water, so you'll see surface activity and hear them feeding. Cast small metal spoons or poppers and work them fast—bluefish want a meal that looks like it's running away.

Stripers return in fall, though the pattern is different than spring. The fish are fattening up before winter and feed more actively. Fish the same inlet areas and deeper channels, but expect faster strikes and more aggressive takes. The water is cooling, which slows the bite compared to summer but makes for more comfortable fishing. October is often the best month for both species.

Tides, Weather, and When to Fish

Money Island Beach is tide-dependent. The inlet mouth and the bay channels shift with the tide, and fish position themselves accordingly. Incoming tide pushes baitfish into the bay and concentrates stripers at the inlet mouth. Outgoing tide drains the shallows and moves fish into deeper channels. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is often slow, but it's a good time to reposition or switch tactics.

Check the tide tables for Barnegat Inlet before you go. Plan to fish the hour before and two hours after the tide change—that's when fish feed most actively. The bay side is fishable in almost any weather, but the ocean side can get rough quickly. If the forecast calls for wind or swells, stick to the bay. The park closes at sunset, so plan your day accordingly and don't get caught trying to leave in the dark.

What Gear and Bait to Bring

For stripers, bring a medium-light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10- to 15-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. Small plugs (2 to 3 inches), soft plastics on jig heads (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), and live eels work well. For fluke, a medium rod with 12- to 20-pound line and bucktail jigs (1/2 to 1 ounce) tipped with squid or shrimp is standard. Bring fresh or live baitfish if you plan to anchor and fish the bottom.

Waders are useful if you're wading the bay side, especially in spring and fall when the water is cold. Polarized sunglasses help you spot fish in the shallows. Bring more water than you think you'll need—the beach is exposed and there's no shade. A small tackle bag with extra leaders, hooks, and a few different lure sizes covers most situations. If you're launching a boat, make sure your vessel is registered and you have a New Jersey fishing license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license to fish Money Island Beach?

Yes. New Jersey requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes in saltwater. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at most tackle shops. A seven-day license is available if you don't want to commit to an annual license.

Can I fish the ocean side of Money Island Beach?

Yes, but it's rougher and less predictable than the bay side. The ocean side has more structure and can hold stripers and bluefish, especially in fall. However, conditions change quickly, and the beach can be unsafe in heavy swells. Check the surf forecast before you go, and don't fish alone on the ocean side.

What's the best time of year to fish Money Island Beach?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) are most productive for stripers. Summer (June–August) is best for fluke. If you're looking for consistent action and don't mind cooler water, fall is the most reliable season overall.

Can I launch a kayak from Money Island Beach?

You can carry a kayak to the beach and launch from the bay side, but there's no dedicated launch facility at Money Island itself. Nearby boat ramps at Toms River proper offer easier access. If you're launching from the beach, go at high tide when the water is deeper and easier to paddle out.

Is Money Island Beach crowded?

It can be, especially on weekends and during peak season. The parking lot fills early, and the beach itself gets busy with swimmers and sunbathers in summer. Fish early in the morning or on weekdays if you prefer quieter conditions. Fall and spring are less crowded than summer.