Island Beach State Park

Got my 2023 buggy pass, can’t wait to hit the beach! Are there enough TW folks who go to IBSP to support a dedicated thread? Whose got some pics? I have some serious mid-winter, no fishing blues![/ATTACH]

 

How much of the beach can you drive?

 

In summer there is about 6 miles of beach that is 4WD accessible, after Sept about another 1/2 mile is open. Summer weekends are extremely crowded, but during the week is much less so and in the spring and fall when the fishing is at its peak, its mostly just fisherman as the weekend party crowd is gone.

 

Did the pass for a few years and loved it. Unfortunately we moved just a bit to far into south jersey to justify the drive up. Great memories though!
Also if you don't have an awning I can't recommend it enough. Literally a lifesaver out there on hot days

 

I drive 1hr 45min from PA. I like that awning of yours who makes it? I have one but its not as heavy duty as that.

 

Overland Vehicle Systems. It's awesome
And yeah we're closer now to wildwood/Ocean city, like a 40 minute ride vs. almost 2 hours to ISB. It's ashame because we loved going there but for the cost of the pass it doesn't really make sense when we have other beaches so close.

 

Good stuff, thanks for the info guys. I had a LI beach fishing permit last year but might give this place a shot.

 

4x4 passes are sold out for 2023. They go on sale 12/1 and sell out in 2-3 weeks. They do sell a limited access weekday only pass, but I believe that does not go on sale until spring. Entrance to the park is free (since last year, used to be $20 per vehicle) but that is for park and walk-on only, no 4x4 access.

 

Ah bummer, maybe next year

 

I used to fish IBSP every weekend before I bought a place in Ortley Beach last year.
Got the pass to drive on in 2020, but missed out on it 2021-2022 as they sold out QUICK.

You can still catch me cruising the beaches w/ my battle wagon....

 

Got my pass a few months back for 2023. Cant wait. Also tried Brick beach.

 

Bluefish making an early appearance. So much fun to catch on light tackle. These guys fight like fish twice their size.

 

Spent a lovely 4th at the beach. Managed a handful of fluke with one for dinner.

 

These are the “I caught zero fish” pictures. Enjoy

 

They are here. Thankfully they are charging admission to the park this year after three years of free admission. Maybe the crowds this summer will be back to a normal level. All the construction has been completed for now as well.

 

The bite remains hot along the beach. Even heard of some early fluke being caught out front.

 

Caught this very large, very diseased striper yesterday. I have seen some cases of this before but nothing like this.

 

Ouch. That’s amazing that thing was still swimming

 

Fish ain’t biting’. Maybe a nap will turn them on.

 

Beautiful day at the beach today. Love getting a day midweek to get out.