Fresh, Frozen & Live Fishing Bait in Long Beach Island, NJ

Live Surf Clams

Live surf clams are one of the most dependable baits along the Jersey Shore. They are especially effective for striped bass, black drum, and black sea bass, whether fishing the surf, inlets, or nearshore structure. A go-to bait during spring and fall runs when larger fish are feeding tight to the beach.

Live Green Crabs

Green crabs are a staple bait for tautog (blackfish) fishing in New Jersey. Fished whole or halved, they’re deadly around jetties, inshore wrecks, bridges, and rock piles. A must-have bait during the fall, winter, and early spring tog seasons.

Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs)

Sand fleas—also known as mole crabs—are a premier natural bait for surf fishing along the New Jersey coast. They are especially effective for striped bass, black drum, red drum, and pompano, particularly when fished in the wash where these species naturally feed. Availability is highly seasonal and weather dependent, as sand fleas must be harvested live from the surf zone and are influenced by surf conditions, tides, and water temperature.

Live White Crabs (Seasonal: Mid To Late Fall)

Highly sought after by serious tog anglers, live white crabs are a premium bait option when blackfish are feeding selectively. They excel on deeper structure and pressured pieces where larger tog are keyed in on crabs. Availability is seasonal and often limited—calling ahead is strongly recommended.

Live Eels

Live eels are a top producer for trophy striped bass, especially at night and around inlets, bridges, sod banks, and deep structure. Popular with both surfcasters and boat anglers, eels shine during the spring and fall bass migrations and anytime big fish are hunting large meals.

Live Minnows (Seasonal: May–September)

Live minnows are an outstanding warm-water bait for summer flounder (fluke) and are commonly used in bays, channels, and back-bay creeks. They’re also effective for weakfish, snapper bluefish, and other inshore species. Available during the core summer fishing season. Great fresh water bait too!

Live Bloodworms

Bloodworms are one of the best early-season striped bass baits, especially during the spring worm bite. They’re also excellent for kingfish (whiting), perch, and other bottom-feeding species. A favorite for anglers fishing the rivers, bays and surf in the spring time.

Bunker (Menhaden / Pogy) – Fresh & Frozen

Bunker is a primary forage species along the New Jersey coast and an elite bait for striped bass, bluefish, and sharks. Available fresh when in season and frozen year-round, bunker can be fished whole, chunked, filleted or used to make chum depending on your target species.

Mullet – Fresh & Frozen (Seasonal: August- September)

Finger mullet are a top fall bait during the famous Jersey Shore mullet run, which is August - October, typically peaking around September. Fresh mullet is a surfcasting favorite for striped bass, bluefish, fluke and kingfish. Mullet can be fished whole, filleted or chunked. Frozen mullet remains a good reliable option outside the run.

Frozen Squid

Squid is one of the most versatile baits in saltwater fishing and will catch just about anything. We stock squid in multiple formats including pre-cut strips (perfect for fluke), whole squid (popular for sea bass and tilefish), and large squid favored by serious offshore swordfish anglers.

Butterfish & Sardines

For offshore chunking and slick-building, butterfish and sardines are essential. Commonly used when targeting tuna, these baits are sold in flats and are a staple for canyon trips and tournament boats fishing the Mid-Atlantic.

Bunker Chum

Bunker chum is a proven way to draw fish into your spread. Widely used for sharks and bluefish it’s effective from anchored boats to set up an fish attractive chum slick.

Ballyhoo – Frozen, Unrigged & Pre-Rigged

Ballyhoo are a cornerstone bait for offshore trolling. Whether targeting tuna, wahoo, or marlin, they belong in every serious trolling spread. We take pride in stocking some of the highest-quality ballyhoo in the area, available unrigged or pre-rigged for convenience. Baitmaster Ballyhoo

Local Tip - Fishing Long Beach Island?

Fishing Long Beach Island?
Stop in and ask what’s working right now. The Fish Heads Crew fishes these waters daily and can help suggest the best bait so you catch fish!

Bait Availability Disclaimer

Bait Availability Notice

Bait availability varies daily and is subject to change. Some baits are seasonal and only available during specific times of the year. In addition, the availability of certain fresh and live baits is weather dependent, as many bait species must be harvested locally by commercial bait fishermen. Weather conditions, ocean conditions, and fishing regulations can all impact what bait is available on any given day.

Please call the shop for current bait availability before making a trip.