Bass Fishing In New Jersey

Guide to catching smallmouth and largemouth bass in NJ

By Rick Seaman

Last updated on January 18, 2026.

New Jersey Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in New Jersey includes opportunities for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Fishing for bass with today’s high-tech electronics and equipment provides a major competitive edge and a more efficient day on the water. Forward-facing sonar lets anglers track individual bass and watch how they react to specific lures in real time, refining presentation instantly. High-definition side and down imaging reveal offshore brush piles, rock transitions, and subtle contour breaks that often hold quality fish. GPS mapping and spot-lock trolling motors keep the boat positioned precisely on structure, even in wind. Sensitive graphite rods, braided line with fluorocarbon leaders, and tungsten weights improve feel and hooksets. Together, these tools reduce guesswork, shorten the learning curve, and help anglers consistently locate and catch more bass.

Bass fishing basics video

Bass Species In The State

---

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in New Jersey. They are available in most warm-water and cold-water lakes throughout the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in New Jersey. The state record largemouth bass is over 10 pounds.

---

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with, or nearby, the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

---

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In New Jersey

Major lakes in New Jersey, including Clinton Reservoir, Farrington Lake, Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, Manasquan Reservoir, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir, Oak Ridge Reservoir, Round Valley Reservoir, Spruce Run Reservoir, Swartswood Lake, Union Lake and Wanaque Reservoir, all have healthy populations of bass.

New Jersey State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Menantico Sand Wash Pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Round Valley Reservoir.

Enjoy this article about catching Big Bass In New Jersey.

Bass fishing information by state

011826