Island Beach State Park also offers the anglers the opportunity to drive onto the sand with a 4x4 SUV or recreational vehicle. Many fly fishers from the tri-sate camp in their RVs for several days during the peak of the fall run.

Operating an SUV or RV along the beach gives them the advantage of being able to quickly follow schools of migrating bait and blitzing fish as they move down the beach. This way the landlocked fly fisher can use their vehicle just as one would use a boat and "run and gun" if needed.

Have multiple rods rigged with different lines and patterns so you're ready for any circumstance.

With multiple rod holders either inside or outside the vehicle you can keep different fly rods rigged with varying line weights or flies and ready to go at a moments notice. If you pull up to an area that has deep water or a fast sweep, you know a rod with a sinking line is rigged and handy. Then if fish begin breaking on the surface you can quickly grab a rod rigged with a floating line.

The other advantage of being mobile is that you will always have a soft place to sit down and rest your legs or to get out of the elements if needed. This is a big advantage, particularly as the cold days of December approach. If you get cold, rest and warm up your hands and feet and then get back to the action without calling it a day.

Being mobile means you can quickly move to where the fish are, as well as a place of shelter should conditions turn sour.

If you are operating a beach buggy there are only three access points to get onto the sand. The first is 2.1 miles from the Park's entrance and is called Gillikens. This is one of the most popular fishing areas on the Island because of the deep water and numerous holes. After this you will find access at area A-7, 4.9 miles in, and area A-23, 8.1 miles from the entrance.

SUV Safety

For your safety you will need in your vehicle: first aid kit, shovel, Tow Line--minimum 14 foot long: Rope 3/4", Chain (5/16" diameter links min.) or Snatch Line (1-½" wide) or braided steel cable (1/4" min.), road flares, jack with large support board (3/4" x 12" x 12" minimum), flash light, full spare tire or equivalent, self contained toilet (where applicable), a Coast Guard or I.C.C. approved fire extinguisher, tire pressure gauge capable of registering down to 5 psi or below, trash bags, minimum ¾ tank of fuel, and NJBBA Code of Ethics. (www.njbba.org). Also for each person over the age of 12 a fishing rod and reel plus bait or tackle is required to be in possession.

From area A-7 down to area A-23 the beach berm has eroded over the years and you will find some places where only one vehicle can pass on by at a time. This will be particularly true if it is a moon tide and the surf is rough from northeast winds. At times, points along this area will become impassable and the Park will close to all vehicular traffic until safe conditions permit passage once again. The Park Rangers are on patrol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will make these determinations when needed.

Area-23 is the last designated parking area if you do not have a beach buggy permit. From this point to the famed North Jetty at Barnegat Inlet is an additional 1.4 miles. Fly fishers without buggy permits can walk this distance casting and fishing along the shoreline as you go. Be prepared to travel light however as overexertion and perspiring on a cold November or December day will quickly chill you to the bones.

If getting to the North Jetty is your goal you can always try sticking out the old thumb as few requests are rarely refused. There will be enough vehicles heading in that direction that you can easily hitch a ride. Camaraderie is high among anglers on the Island.

To operate a 4x4 beach buggy you will need to purchase a Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle Permit. These are available at the Gate House entrance. An annual permit, January through December, costs $195.00. A 3 day temporary permit is $50.00. You will also need to carry all the necessary safety equipment that the Park requires.

Deflate your tires to 15-20 psi to get the best traction if you decided to drive on the beach.

You will need to air down your tires to safely operate your vehicle on the beach. Somewhere between 15-20psi is advisable. There are two air stations on the Island to re-inflate your tires so you can be fully aired when you exit to the main street road in Berkeley Township. The first is located in the parking lot of the Park Headquarters, 3.6 miles from the tollgate, and the second at Area 6, 4.8 miles from the tollgate. When driving on the beach please obey the 10 mph speed limit. Stay to the right near the dunes when going south towards the Inlet, upon returning north stay towards the oceanside. When on the access roadway you should be alert for runners, bicyclists, animals particularly the foxes, and other small organisms.