Bob Popovics is the most influential saltwater fly tier in our lifetime, and Island Beach State Park is his home turf. This is where he developed the Surf Candy, Bucktail Deceiver, Beast Fleye, and dozens of other patterns. Tom Lynch photo
However, a tropical saltwater trip can cost many thousands of dollars and take up an entire week of your time. What many Northeast trout fishers don’t realize is that there’s a world-class saltwater paradise within driving distance of 59 million people in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Island Beach State Park (IBSP) is a 10-mile-long barrier island with unlimited foot access to deep white sand beaches and the East Coast’s famous fall striper run. If you’ve got a four-wheel-drive vehicle, nonresidents can purchase a three-day Mobile Sport Fishing Permit from the Park Gatehouse and Visitor Center near Seaside Park, New Jersey, for $90. You can drive the continuous...