Shark River Inlet facts for kids
The Shark River Inlet is a cool waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Shark River. It's completely located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. This inlet acts like a natural border between the towns of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea right at the ocean.
The Shark River Inlet is special because it's the only river inlet entirely in Monmouth County that flows straight into the Atlantic Ocean. Other rivers like the Shrewsbury and Navesink flow into Sandy Hook Bay, which is part of the bigger Lower New York Bay. The Manasquan River is shared with Ocean County.
The inlet also leads to a marina. This is where many different kinds of boats are kept. You'll see commercial fishing boats, boats you can rent for fishing trips (called charter boats), and private fishing boats.
Contents
What's the Story Behind the Shark River Inlet?
Even though it's called the Shark River, it's pretty rare to see sharks swimming here! No one is totally sure how the inlet got its name. Some local stories say it was named after a shark found in the river way back in the 1800s. Other people think the name comes from the shark teeth that are often found further up the river.
Building the Shark River Bridge
The bridge that goes over the inlet was built a long time ago, in 1933. It cost about $400,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then! This bridge is powered by electricity. It lifts up several times a day to let boats pass through the waterway.
Fun Things to Do at Shark River Inlet
The inlet is a really popular place for fishing. People often come here to catch fish like bluefish and stripers. During the summer, you can find fishermen at the inlet from early morning until sunset. Some people even use the inlet for spearfishing, which is a way to catch fish underwater using a spear.
Staying Safe While Visiting
It's important to know that swimming in the inlet is not recommended. The currents can be very strong and the waters can be rough. Many people have gotten into trouble while swimming here.
If you're interested in diving at the inlet, you should always check with the New Jersey Scuba diving site for important information and reports. There are also rules about when you can dive. Diving is not allowed from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM between October 1 and May 1.
