The Best Fishing Destinations in New Jersey
Located along the Atlantic coastline between New York and Delaware is New Jersey. New Jersey has many fishing towns up and down the coast offering an exciting blend of fishing opportunities that attract enthusiasts from around the globe. New Jersey’s prime location provides easy access to a rich variety of marine species and diverse fishing grounds, making it a hotspot for both inshore and offshore fishing adventures.
Whether you’re exploring the scenic back bays, venturing into the Atlantic Ocean, or casting your line along the state’s numerous rivers, each town offers a unique fishing experience. Backed by experienced local guides and top-notch charter services, you’re ready for an unforgettable angling journey in the Garden State.
Belmar
Belmar, affectionately known as the “Gem of the Jersey Shore,” is a premier destination for charter fishing in New Jersey. It is located along the state’s central coast and provides easy access to inshore and offshore fishing grounds. Its marina is home to numerous charter boats, each well-equipped and staffed by experienced captains and crews. These charters offer a range of trips to cater to all types of anglers, whether you’re a novice looking to reel in your first catch or an experienced angler seeking a challenging offshore adventure.
The waters surrounding Belmar teem with many local fish, providing a thrilling fishing experience throughout the year. During the summer months, Fluke (summer flounder) is a popular target, along with Sea Bass and Bluefish. As the season transitions to fall, Striped Bass become the star attraction.
For those venturing offshore, the town’s strategic location allows easy access to offshore fishing grounds. During the warmer months,there are opportunities to battle larger species like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and even the occasional Blue Marlin. No matter the season, a fishing trip in Belmar promises a rewarding experience filled with excitement and memorable catches.
The best time of the year to fish Belmar is from March to September. During this time, you will be able to target many inshore and offshore fish.
Brielle
Located along the Manasquan River in New Jersey, Brielle is a renowned charter fishing town. The town’s prime location offers easy access to both inshore and offshore fishing grounds, making it a popular choice for anglers of all skill levels. Brielle’s marinas house fleets of well-equipped charter boats, each led by knowledgeable local captains. These charters offer a variety of trips, from half-day inshore outings to full-day deep-sea adventures, ensuring every angler’s preference is catered for.
The waters around Brielle are home to an abundance of fish, offering a unique fishing experience throughout the year. Inshore, anglers can target Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Fluke, especially during the warmer months from late spring to early fall.
Offshore, the Atlantic Ocean opens up opportunities for deep-sea fishing, with fish like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Shark being common targets. As the seasons change, so too does the availability of certain fish,keeping the fishing experience in Brielle dynamic and exciting all year round.
May to September is the best time of year for fishing in Brielle. The chances of hooking up with striped bass, weakfish, flounder, marlin, tuna, sharks, kingfish, and bluefish are the best of the year during these months.
Cape May
Found on the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is a historic town with a rich fishing tradition. The town’s unique location offers anglers easy access to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, providing a range of inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Cape May’s marina is home to a fleet of charter boats, many equipped with modern amenities and captained by experienced local guides. These charters offer a variety of trips tailored to different skill levels and preferences, ranging from half-day inshore excursions to full-day deep-sea adventures.
Cape May’s waters are teeming with a wide array of fish that change with the seasons. Inshore in the bay, anglers can look forward to targeting all types, like Weakfish, Flounder, and Striped Bass, particularly during the warmer months. Offshore, the excitement intensifies with opportunities to reel in larger Tuna, Sharks and Marlin during the summer and early fall. As the seasons shift, so does the fishing experience in Cape May, offering anglers a dynamic and rewarding adventure throughout the year.
The best time to fish in Cape May is from May to September. The bite is for striped bass, weakfish, flounder, marlin, tuna, sharks, kingfish, and bluefish is the best of the year during these months.
Long Beach Island
Known locally as LBI”, Long Beach Island is a narrow barrier island that boasts some of New Jersey’s most productive fishing grounds. This 18-mile-long island is home to several charter services that offer inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. LBI’s charter boats are run by experienced local captains and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and successful fishing trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, these charters cater to a range of skill levels and preferences.
The waters surrounding LBI are rich with a variety of fish that vary with the seasons. During the summer months, anglers can expect to reel in Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Tautog, among others. As fall approaches, the action heats up with the arrival of larger fish like Tuna and Mahi Mahi in the offshore waters. The winter months also offer opportunities to target Cod and Blackfish.
Long Beach Island has excellent fishing for a variety of fish for nine months out of the year, from early April to December. Regardless of the season, a fishing trip on Long Beach Island promises an exciting and rewarding experience for all.
Point Pleasant
Located on the Manasquan River in New Jersey, Point Pleasant is a thriving spot for charter fishing. Its location provides easy access to inshore and offshore fishing grounds, making it a popular destination for novice and experienced anglers. Point Pleasant’s marinas are home to a variety of charter boats, each staffed by knowledgeable local captains and equipped with the latest fishing gear. They offer half-day inshore trips and full-day offshore excursions tailored to different skill levels and fishing preferences.
The waters surrounding Point Pleasant are teeming with many types of fish, offering an engaging fishing experience throughout the year. During the warmer months, Fluke, Sea Bass, and Striped Bass are the primary targets in the coastal waters. As the summer transitions into fall, anglers can look forward to the arrival of the larger Tuna and Mahi Mahi in the offshore waters. With each changing season, Point Pleasant offers a dynamic and rewarding fishing adventure, promising memorable catches and unforgettable experiences.
Located on the central Jersey Shore, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, has some of the best and most diverse fishing year-round.
Sandy Hook
Positioned near the entrance of Raritan Bay in New Jersey is a popular fishing destination of Sandy Hook. It is a strategic and popular location that provides easy access to the fertile fishing grounds of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The local marina hosts a variety of charter boats, each captained by experienced local guides and equipped with modern amenities. These charters offer a range of fishing trips, from inshore excursions to offshore adventures, catering to anglers of all skill levels.
The waters around Sandy Hook are home to a rich diversity of fish, offering year-round fishing opportunities. Inshore fishing on Raritan Bay is some of the best Blackfish (Tautog) and Striped Bass fishing. Anglers can also target Bluefish, Weakfish and Fluke, especially during the summer months. Offshore, the warmer waters of the Atlantic provide opportunities to battle larger species like Tuna, Shark, and Mahi Mahi.
The best time for inshore/nearshore fishing is from March to September. Offshore Tuna and Mahi Mahi turn out in numbers during the fall months of August through October. As the seasons change, so does the variety of species available, keeping the fishing experience in Sandy Hook dynamic and exciting throughout the year.
New Jersey Has Some of the Best Fishing Towns on the East Coast
New Jersey’s coastline is a treasure trove for angling enthusiasts. Towns like Belmar, Brielle, Cape May, Long Beach Island, Point Pleasant, and Sandy Hook each offer unique charter fishing experiences that cater to a wide range of skill levels and preferences. These locations provide access to both inshore and offshore fishing grounds, teeming with a diverse array of fish that vary with the seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking a challenging offshore adventure or a novice looking to reel in the first big one, these charter fishing towns promise an engaging and rewarding fishing experience. So grab your gear, choose your charter, and get ready to cast your line for an unforgettable adventure in the rich fishing grounds of New Jersey.
