Atlantic Highlands Fishing Charters
Atlantic Highlands fishing charters work Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and the New York Bight for striped bass, fluke, bluefish, black sea bass, and tautog.
Top Rated Charters in Atlantic Highlands
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Atlantic Highlands, NJ Fishing Guide
Atlantic Highlands, NJ sits at the southern end of Sandy Hook Bay, giving charter boats fast access to Raritan Bay, the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers, and the inshore waters of the New York Bight. Most Atlantic Highlands fishing trips run out of the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor, a large, well-protected marina with direct access to the bay. From here, captains offer half-day, full-day, and specialty charters, including early-morning and night trips for striped bass, seasonal bottom fishing for black sea bass and tautog, and offshore runs for tuna and mahi in summer.
The structure here is a mix of tidal flats, deep shipping channels, rock piles, jetties, and nearshore reefs. In the spring and fall, Raritan Bay fills with migrating striped bass feeding on bunker schools. Captains troll mojos and spoons, drift live bunker, or jig soft plastics along channel edges. Bluefish often mix in, smashing topwater plugs and metals. In summer, the focus shifts to fluke fishing along the Sandy Hook Channel edges and the bay flats, while black sea bass, porgies, and triggerfish hold on wrecks and reefs just outside the Hook.
Atlantic Highlands charters often fish within 15–20 minutes of leaving the dock when working the bay, but longer full-day runs can push 20–40 miles into the New York Bight for sea bass, ling, and cod, or even farther offshore for yellowfin and bluefin tuna. The nearby Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers add another dimension in late spring and early summer, holding schoolie stripers, weakfish, and fluke in protected backwaters.
Seasonally, spring and fall are the busiest for trophy striped bass, summer produces steady mixed-bag action inshore and offshore, and late fall into winter is prime tautog season. Whether you’re on a private boat targeting a specific species or aboard one of the Atlantic Highlands party boats chasing a variety, the short runs, sheltered waters, and diverse fishery keep this port one of the most consistent in New Jersey.
Fishing Seasons in Atlantic Highlands
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Atlantic Highlands kicks off in April when big striped bass flood Raritan Bay. The shallow flats warm faster than the ocean, drawing fish tight to the edges of channels and along the Keansburg and Staten Island shorelines. Captains drift live bunker, work soft plastics, or troll mojos to connect with fish in the 20–40 lb range. By late April, bluefish join the mix, smashing plugs and metals. Fluke season typically opens in May, with the Sandy Hook Channel and bay flats producing keeper fish early. The Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers also come alive in May with smaller stripers and fluke, offering a sheltered option when the wind is up.
Summer (June–August)
Summer charters from Atlantic Highlands focus on fluke and black sea bass. Fluke are found on sandy flats and channel edges, with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing the top producers. Sea bass fishing is strong on wrecks outside Sandy Hook and in the New York Bight. Porgies, triggerfish, and occasional weakfish round out the catch. Offshore trips target yellowfin and bluefin tuna, mahi, and even white marlin when warm water pushes in. Many family-friendly trips run as half-days, staying in Raritan Bay for steady fluke action, while hardcore anglers opt for offshore runs or wreck trips.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime striped bass season in Atlantic Highlands. By September, false albacore and bonito are blitzing inshore, followed by waves of trophy bass in October and November. Captains troll bunker spoons, live-line eels, or cast topwater plugs into feeding schools. Bluefish often stay in the mix until water temps drop. Black sea bass fishing is excellent on deeper wrecks, with ling and cod mixed in. The fall run is one of the busiest charter seasons in Monmouth County, with boats often booked weeks ahead.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing is for the dedicated. Tautog (blackfish) season in November and December draws anglers to rocky structure and wrecks for fish in the 5–10 lb range, with green crab and white leggers the standard bait. On calm days, party boats run full-day trips into the New York Bight for cod, ling, and jumbo sea bass. Weather is the biggest challenge—trips depend heavily on favorable conditions—but for those who go, the fishing can be outstanding.
Gamefish in Atlantic Highlands
- Striped Bass – 20–50 lbs. Found in Raritan Bay and along Sandy Hook Rip in spring and fall; live bunker, mojos, and eels are top producers.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder) – 2–10 lbs. Drifted over channel edges and bay flats in summer using bucktails with squid or spearing.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs. Taken around bunker schools on poppers, metals, and cut bait in spring through early fall.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. On wrecks and reefs in the New York Bight from late spring to winter; squid and clam baits work best.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–10 lbs. Caught on rocky bottoms and wrecks in late fall and winter with green crab or white leggers.
- Porgy (Scup) – 1–3 lbs. Found on inshore reefs and rocky bottoms in summer and fall; clam baits produce best.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–100 lbs. Caught offshore in summer on chunked bait, trolled ballyhoo, or jigs when warm water pushes close.
Atlantic Highlands Fishing FAQs
Where do most Atlantic Highlands fishing trips leave from?
Almost all charters depart from the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor in Monmouth County. This large marina offers easy access to Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and offshore waters.
How long are typical trips from Atlantic Highlands?
Half-day trips (4–5 hours) often stay in Raritan Bay or Sandy Hook Bay for fluke, sea bass, or striped bass. Full-day trips (8–10 hours) can run offshore to wrecks or target tuna in the New York Bight.
What fishing gear do captains provide?
Atlantic Highlands fishing charters usually supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Specialized lures for striped bass or tuna may be included, but many anglers bring their own favorites.
Do I need a New Jersey fishing license?
No license is needed for saltwater fishing when aboard a licensed New Jersey charter or party boat. The boat’s permit covers all passengers.
When is the best time to fish Atlantic Highlands?
Spring and fall are prime for trophy striped bass and bluefish, summer is best for fluke and sea bass, and late fall into early winter is peak tautog season. Offshore tuna fishing peaks mid to late summer.
What techniques are common on Atlantic Highlands charters?
Drifting bucktails for fluke, trolling mojos for stripers, and bottom fishing wrecks for sea bass are the most common. Casting plugs or metals is popular when fish are feeding on top.
What can I expect to catch in summer?
Fluke, sea bass, porgies, and bluefish dominate summer catches, with occasional weakfish or triggerfish. Offshore trips may add tuna, mahi, or marlin.
How many anglers do boats take?
Private charters generally carry 4–6 passengers, while Atlantic Highlands party boats can hold 20–70 anglers depending on the trip type.
Are there night fishing options in Atlantic Highlands?
Yes, many captains run evening and night trips for striped bass in spring and fall, fishing channel edges, rips, and bunker schools under low light.