Belmar Fishing Charters
Belmar fishing charters give anglers a shot at everything from deep sea tuna to nearshore stripers, all launching directly from the Jersey Shore.
Top Rated Charters in Belmar
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Belmar, NJ Fishing Guide
Belmar, New Jersey sits at the heart of one of the most reliable saltwater fisheries on the Northeast coast. From spring through late fall, boats running out of Belmar target everything from bluefish and fluke to canyon tuna and swordfish. Half-day and full-day charters are the norm, with many captains offering both inshore and offshore trips depending on the season. Belmar fishing charters are known for their flexibility—you can jig sea bass over a reef in the morning and troll for mahi or yellowfin offshore in the afternoon if the bite is right.
The local fishery is built around three key zones: the inshore rock piles and reef structures, the midshore lumps and ridges, and the deep offshore canyons. Inshore grounds like Shark River Reef and Sea Girt Reef are just a few miles from the inlet and hold fluke, sea bass, porgies, and blackfish depending on the season. Run times are short—often just 15 to 30 minutes—and most trips leave from Belmar Marina or the docks along Route 35.
Offshore, the Hudson and Toms Canyons are 70 to 100 miles out and are home to epic pelagic runs for yellowfin, bigeye, and longfin tuna, plus mahi, marlin, and the occasional swordfish. These deep sea trips are usually 12–24 hour overnighters, requiring heavy gear and rigged trolling spreads.
Bait varies by season. Fresh clams, sand eels, and squid are common inshore, while trolling ballyhoo or rigged squid chains is the go-to offshore. Blackfish trips are all about precision anchoring and green crabs on stout tackle. Stripers are often targeted with bunker spoons, mojos, or live-lined bait when the migration is on. From jigging to chunking, trolling to bottom bouncing, the Belmar fleet is versatile and dialed into this productive stretch of the Atlantic.
Fishing Seasons in Belmar
Spring
As water temps rise in April and May, Belmar inshore fishing kicks off with striped bass, black drum, and early-season fluke. Back bays and river mouths heat up first, followed by the reefs and nearshore structure. Tog (blackfish) action is also strong until the season closes in early May. Most spring charters stick to half- and 6-hour trips, working close to the inlet. Bucktails tipped with Gulp work for fluke, while live bunker is the ticket for early stripers. Some boats will start running mid-range for bluefish and the occasional weakfish if the bait’s around.
Summer
Summer opens up the full spectrum of Belmar fishing. Inshore, fluke dominate the reefs and wrecks, sea bass are still chewing, and triggerfish move in tight to structure. Offshore trips start making their way to the midshore lumps and out to the canyons. Yellowfin tuna become a major target in July and August, often found in 60–100 fathoms. Mahi show up around pots and floating debris, while sharks patrol the edges. These are peak months for long-range deep sea charters—expect overnight trips with trolling and chunking rigs. The weather windows are better, and the bite can be red-hot.
Fall
Fall is striper season, plain and simple. As water cools in October and November, massive schools of bait push south and draw in migrating bass and blues. Trolling mojos and spoons off the beach can lead to epic days, and casting topwater plugs into blitzes is a bucket-list moment. Blackfish season reopens in November, drawing diehard toggers back to the reefs with green crabs and jigs. Offshore, tuna and swordfish are still possible through October, but most charters refocus on the inshore bite as conditions change. Fall fishing in Belmar is aggressive, fast-paced, and wildly productive.
Winter
Winter shuts down most of the fishery, but hardy crews still run blackfish trips through December and into January, especially during calm spells. These are mostly local wreck trips, often just a few miles offshore. The gear gets heavy, the rigs simple, and the fish stubborn. Belmar captains know their spots and often run tight to keep it safe in cold weather. After January, most boats lay up for maintenance until the cycle starts again in spring. A few boats may offer cod trips if the fish push in from the deeper wrecks.
Gamefish in Belmar
- Striped Bass – 10–40+ lbs Caught during spring and fall runs nearshore; targeted by trolling mojos, bunker spoons, or live-lining bunker.
- Fluke – 2–10 lbs Found over reefs and sandy bottoms from May to September; caught using bucktails, fluke rigs, and Gulp baits.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 lbs Hold tight to structure from late spring through fall; caught on hi-lo rigs with squid or clams.
- Blackfish (Tautog) – 3–10 lbs Targeted in fall and winter on wrecks and rock piles; green crabs and jigs are standard.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–100 lbs Run offshore mid-July through October; trolled with ballyhoo or chunked near canyons.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–30 lbs Found offshore near pots and debris in summer; caught on small jigs or cut bait.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs Spring and fall runs nearshore; often caught trolling or casting metals during blitzes.
- Swordfish – 50–300 lbs Night chunked or deep-dropped in the canyons on overnight trips; fall is best.
- Cobia – 10–40 lbs Occasionally seen around buoys and wrecks in summer; caught on live bait or jigs.
Belmar Fishing FAQs
What kinds of fishing charters are available in Belmar?
Belmar offers a mix of inshore, nearshore, and offshore charters. Half-day trips target fluke, sea bass, and stripers, while full-day or overnight trips chase tuna, mahi, and swordfish offshore.
When is the best time to fish in Belmar?
May through November offers the most consistent fishing. Spring and fall are best for striped bass and tog, while summer is prime for fluke inshore and tuna offshore
Where do Belmar fishing charters typically depart from?
Most boats launch from Belmar Marina or docks along Route 35, with quick access to Shark River Inlet and the Atlantic.
Do I need to bring my own gear on a Belmar charter?
No—most Belmar charters provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Some even offer fish cleaning, but it’s good to check with the captain in advance.
Are offshore tuna trips available from Belmar?
Yes, many captains run offshore tuna trips from July through October, including overnight canyon runs targeting yellowfin, bigeye, and swordfish.
What’s the typical run time to offshore fishing grounds?
Nearshore reefs are 15–30 minutes out. Midshore lumps may take 1–2 hours, and deep sea canyon trips are usually 70–100 miles offshore, requiring longer runs.
Is winter fishing an option in Belmar?
Winter fishing is limited, but blackfish trips still run into January when weather permits. Cod trips are sometimes available if the bite pushes inshore.
What should I wear on a Belmar fishing trip?
Dress in layers, especially in spring and fall. Waterproof boots, a windbreaker, and sunscreen are musts. Offshore trips can get chilly, even in summer.
Can I keep the fish I catch in Belmar?
Yes, within legal limits. Your captain will help you identify what’s in season and size-legal. Most boats allow you to take home your cleaned catch.