Brigantine Fishing Charters
Brigantine, NJ fishing charters work the surf, tidal back bays, and nearshore reefs for striped bass, summer flounder, bluefish, tautog, and other seasonal inshore gamefish.
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Brigantine, NJ Fishing Guide
Brigantine, New Jersey offers a fishery shaped by the barrier island’s long oceanfront, protected bays, and quick access to the Atlantic. Most Brigantine fishing charters run half-day and full-day trips in the back bays or nearshore ocean, with seasonal specialty runs for striped bass in spring and fall and blackfish in the colder months. Night trips are common in summer for weakfish and schoolie stripers under the bridge lights.
The back bay network west of Brigantine is a mix of winding creeks, sod banks, and deep channels that hold summer flounder, weakfish, bluefish, and striped bass from late spring through early fall. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows along channel edges is the go-to for flounder. Stripers take soft plastics, poppers, or live eels in deeper holes and inlet waters, while bluefish smash topwater plugs on tide changes. Fly anglers have shots at bass and blues on the flats during clear, calm mornings.
On the ocean side, Brigantine surf fishing produces striped bass, bluefish, and kingfish in spring and fall, plus small sharks in summer. Nearshore reef and wreck trips target black sea bass, tautog, triggerfish, and porgies, with most spots just 3–10 miles out. In summer, some captains run farther offshore to chase mahi-mahi around lobster pots and buoys. Key launch points include the 14th Street South public ramp for back bay trips, and many ocean-bound boats depart from nearby Atlantic City or Absecon Inlet marinas for quicker access to the open water.
Seasonally, April and May bring the first big striped bass push, followed by summer’s steady flounder action and mixed-bag wreck fishing. Fall sees the return of migratory bass and bluefish, often feeding tight to the beaches. Winter is dominated by blackfish trips to nearshore structure. Nearby waters like Absecon Inlet, Great Bay, and the reefs off Atlantic County expand the range for local captains, giving anglers plenty of options within a short run from Brigantine, NJ.
Fishing Seasons in Brigantine
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Brigantine, NJ starts in April with striped bass in the back bays and inlets, feeding on bunker, herring, and bloodworms. Early-season charters drift soft plastics or soak clams in deeper channels, shifting to live eel and bunker chunking as the water warms. Flounder season opens in May, and bay drifts with bucktails or minnows become a daily pattern. Weakfish appear near bridge pilings and sod banks. Water temperatures are still cool, so most trips stick to protected bay waters until ocean seas settle, though some nearshore tautog trips are possible on calmer days.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak flounder season in Brigantine’s bays and nearshore waters. Charters drift the channels, sod bank edges, and inlets with bucktails tipped with Gulp! or minnows. Bluefish chase bait schools in both the bays and surf, and nearshore reefs produce black sea bass, triggerfish, and kingfish. Many trips split the day between bay flounder and wreck bottom fishing. Shark fishing from the surf or at night is popular for families. Warm water also brings occasional mahi within range. Light tackle spinning setups dominate, with jigging and bait rigs both productive.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is the most anticipated season for Brigantine, NJ fishing charters, with October and November bringing heavy striped bass and bluefish action. Surfcasters work plugs, metals, and bunker chunks in the wash, while boats troll Mojos and bunker spoons just off the beach. Black sea bass fishing peaks on wrecks, and tautog fishing picks up as the water cools. Back bay striper fishing remains strong through November with soft plastics and live eels. Shorter days and stronger winds mean charters are planned around the best weather windows.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing in Brigantine focuses on blackfish (tautog) on nearshore wrecks and rock piles. Green crabs are the bait of choice, fished on bottom rigs right in the structure. Cold-water striper fishing is limited to holdovers in the deepest bay holes and is mostly catch-and-release. Trips are shorter and highly weather-dependent, with experienced captains monitoring conditions closely. The best blackfish bites often come on sunny, calmer days between fronts.
Gamefish in Brigantine
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Caught in surf, inlets, and nearshore waters in spring and fall; trolling, jigging, or live eels.
- Summer Flounder – 2–8 lbs. Bay and inlet drifts in summer; bucktails or live minnows.
- Bluefish – 2–15 lbs. Bays, surf, and inlets in spring and fall; plugs, metals, and cut bait.
- Weakfish – 2–6 lbs. Spring and early summer near bridge pilings and sod banks; soft plastics and jigs.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Nearshore wrecks and reefs; squid strips or clams.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–8 lbs. Wrecks and rock piles in winter and early spring; green crab baits.
- Triggerfish – 1–3 lbs. Summer around structure; small hooks with clam baits.
- Kingfish – 1–2 lbs. Summer surf and nearshore; small hooks with bloodworms or squid.
Brigantine Fishing FAQs
Where do Brigantine, NJ fishing charters launch?
Most bay trips leave from the 14th Street South public boat ramp. For ocean trips, many captains operate from Atlantic City or Absecon Inlet marinas for quicker ocean access
How long are Brigantine fishing trips?
Half-day charters run 4–5 hours, focusing on either bays or nearshore structure. Full-day trips allow for mixed fishing styles or targeting multiple species.
Do Brigantine charters provide fishing gear?
Yes, rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice are included. Fish cleaning is typically offered after the trip.
Do I need a license to fish in Brigantine, NJ?
Private anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. Charter guests are covered under the captain’s permit.
What’s the best time of year to fish Brigantine?
Spring and fall are prime for striped bass, while summer offers steady flounder, sea bass, and mixed inshore action.
What fishing techniques are common in Brigantine?
Drifting bucktails for flounder, trolling for stripers, jigging for sea bass, and anchoring for tautog are standard methods.
What can I expect to catch in summer?
Flounder, bluefish, triggerfish, kingfish, black sea bass, and occasional mahi are common. Surf trips may hook small sharks.
How many anglers can join a Brigantine charter?
Most boats carry 4–6 passengers comfortably, with larger headboats available in nearby ports.
Do Brigantine captains run night trips?
Yes, some offer evening trips for weakfish, striped bass, or sharks, often working bridge lights or inlet waters.