Neptune Fishing Charters
Neptune fishing charters work the Shark River, inlets, and nearshore Atlantic for fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and black sea bass.
Top Rated Charters in Neptune
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Neptune, NJ Fishing Guide
Neptune, NJ fishing charters cover a variety of waters, from the calm back bays of the Shark River to the open stretch of the Atlantic just outside the inlet. Most trips run as half-day or full-day outings, with early spring and late fall striper runs drawing serious attention, while summer brings steady action for fluke, bluefish, and sea bass. Shark River Inlet is the primary launch point, with charters often clearing the jetties in under ten minutes and heading straight to nearshore reefs, wrecks, or productive stretches of beach structure. Back bay charters use light tackle and drift over sandy flats, channel edges, and grassbeds for flounder and weakfish, while offshore runs in good weather target tuna, mahi, and the occasional billfish.
The fishery here is structured around tidal movement — currents through the inlet dictate bait activity, and captains plan their runs accordingly. Spring and fall tend to see more inlet and beachline trolling for stripers, while summer trips often focus on vertical jigging or bottom fishing the Sea Girt Reef, Axel Carlson Reef, and other artificial structures within a short run. Winter fishing slows down offshore, but party boats and local captains still run bottom trips for ling, cod, and blackfish when weather allows.
Neptune anglers also have easy access to nearby fishing hubs like Belmar and Asbury Park, which means plenty of alternative launch spots if conditions require. In calm seas, it’s common for captains to push 15–20 miles out to midshore wrecks for a mix of sea bass and porgies, or to chase schools of false albacore during their fall blitz. Whether staying inside the Shark River system or running offshore, Neptune offers year-round fishing opportunities without long boat rides.
Fishing Seasons in Neptune
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Neptune brings the start of the striped bass migration. Charters run light-tackle trips in the Shark River and along the beaches, working plugs, shads, and bunker spoons. As water temps rise, fluke season opens, and boats start drifting the inlets and nearshore flats. Back bay waters hold weakfish in May, often caught on pink soft plastics. The bite is tide-dependent, and many spring trips are planned around prime moving water. Early-season sea bass trips begin late in the spring, with bottom rigs tipped with clam or squid producing steady catches.
Summer (June–August)
Summer trips from Neptune target fluke, bluefish, and black sea bass. Half-day charters often stick to the reefs and wrecks within 5–10 miles, using bucktails tipped with Gulp or squid strips for fluke and diamond jigs for bluefish. The Shark River remains a productive spot for kids’ trips and light-tackle anglers. Offshore runs for mahi and tuna pick up in mid-summer when warm water pushes in, with trolling and chunking both effective. Calm mornings are best for running out deep, while afternoon sea breezes favor shorter bottom trips.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime striped bass season in Neptune. Charters troll the beaches with mojo rigs, spoons, and bunker spoons, or live-line bait when schools are tight. False albacore blitz the nearshore waters, offering fast action on light spinning gear. Fluke fishing wraps up early in the fall, giving way to black sea bass trips offshore. Water temps cool steadily, and many captains run a mix of inlet jigging and reef bottom fishing in the same day. Weather windows become important for longer runs.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing is focused on hardy species like blackfish (tautog), ling, and the occasional cod. Neptune captains run offshore bottom trips when seas allow, often 15–30 miles out to wrecks and rock piles. Green crab rigs dominate the tautog bite, while clams work for ling and cod. Cold fronts can shut things down for days at a time, but when the weather breaks, the action can be steady. Most trips are full-day to make the run worthwhile, with party boats offering the bulk of winter options.
Gamefish in Neptune
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Caught in spring and fall along beaches and inlet edges on trolling gear or live bunker.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Summer drift fishing over sandy bottoms and channel edges with bucktails and Gulp.
- Bluefish – 3–12 lbs. Caught spring through fall on jigs, plugs, and trolling spoons near inlets and reefs.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Found on reefs and wrecks, best in late spring and fall with clam-tipped rigs.
- Weakfish – 2–6 lbs. Spring back bay catches on soft plastics, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–20 lbs. Mid-summer offshore trips around weed lines and lobster pot buoys using trolling feathers
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–10 lbs. Late fall and winter reef and wreck fishing with green crab rigs.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–70 lbs. Mid-summer to early fall offshore trolling and chunking.
Neptune Fishing FAQs
Where do most Neptune fishing charters launch from?
Most charters launch out of Shark River Inlet, with docks along the Shark River in Neptune and nearby Belmar. This location provides quick access to both the back bay and the Atlantic.
How long are typical Neptune fishing trips?
Half-day trips are common for inshore species like fluke and bluefish, running about 4–5 hours. Full-day trips target offshore species or combine multiple inshore spots, running 8–10 hours.
What gear is provided on a Neptune charter?
Captains supply rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety gear. Many also provide ice and fish cleaning at the dock
Do I need a fishing license in Neptune, NJ?
Saltwater anglers in New Jersey must register with the state’s free Saltwater Registry. No individual license purchase is required for saltwater fishing.
When is the best time to fish Neptune?
Spring and fall are best for striped bass, summer offers steady fluke and sea bass action, and winter brings blackfish trips offshore.
What fishing techniques are used?
Light tackle for fluke and weakfish, trolling for striped bass and tuna, vertical jigging for bluefish, and bottom fishing for sea bass and tautog are all common.
What species can I expect to catch?
Seasonally, anglers catch striped bass, fluke, bluefish, black sea bass, weakfish, mahi, tuna, and blackfish.
How many anglers can a Neptune charter take?
Most inshore charters carry 4–6 passengers, while larger party boats can accommodate 20 or more.
Are there specialty trips in Neptune?
Yes. Options include night striped bass trips, offshore tuna runs, and family-friendly half-day bay fishing.