Point Pleasant Beach Fishing Charters
Point Pleasant Beach fishing charters target inshore back bays, nearshore reefs, and offshore canyons for fluke, striped bass, sea bass, bluefish, and tuna.
Top Rated Charters in Point Pleasant Beach
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Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Fishing Guide
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, offers one of the most versatile fisheries along the Jersey Shore, with access to both calm inshore waters and deep bluewater grounds. Most charters here run half-day inshore trips for species like fluke, porgies, sea bass, and bluefish, as well as full-day offshore runs for tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish during peak summer. Specialty night striped bass trips are also common in the spring and fall when these fish feed aggressively under the cover of darkness.
The local fishery is built around a mix of inlets, back bays, and nearshore reef sites, plus the offshore canyons of the Hudson and Spencer. The Manasquan Inlet is the main gateway for boats here, with several charter fleets docked just inside along the Manasquan River. Typical inshore trips may run only 2–8 miles to hit reefs, wrecks, and rock piles like Sea Girt Reef or Axel Carlson Reef. Offshore tuna runs, on the other hand, can be 60–90 miles depending on the bite.
Spring kicks off with striped bass staging along the beaches and inlet jetties, along with blackfish on structure. Summer brings heavy fluke and sea bass action, with nearshore trolling for bonito and Spanish mackerel. By mid-summer, boats start pushing offshore for yellowfin, bigeye, and longfin tuna. Fall sees the return of big striped bass and bluefish, plus excellent blackfish fishing on the reefs. Winter trips focus mainly on tautog (blackfish) for the dedicated anglers willing to bundle up.
Techniques vary by target — bucktail jigging for fluke, trolling spoons or bunker spoons for stripers, bottom fishing with clams or squid for sea bass and porgies, vertical jigging for tuna, and live-lining bunker for trophy bass. The area’s proximity to both nearshore and deepwater structure means captains can switch tactics quickly if conditions or the bite changes. Nearby options like Barnegat Inlet and Shark River Inlet provide alternate launching points, but Point Pleasant Beach remains one of the most productive and busiest fishing ports in New Jersey.
Fishing Seasons in Point Pleasant Beach
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is driven by the striped bass migration. From April through early June, bass move up the coast and flood the inlet and nearshore waters. Many captains troll bunker spoons, mojos, or stretch plugs along the beaches, while others drift live bunker near the inlet rocks. Blackfish (tautog) also fire up on wrecks and jetties until the season closes, and sea bass start to show late in the spring. Fluke season opens toward the end of May, with early fish found in the back bays and river channels. Cool water temps and shifting winds can make timing important, so spring trips often focus on structure where bait congregates.
Summer (June–August)
Summer opens up the full menu of inshore and offshore fishing. Fluke dominate the inshore scene from June through September, with boats working reefs, wrecks, and drift lines over sandy bottoms. Sea bass and porgies are targeted on deeper structure, while bluefish and Spanish mackerel school just off the beach. Offshore runs for yellowfin tuna, mahi, and even white marlin peak from July through early September, with many overnight canyon trips running chunking or trolling spreads. Calm mornings make for smooth runs, but midday sea breezes can kick up, so most inshore trips stay within 10 miles.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime striped bass season in Point Pleasant Beach, with big fish moving south along the coast from October through December. Captains troll mojos, bunker spoons, or umbrella rigs, and on calm days, surface feeds allow for casting topwater plugs. Blackfish fishing also heats up, especially after the sea bass season closes. Bluefish make another push along the beaches, and false albacore occasionally blitz nearshore. Offshore, tuna fishing can stay good into October if water temps hold, and some crews shift to deep-drop trips for tilefish. The crisp air, fewer crowds, and active bite make fall one of the most popular times for locals to book trips.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing is for the hardy, with most trips targeting tautog on wrecks and reefs through the season closure. Blackfish feed aggressively in the cold, and anglers often use green crabs or white-leggers on single-hook rigs. Some head offshore for deep-water sea bass or cod if weather windows allow, but winter charters are highly weather-dependent. The Manasquan Inlet can get icy, and trips are often scheduled around calmer days. While the species list is short, the tautog fishing can be excellent, and winter offers the chance for double-digit fish if you’re willing to brave the elements.
Gamefish in Point Pleasant Beach
- Striped Bass – 20–50 lbs. Found along beaches, inlet rocks, and near bunker schools in spring and fall; trolled with mojos, spoons, or live-lined bait.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder) – 2–8 lbs. Drifted over sandy bottoms, reefs, and channels in summer; bucktail jigs tipped with squid or Gulp! work best.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Targeted on offshore wrecks and reefs in summer and fall using squid strips or clams.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs. Caught nearshore in spring and fall; trolled, jigged, or caught casting metals into surface feeds.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–100 lbs. Found 60–90 miles offshore in summer; chunking, trolling, or jigging over canyon edges.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 3–12 lbs. Fished on wrecks, reefs, and jetty rocks in spring, fall, and winter using green crabs or white-leggers.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–20 lbs. Targeted offshore in summer around lobster pots and weed lines with trolling baits or casting lures.
- Bigeye Tuna – 100–250 lbs. Found in offshore canyons during peak summer; trolled at night or chunked over structure.
Point Pleasant Beach Fishing FAQs
Where do most Point Pleasant Beach fishing charters leave from?
Most boats depart from marinas along the Manasquan River just inside the Manasquan Inlet. The inlet provides quick access to both inshore reefs and offshore waters.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Inshore trips usually run 4–6 hours, while offshore tuna runs are full-day or overnight trips. Blackfish and sea bass trips often run 6–8 hours depending on the bite and distance.
Is fishing gear provided by the charter?
Yes, most Point Pleasant Beach captains provide all rods, reels, bait, and tackle. They’ll also handle cleaning your catch at the dock.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter trip?
No, passengers on licensed charter boats are covered under the captain’s license. If you fish on your own from shore or a private boat, you’ll need to register with NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Point Pleasant Beach?
Spring and fall are peak for striped bass, summer is best for fluke and offshore tuna, and winter is prime tautog season. Each season offers a different target list.
What techniques are most common in this area?
Bucktail jigging, bottom fishing, trolling mojos or spoons, live-lining bunker, and offshore chunking are all popular here depending on target species and season.
Can large groups book a charter?
Yes, Point Pleasant Beach has both six-pack charters for smaller groups and larger party boats that can take 20+ anglers.
Are there night fishing trips available?
Yes, many captains offer night trips for striped bass in spring and fall, as well as offshore overnight tuna runs in summer.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. Captains may reschedule or cancel trips if seas are too rough or storms are forecast. Offshore trips especially require a good weather window