Stone Harbor Fishing Charters
Stone Harbor fishing charters give anglers access to back bay shallows, tidal creeks, jetties, and nearshore waters for striped bass, flounder, bluefish, and weakfish.
Top Rated Charters in Stone Harbor
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Stone Harbor, NJ Fishing Guide
Stone Harbor, NJ fishing charters work a variety of waters, from the sheltered back bays of Great Sound to the open stretches off Townsend Inlet. Captains here typically offer half-day trips for family-friendly inshore action, as well as longer full-day charters that can reach the reefs and wrecks within 10–15 miles offshore. Specialty outings like spring striper trolling, summer flounder drift fishing, or early-morning topwater trips for bluefish are common.
The fishery is structured around several key zones: grassy flats and channels in the back bays for summer flounder and weakfish, inlet jetties for striped bass and bluefish, and nearshore reef sites like Ocean City Reef and Wildwood Reef for sea bass and tautog. Launch points include the 81st Street Municipal Marina and smaller private docks along the bayfront. Run distances vary — some inshore spots are only a few minutes from the dock, while nearshore reef trips can take 30–45 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Seasonal changes are pronounced. Spring sees striped bass moving into the back bays and along the beachfront, often targeted with trolling umbrellas or casting bucktails around structure. Summer brings a steady flounder bite in the channels and weakfish in the deeper holes, along with bluefish schools tearing through bait pods. Fall sees another strong striper run, plus big bluefish and migrating false albacore near the inlet. Winter trips focus mostly on tautog (blackfish) at the wrecks.
Techniques vary with conditions — light-tackle jigging and live bait rigs dominate the back bay, while bottom rigs with squid, clam, or crab work offshore. Trolling plugs, mojo rigs, or bunker spoons is effective for stripers. In addition to Great Sound, captains may also run to nearby Hereford Inlet or even the Delaware Bay side if wind or tide conditions favor it. Stone Harbor’s combination of quick inshore access and reliable nearshore structure makes it a versatile fishing base year-round.
Fishing Seasons in Stone Harbor
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Stone Harbor starts with striped bass staging along the sod banks and inlet edges. Water temperatures in the 50s bring bunker schools, and trolling or casting bucktails around jetties produces solid fish. Weakfish show up in the deeper holes of the back bays by late April, with soft plastics and small jigs being the go-to. Half-day inshore trips are popular this time of year, especially on warmer afternoons when the bite often improves. The inlet can hold some early bluefish, and crab baits dropped tight to structure can pick off the first tautog of the season.
Summer (June–August)
By June, flounder fishing is in full swing in Stone Harbor’s channels, particularly near the ICW markers and along deeper drop-offs. Light-tackle drifting with squid strips or minnows is the bread and butter technique. Weakfish continue to hit soft plastics in the early morning, while bluefish slash through bait schools on outgoing tides. Offshore, reef trips target sea bass and triggerfish. Calm summer mornings are perfect for nearshore trolling for Spanish mackerel or small tuna when conditions line up. Family-friendly half-day charters dominate, with occasional full-day reef runs on calm days
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime striped bass season in Stone Harbor. Cool nights and shorter days trigger a strong migration, with fish feeding heavily at the inlet and along the beachfront. Live eels, mojos, and bunker spoons are top producers. Bluefish are often mixed in, especially during September and early October. Nearshore trips shift toward tautog and sea bass on the reefs, while some captains chase false albacore just outside the inlet on clear days. Full-day trips become more common in fall as anglers take advantage of the hot bite before winter sets in.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing here focuses almost entirely on tautog. Stone Harbor captains run to inshore wrecks and reefs within 10–15 miles, dropping crab baits tight to structure for fish that can top double digits in weight. Weather plays a big role — calm days are limited, but the fishing can be outstanding when conditions allow. Some back bay striped bass action is possible early in the season for resident fish holding in deeper holes, but most trips are wreck-focused. The colder months see fewer charters, but those that go are usually aimed at filling coolers with tog.
Gamefish in Stone Harbor
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Found in the inlet and beachfront spring and fall; trolled with mojos, bunker spoons, or cast with bucktails.
- Summer Flounder – 2–8 lbs. Drifting back bay channels and inlets with squid or minnows from June through September.
- Bluefish – 3–12 lbs. Schools near the inlet in spring and summer; hit topwater plugs, metals, and trolled lures.
- Weakfish – 2–6 lbs. Back bay deep holes and channel edges in spring and summer; caught on soft plastics and small jigs.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Reefs and wrecks in summer and fall; targeted with squid strips on bottom rigs.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–10+ lbs. Wrecks and jetties fall through winter; crabs are the top bait.
- Triggerfish – 1–3 lbs. Found on nearshore reefs in summer; hit small pieces of clam or squid.
Stone Harbor Fishing FAQs
Where do most Stone Harbor fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from the 81st Street Municipal Marina or private bayfront docks. These spots give quick access to the back bays, inlet, and nearshore waters.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day (4–5 hour) inshore trips are the most common, but full-day offshore reef runs and specialty trips like fall striper trolling are available.
What gear is provided?
Charters supply all rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Many also provide fish cleaning at the dock. Anglers can bring their own gear if they prefer.
Do I need a fishing license?
In New Jersey, anglers on a licensed charter do not need an individual fishing license, but must register with the state’s free Saltwater Registry.
When is the best time to fish Stone Harbor?
The prime season runs from late April through November. Spring and fall are best for striped bass, while summer is top for flounder, sea bass, and weakfish.
What techniques are most common?
Light-tackle jigging, drifting with bait, trolling for striped bass, and bottom fishing over reefs are all common in this fishery.
What species can we expect in summer?
Flounder, weakfish, bluefish, and sea bass dominate summer trips, with occasional Spanish mackerel or small tuna nearshore.
How many anglers can go on a trip?
Most Stone Harbor charter boats take 4–6 anglers, though some larger vessels can handle groups of 8–12 for reef or offshore trips.
Are there night fishing options?
Yes, some captains offer night trips in summer for striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish, focusing on lighted bridge areas and inlet structure.