Brielle Fishing Charters
Brielle fishing charters offer quick runs to deep sea wrecks, inshore bays, and the Atlantic's shifting reefs for fluke, sea bass, tuna, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Brielle
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Brielle, NJ Fishing Guide
Brielle sits at the gateway to some of the most diverse fishing grounds along the central Jersey Shore. Most fishing charters out of Brielle offer half-day inshore and full-day deep sea trips, with a strong focus on seasonal migrations and the area’s extensive network of reefs, wrecks, and nearshore ledges. Brielle fishing charters typically depart from the Manasquan Inlet, a well-trafficked waterway that provides quick access to both the protected waters of the Manasquan River and the open Atlantic.
Inshore trips focus on fluke, sea bass, porgies, and blues, especially around the inlets, nearshore rock piles, and artificial reefs like Sea Girt and Axel Carlson. These runs are short—usually under 5 miles—and are perfect for light tackle drift fishing with squid strips, bucktails, and Gulp baits. On full-day offshore trips, boats run 30–70 miles out to target tuna, mahi, and even swordfish depending on the season, with overnight canyon trips being a popular option from midsummer into fall.
Back bay fishing for schoolie stripers and weakfish picks up in spring and fall, especially on early morning and evening tides. These waters are ideal for plugging, live-lining bunker, or casting soft plastics around sod banks and docks. Brielle’s marina district is built for fishing, with multiple bait shops, fuel docks, and fish-cleaning stations all within a few hundred yards of the launch point. Captains here tend to specialize in structure fishing, working wrecks with precision and adjusting techniques based on tide, drift, and water temps.
Whether you’re bottom fishing the reef for tog or chasing pelagics beyond the 40-fathom line, Brielle offers an experienced charter fleet and a well-rounded fishery that stays productive year-round.
Fishing Seasons in Brielle
Spring
Spring fishing in Brielle kicks off with striped bass runs in the rivers and near the inlet. Backwater stripers respond well to live eels, soft plastics, and small topwater plugs. Blackfish (tautog) season reopens in April, drawing anglers to nearshore wrecks with green crabs on bottom rigs. Flounder and weakfish also start to show up in the bays and creeks. By late May, sea bass season opens, and boats head to inshore wrecks to capitalize on aggressive early-season fish.
Summer
Summer brings peak action across multiple fisheries. Fluke dominate the inshore bite, with drifting squid-and-minnow combos along sandy channels producing daily limits. Offshore trips crank into high gear by July, with bluefin and yellowfin tuna hitting jigs and trolled ballyhoo near the canyons and midshore lumps. Sea bass remain steady, and mahi move in under lobster pots and weedlines. Nighttime swordfish trips become viable options for seasoned crews running out of Brielle.
Fall
Fall is a favorite among local anglers. Striped bass migrate south and feed heavily around bunker schools, creating topwater blitzes along the beaches and just outside the inlet. Casting poppers or live-lining bunker are the go-to methods here. Blackfish season reopens in earnest in November, with anglers anchoring on wrecks and working jigs or crab baits close to structure. Tuna remain an offshore option into October when weather permits, especially on longer canyon runs.
Winter
Winter fishing in Brielle slows but doesn’t stop. When conditions allow, boats still run for tautog (blackfish), especially targeting larger fish in deeper wrecks up to 120 feet. This is one of the most technical bottom fisheries around, requiring heavy gear and experienced captains. On calmer days, a few inshore charters will target lingering stripers near the outflows and warm water discharges, but most action stays focused offshore or goes on pause during the coldest months.
Gamefish in Brielle
- Striped Bass – 20–40+ lbs Targeted spring and fall in the Manasquan River, inlet, and just offshore. Live bunker, eels, or topwater plugs are most effective.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder) – 16–28 inches Caught summer through early fall on drifting squid and spearing combos in channels, bays, and nearshore reefs.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs Found on wrecks and reefs spring through fall. Hit jigs and bait-tipped rigs fished near the bottom.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 3–10 lbs Fall and winter species on deep wrecks. Targeted with green crab or jig/crab combos near heavy structure.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–80+ lbs Caught offshore midsummer into fall. Trolled ballyhoo, spreader bars, or chunked sardines near canyons.
- Bluefin Tuna – 40–200+ lbs Found nearshore and offshore in summer. Topwater plugs, jigs, or live baits depending on location.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–25 lbs Summer and early fall around floating debris, pots, or weedlines. Hit jigs, small live baits, or cut squid.
- Weakfish – 1–5 lbs Spring and early summer in back bays and tidal creeks. Soft plastics or jigheads during low-light windows.
- Halibut – The signature fish of Homer. Most catches range from 20 to 80 lbs, but true trophies exceed 200 lbs.
- Halibut – The signature fish of Homer. Most catches range from 20 to 80 lbs, but true trophies exceed 200 lbs.
- Halibut – The signature fish of Homer. Most catches range from 20 to 80 lbs, but true trophies exceed 200 lbs.
Brielle Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Brielle?
Brielle offers inshore half-day trips, offshore full-day runs, and overnight canyon trips for tuna and swordfish. Back bay and reef trips are also popular seasonally.
Where do most charters launch from in Brielle?
Most Brielle fishing charters depart from the marinas near Manasquan Inlet, with easy access to both inshore and offshore grounds.
What’s the best time of year for striped bass in Brielle?
Spring and fall are prime times for striped bass, with fish holding in the river, inlet, and just off the beaches.
Do I need a fishing license to fish on a charter in Brielle?
No, anglers fishing on a licensed charter in Brielle are covered under the captain’s commercial license.
What should I bring on a deep sea charter?
Bring sun protection, layered clothing, snacks, drinks, and any personal gear. Most captains provide rods, tackle, and bait.
Are there bathrooms on the boats?
Many of the larger Brielle charter boats have marine heads (bathrooms), especially those running offshore or full-day trips.
How far offshore do tuna trips go from Brielle?
Tuna trips often run 40 to 70 miles offshore, with canyon trips going farther depending on conditions and fish location.
Is bottom fishing good near Brielle?
Yes, bottom fishing around Brielle is excellent, especially over reefs and wrecks for sea bass, blackfish, and porgies.
Can kids go on fishing charters in Brielle?
Yes, many Brielle fishing guides welcome families and kids, especially on shorter inshore trips or half-day fluke charters.
