Plan Your Fishing Trip
From party boat basics to offshore adventures - everything you need to plan the perfect Jersey Shore fishing trip.
Quick Start: Book a Charter
Ready to get on the water? FishingBooker connects you with verified charter captains across the Jersey Shore. Compare boats, read reviews, and book online.
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Choose Your Trip Type
Party Boat (Head Boat)
Join other anglers on large boats. All gear included. Great for beginners.
Best for: Beginners, solo anglers, families, budget-conscious
Includes:
- ✓ Rod & reel
- ✓ Bait & tackle
- ✓ Fish cleaning
- ✓ License fees
Tip: Arrive 30 min early. Bring cash for tips and extra bait.
Inshore Charter
Private boat for your group. Target stripers, blues, and flounder closer to shore.
Best for: Groups of 2-6, intermediate anglers, calmer water
Includes:
- ✓ Captain & mate
- ✓ All gear
- ✓ Fish cleaning
- ✓ Customized trip
Tip: Book with friends to split cost. Morning trips often best.
Offshore Charter
Head to the canyons for tuna, mahi, and shark. Adventure fishing at its best.
Best for: Experienced anglers, bucket-list trips, serious fishermen
Includes:
- ✓ All gear
- ✓ Fish cleaning
- ✓ Fuel for long run
- ✓ Ice for catch
Tip: Bring seasickness meds. The run offshore can be rough.
When to Go
Spring (Apr-May)
Flounder, stripers
Cool mornings, moderate seas
Flounder opener is a big deal
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Fluke, sea bass, bluefish, sharks
Warm, calm seas, family-friendly
Best for first-timers and families
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Striped bass, bluefish
Legendary fall run migration
THE time to fish. Book early!
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Sea bass, tog (limited)
Cold, rough, limited options
For die-hards only
The fall run (Sept-Nov) is legendary. Book early!
Fishing Ports
Belmar
Monmouth CountyPremier fleet, easy NYC access
Best for: Party boats, full-day trips
Point Pleasant
Ocean CountyFamily tradition since 1949
Best for: Family trips, party boats
Barnegat Light
Ocean CountyViking Village fleet, historic
Best for: Offshore trips, serious anglers
Atlantic City
Atlantic CountyBack bay + offshore options
Best for: Combine with casino trip
Cape May
Cape May CountyCanyon access, Delaware Bay
Best for: Offshore tuna, shark trips
What to Bring
Essential
- ✓ Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- ✓ Polarized sunglasses
- ✓ Hat with brim
- ✓ Non-slip boat shoes
- ✓ Layers (morning is cold)
- ✓ Cooler for catch
Recommended
- ○ Seasickness medication
- ○ Cash for tips
- ○ Camera
- ○ Light breakfast (avoid grease)
First-Timer Tips
Start with a Party Boat
All gear included, crew helps you learn, lower cost, no experience needed.
Choose Summer
Calmer seas, warmer weather, and plentiful fish make it ideal for beginners.
Take Seasickness Meds
Even if you've never been seasick, take Dramamine the night before and morning of.
Ask Questions
Mates are there to help. Don't be shy - they want you to catch fish.
Wear Layers
It's always colder on the water. You can remove layers, but can't add what you didn't bring.
Tip the Mate
Standard tip is $10-20 per person on party boats, 15-20% on charters. They work hard.
Ready to Book?
Browse available charters, read captain reviews, and book your trip online.
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