Best Fishing in Margate
Charter boats, party-boat trips, surf-fishing spots, and pier fishing — everything you need to plan a fishing day in Margate.
Fishing in Margate
Margate's draw is Lucy the Elephant and a quiet, family beach, not a jetty or fishing pier — anglers here book trips out of the marina in Atlantic City a few minutes north.
Peak fishing season
Weekend charters filling fast - book ahead
Book a charter from Atlantic City (serves Margate)
Margate doesn't have its own charter dock, so most Margate anglers fish out of Atlantic City (a short drive). Captain's license covers all passengers.
Powered by FishingBooker • Secure online booking • Free cancellation on most trips
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Private Charter Boats from Atlantic City
Customize a trip for your group — pick the species, the duration, and the departure time. Atlantic City is the closest charter port to Margate.
Moover Fishing Adventures
Private Charter - Capt. Rob
Capt. Rob
Versatile operation from bay trips to 36-hour canyon runs; specializes in shark, tuna, and mahi offshore.
Captain Rob offers extensive fishing options from back bay trips to overnight 30-36 hour canyon expeditions. One of the most versatile charter operations on the Jersey Shore with options for every skill level and budget.
- ✓Bay trips to 36-hour canyon expeditions
- ✓Shark trip specialists ($1,850)
- ✓Versatile operations
- ✓Year-round availability
Target Species
Party-Boat Fishing from Atlantic City
Lower-cost, drop-in trips from Atlantic City's public docks. Bring lunch, the rest is included.
Highroller Fishing
Party Boat
Operating from Gardner's Basin, Highroller is the only back bay party boat in Atlantic City. Features a "No Seasick Guarantee" making it perfect for families and first-time anglers. Calm bay waters ensure a comfortable experience.
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
- ✓Perfect for families
- ✓Calm bay waters
Target Species
Atlantic City Fishing Center
Party Boat
A full-service fishing center offering party boat trips, private charters, and fishing supplies. Located near the inlet for quick access to both bay and ocean fishing grounds.
- ✓Full-service fishing center
- ✓Quick inlet access
- ✓Bay and ocean fishing
Target Species
Stay Near the Boats
Atlantic City charters leave at sunrise. Book a hotel in either Margate or Atlantic City — both are valid bases for a fishing weekend.
Hotels & Stays
Find accommodations in Margate
Flights
Find flights to NJ airports
Car Rentals
Rent a car for your shore trip
Margate Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Margate?
For saltwater fishing in Margate, you need a free NJ Saltwater Registry — five minutes to register at saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. Charter and party boats include the registration in their fees, so passengers don't need their own.
When is the best time to fish in Margate?
Margate's most productive fishing windows mirror the wider Jersey Shore: striped bass run April–June and again September–December (the fall run is the strongest), fluke and sea bass dominate June–August, and offshore tuna/mahi peaks July through early October. Early morning and late afternoon around tide changes are generally best.
What does a charter trip from Margate cost?
Party boats (open-boat trips) out of Atlantic City run $50–90 per person, rod rental and bait usually included. Private charters range $475–3,550 for the whole boat, depending on length of trip and target species — offshore tuna trips sit at the top of that range, inshore striper and fluke trips at the bottom.
More fishing resources
- NJ Fishing Guide — 654 mapped grounds, seasonal calendar, what's biting now.
- Seasonal calendar — month-by-month species runs.
- Saltwater registry guide — register or renew in five minutes.