Best Fishing in Highlands
Charter boats, party-boat trips, surf-fishing spots, and pier fishing — everything you need to plan a fishing day in Highlands.
Peak fishing season
Weekend charters filling fast - book ahead
Book a charter from Atlantic Highlands (serves Highlands)
Highlands doesn't have its own charter dock, so most Highlands anglers fish out of Atlantic Highlands (a short drive). Captain's license covers all passengers.
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Surf & Pier Fishing in highlands
No boat needed. Highlands's shoreline puts you on stripers, bluefish, and fluke from the beach or jetties.
Sandy Hook
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers diverse surf fishing opportunities from the bay side to the oceanfront. The tip of the hook is legendary for spring striped bass.
View spot details →Highlands Municipal Pier
Public fishing pier in Highlands with views of Sandy Hook Bay. Popular spot for flounder, weakfish, and striped bass in season.
View spot details →Stay Near the Boats
Atlantic Highlands charters leave at sunrise. Book a hotel in either Highlands or Atlantic Highlands — both are valid bases for a fishing weekend.
Hotels & Stays
Find accommodations in Highlands
Flights
Find flights to NJ airports
Car Rentals
Rent a car for your shore trip
Highlands Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Highlands?
For saltwater fishing in Highlands, 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 Highlands?
Highlands'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 Highlands cost?
Party boats (open-boat trips) typically run $50–90 per person and include rod rental and bait. Private charters from Highlands range $500–3,500 depending on boat size, trip length, and target species. Offshore tuna trips cost more than inshore striper or fluke trips.
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.