Best Fishing in Bay Head
Charter boats, party-boat trips, surf-fishing spots, and pier fishing — everything you need to plan a fishing day in Bay Head.
Spring striper run starting
Early season rates - book your trip now
Book a charter from Point Pleasant Beach (serves Bay Head)
Bay Head doesn't have its own charter dock, so most Bay Head anglers fish out of Point Pleasant Beach (a short drive). Captain's license covers all passengers.
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Private Charter Boats from Point Pleasant Beach
Customize a trip for your group — pick the species, the duration, and the departure time. Point Pleasant Beach is the closest charter port to Bay Head.
Blue Chip Sportfishing
Private Charter
Premium private charter limiting groups to 6 passengers maximum for a personalized fishing experience. Specializes in both inshore and offshore trips, including dedicated shark charters.
- ✓Maximum 6 passengers
- ✓Dedicated shark charters available
- ✓Inshore and offshore capability
Target Species
SeaOwl Fishing Charters
Private Charter - Capt. Christopher Dos Santos Jr.
Captained by Christopher Dos Santos Jr., a third-generation fishing captain, SeaOwl specializes in bluefin tuna with catches up to 550 lbs. Known for putting clients on trophy fish.
- ✓Third-generation captain
- ✓Bluefin tuna specialists
- ✓Catches up to 550 lbs documented
Target Species
Party-Boat Fishing from Point Pleasant Beach
Lower-cost, drop-in trips from Point Pleasant Beach's public docks. Bring lunch, the rest is included.
The Gambler
Party Boat
A family operation since 1949, The Gambler is the widest party boat in its class featuring underwater hull lights and heated/AC cabin for year-round comfort. Located at 59 Inlet Drive.
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
- ✓Underwater hull lights
- ✓Heated/AC cabin
Target Species
Queen Mary
Party Boat - Capt. David Riback
An 85-foot party boat captained by David Riback, sailing daily open-boat trips at 7:30 AM. Currently operates at 50% capacity for passenger comfort, ensuring a quality experience for all anglers.
- ✓Operates at 50% capacity for comfort
- ✓Experienced Captain David Riback
- ✓85-foot vessel
Target Species
Fish Monger Charters
Party Boat
A 50-foot custom vessel accommodating up to 46 passengers. Perfect for larger groups and corporate outings while still offering quality fishing for a variety of species.
- ✓46 passenger capacity
- ✓Great for groups
- ✓Custom 50-foot vessel
Target Species
Stay Near the Boats
Point Pleasant Beach charters leave at sunrise. Book a hotel in either Bay Head or Point Pleasant Beach — both are valid bases for a fishing weekend.
Hotels & Stays
Find accommodations in Bay Head
Flights
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Car Rentals
Rent a car for your shore trip
Bay Head Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Bay Head?
For saltwater fishing in Bay Head, 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 Bay Head?
Bay Head'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 Bay Head cost?
Party boats (open-boat trips) typically run $50–90 per person and include rod rental and bait. Private charters from Bay Head 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 to Explore
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.