With a beautiful view of the lower New York Bay, Atlantic Highlands fishing becomes one of the more interesting ways to admire the sights. This small town has a longstanding tradition of good angling and even better anglers. Whether you’re looking for the well-known party boat experience or something more private, you’ve come to the right place!
Known For
The close proximity of Sandy Hook Bay is a great boon for Atlantic Highlands fishing charters. Striped Bass fishing in the bay is great because the fish are far enough from major ship traffic to get spooked by it. Conversely, if you do decide to set into the deep blue, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied. The pelagic bite is best in late summer but it involves quite a trip, so be prepared.
Inshore Fishing
Atlantic Highlands is home to no less than three highly productive locations to fish in. In no particular order, these are Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay, and the Navesink River.
Sandy Hook Bay is the closest and most accessible of the three. It’s a fantastic fishery for Striped Bass, especially in spring. The long, sandy beaches of the Bay have made it the fishery of choice for numerous surf anglers as well.
Raritan Bay is further out to the northwest and is yet another world-class location for targeting not only Striped Bass, but also Bluefish, Flounder, and more besides. Expect more anglers here in peak season because the location makes it convenient for anglers from NYC to drop by.
Navesink River is tucked in between Atlantic Highlands to the north and Fair Haven to the south. It’s a great option for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the north and just spend a day relaxing and catching fish. Speaking of which, the river is full of Striped Bass, Weakfish, Bluefish, Flounder, and Crabs.
Offshore Fishing
Pretty much all serious offshore fishing out of Atlantic Highlands is done at the famous Hudson Canyon. While it’s home to some amazing fishing, it’s also 90 miles away from the coast, so expect a suitably long trip. When you do finally reach it, you can look forward to the likes of Mahi Mahi, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Thresher Sharks, and so much more.
Atlantic Highlands Fishing Tips
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Fishing for local Stripers works best starting in April.Bucktail jigs are highly recommended when it comes to bait you should be using.
- Overnight trips offshore allow you to fish at night as well, if you’d like. As long as you’ve got strobe lights and blinkers, of course.
Need to Know
In general, you can expect the peak fishing season to last from spring to late fall. Fly fishing in these waters can be pretty awesome, but most charters will require you to bring your own fly fishing gear.
Regulations
A licensed charter or party boat will have all the necessary licenses needed for fishing, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. If you plan on setting out on your own, be sure to buy the appropriate fishing license and also do some research about the latest size and bag limits for the fish you want.
Budget
A typical price for a half day trip inshore can vary anywhere between $500–$700 depending on what you’re looking for, while full day trips are usually in the $700–$800 range. Offshore trips, on the other hand, can run you almost $3,000 for an overnight visit to the deep blue waters.
Getting There
New Jersey Route 36 is the best option for reaching Atlantic Highlands by car. Make the switch from Route 35 at Keyport and you should be there before you know it. A great view of the Manhattan skyline paired with some world-class fishing, what’s not to like?
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish
Bonito
Cod
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Scup (Porgy)
Seabass (Black)
Shark (Mako)
Shark (Thresher)
Tautog
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Weakfish
