Taking up a third of New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, Barnegat Bay is a prime destination for holiday-makers and fishing enthusiasts. The 42-mile stretch of water comprises some of the east coast’s best brackish waters. Come fishing in Barnegat Bay and explore a range of fishing grounds unrivaled elsewhere.
Types of Fishing
From the Metedeconk River in the north to the wetlands of the south, there’s something inshore for everyone, while an offshore trip will appeal to the more adventurous angler. Bring the whole family aboard to learn to fish, or get your own kicks – it’s all here!
Inshore Fishing
The obvious place to start is on the bay itself. Separated from the Atlantic ocean by a barrier jetty, its brackish waters are a popular haunt for many exciting and delicious fish.
These calm, shallow waters are an ideal place to learn to fish. Take a charter out of Point Pleasant and you’ll discover lighter fish like Fluke, Weakfish, and Blowfish from the canals to the bay.
A charter out of Lacey or Ocean Townships will give you the best chance of hitting the sweet spots. Avid anglers can use this opportunity to land the Barnegat “Grand Slam!” Spend a whole day on the water and give yourself the best chance of this prized title.
Target Weakfish as the sun comes up, before targeting Bluefish around Sedge Island. In the afternoon, you can take advantage of the Fluke as they appear in the warm water, before hitting up the rocks around Barnegat Inlet for huge Stripers!
Offshore Fishing
Any angler worth their salt will relish the chance to battle it out with some monster fish out in the Atlantic. You’ll need a full day to get to the fishing grounds offshore, with some productive reefs around 30 miles from shore. If you’re lucky, some Yellowfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi will make their way past in summer.
If you want almost guaranteed success, then venture 70 miles out to the canyons or the continental shelf 110 miles out. White Marlin, Bluefin Tuna, and Mako Sharks join the Yellowfins and Mahi Mahi, to give you unbeatable fishing in the Atlantic’s deep waters.
Beware, though, these trips aren’t for the faint-hearted. Not only will you need at least 10 hours on the choppy waters, you’ll also need some serious strength to battle it out with these beasts!
What to Expect
Most captains run trips in the bay and offshore, so your trip will most likely take place aboard a luxury offshore sportfishing vessel. Comfortable and with all the amenities you need, you could spend days on the boat – and some captains give you that option.
To get to the deep waters offshore, you’ll need at least a full day. Why not take advantage of it and spend multiple days on the water?
Captains also tailor their trips to certain fish, and you can spend as little as four hours perusing the inshore bay, or up to 10 hours going after some of its prized fish.
How to Prepare
Everything you need for a productive day on the water awaits you on board, including all fishing gear and plenty of bait or lures. Your fishing license is even covered by the charter operator so all you need to do is bring some drinks and snacks and make yourself at home!
With year-round angling opportunities in the bay and beyond, there’s no reason to miss out on the incredible fishing in Barnegat Bay. Make New Jersey your next fishing destination and you won’t regret it!