There's much more to the Jersey Shore than just the infamous TV show. Along the 141-mile stretch of coast, you can discover some of the East Coast's most entertaining spots. Straddle the endless boardwalks, hit up the amusements, or hop aboard a Jersey Shore fishing charter and get your hands on some prized, delicious fish.
Types of Fishing
'The Shore' is in a prime position to get you out into the middle of the Atlantic, but don't forget to explore the bays too. Whether you're looking for your fishing fix on an inshore trip, or fancy a trek to the ocean's deepest spots, New Jersey has it all.
Inshore Fishing
From Perth Amboy to Cape May, there are plenty of inshore fishing grounds to explore along New Jersey's rich coast.
Hit up the Raritan and Sandy Hook bays in the north, or the plentiful rivers out of Point Pleasant, and you'll be in for a real treat. The Barnegat Bay takes a third of New Jersey's coastline, offering endless fishing opportunities from both sides, while a trip from the south could see you fishing the famous Delaware Bay!
Wherever you head, you decide what to target. Winter and Summer Fluke, Rockfish (Striped Bass), Seabass, Tautog, Porgy, Trout, and many more delicious creatures call these waters home, so get ready for a productive day.
Beginners can get to grips with a rod and reel on these calm waters, while avid anglers can test their skills time and time again, before heading home with plenty to fill the freezer.
Offshore Fishing
Every experienced angler wants to sink their teeth into some of the ocean's biggest fish, and Jersey Shore offshore fishing offers just that.
While Tuna and Mahi Mahi can make their way to the reefs around 30 miles offshore, you'll usually find Sharks at this distance. To target the holy grail of East Coast deep water fishing, you'll need to head 70 miles out of New Jersey to the canyons, or even 100 miles to the continental shelf.
Go up against incredible-sized Marlin, tough-fighting Wahoo, and delicious Swordfish and Tuna. Troll these open waters to entice the bite of these beauties, and get ready for an intense battle to keep them on the end of your line.
When to Go
The beauty of Jersey Shore fishing is that there's never a bad time for it! All year-round, the bays are full of tasty fish. But beware, charters may not run as frequently in the winter.
When it comes to offshore fishing, your best bet is to come in summer. From May through September, numerous pelagic monsters make their way past New Jersey, with the added bonus of calmer waters than in winter.
How to Prepare
As most charters offer inshore and offshore trips, you'll most likely board a comfortable offshore sportfishing vessel. Your captain will prepare everything you need for a productive day – or longer – on the water, with all rods, reels, and bait or lures included. All you need to do is bring some drinks and snacks aboard and make yourself at home.
Where else in the world could you experience such a wealth of fishing, and out of a bustling, busy, and beautiful setting? Jersey Shore fishing has it all, from start to finish. Come and discover the East Coast's gem with a fishing holiday here!