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Fresh Fishing Reports from Mercer County

Epic Day Aboard Way Overboard Sport Fish
Epic Day Aboard Way Overboard Sport Fish
May 17, 2025
Raritan Bay Striper Report: Epic Day Aboard Way Overboard Sportfishing โ€“ 6-Man Limit & Over 60 Released! If you're looking for red-hot striped bass action in New Jersey, now is the time to book your trip with Way Overboard Sportfishing, sailing out of Brick and Point Pleasant, NJ. This weekโ€™s trip to Raritan Bay was nothing short of spectacular, delivering nonstop striped bass action and memories that will last a lifetime. Date: Recent Location: Raritan Bay, NJ Target Species: Striped Bass Conditions: Water Temp 62โ€“64ยฐF Technique: Trolling Results: 6-man limit kept, over 60 bass released up to 46 lbs Slow Start Turns into a Striper Blitz We kicked off our day early with six anglers ready to put in work. Conditions looked promising as the boat made its way into Raritan Bay, a well-known hotspot during the spring striper migration. Water temperatures ranged between 62 and 64 degrees โ€” ideal for big bass moving into the bay to feed aggressively before heading up the rivers. We started off jigging in the early morning, marking solid bait and scattered fish. The crew tried a variety of jigs and soft plastics, and while we managed a few bumps, the bite wasnโ€™t firing. Thatโ€™s when Captain Chris made the call to switch tactics โ€” and it changed the whole day. Trolling Turns the Tide As soon as we transitioned to trolling, the bite exploded. We ran a spread of bunker spoons and mojos, and almost instantly, rods started bending. Doubles turned into triples, and for the next few hours it was lock and load striper action. Way Overboard Sportfishingโ€™s trolling setup was dialed in perfectly for the conditions, with just the right speed and depth to target the larger fish hanging low in the water column. Once we found the zone, it was game on โ€” we had double and even triple hook-ups multiple times, keeping the crew busy and the adrenaline pumping. Limit Out and Then Some It didnโ€™t take long to fill the boatโ€™s six-man striped bass limit, keeping only the best quality fish. After that, it was all catch-and-release โ€” over 60 additional bass were safely released to fight another day. The highlight of the trip? A massive 46-pound cow striped bass that took drag like a freight train before being expertly brought boat-side and released after a few quick photos. Several other fish in the 30 to 40-pound range were landed and released as well. The average fish was a healthy 20โ€“30 pounds, with most showing full bellies and vibrant coloring โ€” proof of the rich baitfish population currently in the bay. Raritan Bay Heating Up โ€“ Book Now! This trip was a perfect example of why Raritan Bay is one of the best early-season striped bass fisheries on the East Coast. The combination of ideal water temps, bait-rich conditions, and expert tactics from Way Overboard Sportfishing created the perfect storm for an unforgettable day on the water. If you're looking to book a striped bass charter in Brick or Point Pleasant, don't wait. The bite is hot and dates are filling fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, the team at Way Overboard Sportfishing will put you on fish and ensure a safe, enjoyable, and productive trip. What to Expect Aboard Way Overboard When you fish with Way Overboard Sportfishing, you're not just hiring a boat โ€” you're booking an experienced, professional crew that lives and breathes fishing the waters of Raritan Bay, the Barnegat Bay, and the nearshore Atlantic Ocean. Our boat is fully rigged with the latest electronics, safety gear, and top-of-the-line rods, reels, and tackle. We tailor every trip to the conditions and the bite to give our clients the best chance at success. Whether itโ€™s jigging, trolling, or live-lining, weโ€™ve got the gear and the know-how to put you on the meat. Trophy Season is Now โ€“ Letโ€™s Get You Hooked Up Striped bass fishing in Raritan Bay doesnโ€™t get much better than this. With fish in the 30โ€“40+ pound class actively feeding and a strong push of new bass entering the bay, we expect the action to continue over the coming weeks. Nowโ€™s the time to grab your crew, book a trip, and get in on the spring striper madness. ? Departure Ports: Brick, NJ and Point Pleasant, NJ
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What anglers said about fishing in Mercer County

I am not an avid fisherman so I cannot give any recommendations, but we had a great time and will be coming back!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I am not an avid fisherman so I cannot give any recommendations, but we had a great time and will be coming back!
Fins Up Family Charters
Fins Up Family Charters
Bring snacks, maybe hand soap or sanitizer (manโ€™s room had no soap). If cold and choppy I recommend boots or waders, but in warm or calm days theyโ€™re not needed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring snacks, maybe hand soap or sanitizer (manโ€™s room had no soap). If cold and choppy I recommend boots or waders, but in warm or calm days theyโ€™re not needed.
Ocean Explorer Fishing
Ocean Explorer Fishing
Bring gloves, dressing warm, wearing boots , and Bring a Smile. Oh, ... slow lift to set. Lol.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring gloves, dressing warm, wearing boots , and Bring a Smile. Oh, ... slow lift to set. Lol.
Ocean Explorer Fishing
Ocean Explorer Fishing
Absolutely, different seasons for different fish. But fall is for the stripers. We had a blast, 19 fish between 3 people.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely, different seasons for different fish. But fall is for the stripers. We had a blast, 19 fish between 3 people.
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Check the conditions, be specific about what you want to catch, leave the rest up to the captain.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the conditions, be specific about what you want to catch, leave the rest up to the captain.
Megan Beth Sportfishing
Megan Beth Sportfishing
Check the timing of the migration which changes slightly year to year. Hope for good weather
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the timing of the migration which changes slightly year to year. Hope for good weather
Canyon Eagle 1 Fishing Charters 42'
Canyon Eagle 1 Fishing Charters 42'
Let the guys know running the boat help you out, pay attention to what they tell you and listen to everything they say. They know the waters and will help you catch fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Let the guys know running the boat help you out, pay attention to what they tell you and listen to everything they say. They know the waters and will help you catch fish
Tale Chaser Sportfishing
Tale Chaser Sportfishing
Arrive early, wear comfortable clothes and donโ€™t forget sunglasses and sun screen.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Arrive early, wear comfortable clothes and donโ€™t forget sunglasses and sun screen.
Brown Eyed Girl Sportfishing, LLC
Brown Eyed Girl Sportfishing, LLC
We had an unfortunate tropical storm and extremely cold water which hampered our trip. Nothing the crew could control.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had an unfortunate tropical storm and extremely cold water which hampered our trip. Nothing the crew could control.
Let It Fly LLC
Let It Fly LLC
Summer fishing in Point Pleasant is generally geared toward some smaller species within 10 miles of shore. Fishing for sea bass, fluke, blues, and ling cod can be a lot of fun with lighter tackle.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Summer fishing in Point Pleasant is generally geared toward some smaller species within 10 miles of shore. Fishing for sea bass, fluke, blues, and ling cod can be a lot of fun with lighter tackle.
Fin Chaser Sportfishing โ€“ Point Pleasant
Fin Chaser Sportfishing โ€“ Point Pleasant
Be polite and respectful of the local fisherman and bait shops, and ask their advice on bait and tackle
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be polite and respectful of the local fisherman and bait shops, and ask their advice on bait and tackle
Nightwatch Sport Fishing
Nightwatch Sport Fishing
If itโ€™s your first time fishing/ sea fishing ,let them know. They helped us get started and taught us everything we needed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If itโ€™s your first time fishing/ sea fishing ,let them know. They helped us get started and taught us everything we needed.
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Bring your jacket! Remarkable temperature difference from the dock to the open water
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring your jacket! Remarkable temperature difference from the dock to the open water
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Use Branarchy for the catch you will ever have. The boat is immaculate and Captain Frank is dynamic, experienced and extremely personable. You will never be disappointed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Use Branarchy for the catch you will ever have. The boat is immaculate and Captain Frank is dynamic, experienced and extremely personable. You will never be disappointed.
Branarchy Sportfishing
Branarchy Sportfishing
Wasnโ€™t as chilly a start as previous weekend, check the forecast before booking for early May
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wasnโ€™t as chilly a start as previous weekend, check the forecast before booking for early May
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Sligo Sportfishing โ€“ Sligo II
Make sure to get a patch or something if youโ€™re not sure you get seasick, bring water the crew told us it helped with it. And just come in and have a great time they told us to โ€œmake ourselves at homeโ€ donโ€™t be afraid of asking questions theyโ€™ll help you out
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure to get a patch or something if youโ€™re not sure you get seasick, bring water the crew told us it helped with it. And just come in and have a great time they told us to โ€œmake ourselves at homeโ€ donโ€™t be afraid of asking questions theyโ€™ll help you out
Captain Cal 2โ€“Open Boat 7:30am-3:00
Captain Cal 2โ€“Open Boat 7:30am-3:00
Talk to your captain about what and how you will be fishing to establish expectations.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Talk to your captain about what and how you will be fishing to establish expectations.
Purple Jet  6 - 60 Passengers
Purple Jet 6 - 60 Passengers Parkville, MO
Go early! There are a lot of fisherman in New Jersey on the weekends! Enjoy!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go early! There are a lot of fisherman in New Jersey on the weekends! Enjoy!
Salty Love Sportfishing
Salty Love Sportfishing Arlington, NY
Charter a trip for a half day. Let's you get to know the captain and the boat. We had a great experience on the Megan Beth.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charter a trip for a half day. Let's you get to know the captain and the boat. We had a great experience on the Megan Beth.
Megan Beth Sportfishing
Megan Beth Sportfishing Red Hill, PA
Look for experienced captains and youโ€™ll have great day regardless of the catch
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Look for experienced captains and youโ€™ll have great day regardless of the catch
Smokin Reel Charters LLC
Smokin Reel Charters LLC Sydney, New South Wales