The state of New Jersey features 127 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Just off the Jersey shoreline is an abundance of inshore, offshore and reef sites fished by recreational fishermen. At marines throughout Jersey, numerous party boats can be charted to fish the tuna, flounder, blues and stripes in the waters off the Jersey coast.
History
Recreational fishing in New Jersey has a rich and dynamic history. According to a 2005 joint study between New Jersey's Rutgers University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, party and fishing boats provide paying clients, making this a viable industry for numerous communities along the New Jersey coastline. These party boats provide part-day and full-day fishing trips to near-shore locations for bottom and wreck fishing. According to the Rutgers study, in the Point Pleasant recreational fishing area from 1994 to 2004, the average number of anglers per boat was 26.3.
Features
Party boats offer a variety of excursions; which one you take depends on what type of fish you desire to catch and whether you want to go offshore. Fluke, bluefish, hake, black sea bass, tautog, yellowfin tuna and striped bass can all be caught both near and offshore. Because bottom-fish fishing is a year-round activity, this is typically the type of fishing conducted by party boats. Common sought-after bottom fish include cod, pollock, black sea bass, croaker and hake. Several party boats do head offshore to the Hudson Canyon, the area where the continental shelf meets the canyon.
Time Frame
Recreational fishing is somewhat seasonal in New Jersey due to the migratory patterns of fish. Most of the business for party boats occurs in the summer and into early autumn; some party boats do operate year-round. Most of the fishing happens from June through August, when bluefish, black sea bass and fluke are all running. Black sea bass and scup are in the waters during the fall. The most commonly caught fish from December through March are mackrel, black sea bass and red hake. The months for fluke run from May through October.
Licenses and Regulations
New Jersey does not require a fishing license for anglers heading out for general saltwater fishing. State regulations do limit the number and size of fish anglers can keep daily. The state limits what time periods during the year certain fish, such as tautog, fluke and winter flounder, can be kept. These regulations change annually, and appear in the updated New Jersey Recreational Minimum Size, Possession Limits & Seasons document published by the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife (see Resources).
What to Bring
Each New Jersey party boat has different rules as to what anglers should bring for a fishing trip. Most boats provide rods, tackle and bait in the charge for the trip. When heading out for the trip, plan to bring drinking water, motion sickness medication, sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses. Many party boats assist in filleting and storing of your catch, but you should check with your specific charter to verify expectations.
Member Comments