New Jersey is home to some of the best fishing on the East Coast. We have it all: porgies, bluefish, bass, flounder, fluke and more. The weather is just right to gas up your boat and head out onto the open waters for some fishing. Hmm…no boat? No worries! Charter boats are a popular way for both novice and sport fishermen to find their ways onto the open seas.
From small charters to overnight ones, there is a boat — and a fish! — with your name on it.
More from Best of NJ
Blue Runner Sportfishing
Location: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: If you’ve got a big group, Blue Runner is for you. The 60-foot boat is equipped with all the amenities you will need for a long day of fishing. Their teak cockpit features mezzanine seating and ample space for stand-up tuna fishing, which is the most popuar activity on board. If you’re not up to hanging on the deck, chill out in one of three staterooms or the impressive salon or galley.
More Info: Visit the website or call 201-988-5475
Papa’s Angels
Location: Raritan Bay/Sandy Hook
Details: Captain Joe Romaniello lets you choose from a 6-, 7- or 8-hour charter headed to the Sandy Hook Reef. Depending on the season you can catch fluke, sea bass, flounder and more. Wednesdays are available for open fishing, no reservation required, but all other days need to be reserved in advance.
More Info: Visit the website or call 973-277-3096
Mi-Jo
Location: Atlantic Highlands
Details:Hop aboard the Mi-Jo if you want to fish, or just to pretend to fish in your Facebook pics. The boat is big enough to do both and features a $20-per-person galley menu so you can stay well-energized during your journey. Blackfish, bluefish, flounder, fluke, porgies and bass are all up for the taking depending on the charter, which can be anywhere from 15 to 60 people. It is 75-feet long so there is more than enough room for everyone.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-872-0121
The Capt. Dave
Location: Highlands
Details: The Capt. Dave is a full-service fishing boat made for people who love the ocean. It’s owned and operated by Captain Dave Dzielak, a USCG Master of 100 Ton Vessels. He’s been out on these waters for more than 30 years, so if you want to walk away with a catch, this is the charter for you. You’ll get top-of-the-line fishing gear, on-board charging ports for your electronics, WiFi at the marina, and a state-of-the-art sound system so you can fish and sail to whatever music you want. Charters range from 6-30 guests so you can make this a big or small celebration.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-613-8307
Nick Caruso Enterprises
Location: Belmar
Details: This charter company has a few boats in its fleet. The Big Kid and the Ol’ Salty II are available for year-round charters for either public and private use, day or night. Bring your own bait and tackle or use theirs. But if you do DIY, then make sure it’s season-appropriate.
More Info: Visit the website or call 1-800-836-8862
Jenna P Sportfishing Charters
Location: Sea Bright
Details: Jenna P Sportfishing Charters call the April-June season “madness” for striped bass fishing. They’ll also guide you to deep water fluke, blackfish and more depending on seasonality. Tip: You can get bluefish whenever you want. Captain Scott Policastro has been fishing the Atlantic Ocean, Raritan Bay, Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers all his life, so the local waters are a second home to him.
More Info: Visit the website or call 732-991-4441
Teri Jean II
Location: Wall
Details: The Teri Jean is available for day or night charters for smaller groups (up to six people). They’re flexible here, so you can bring aboard food, drink, or enjoy what they have in the galley. Accommodations and amenities include staterooms, so if you get sleepy on a night charter, you’re covered. And if you want your catch mounted, they can help with that.
More Info:Visit the website or call 732-280-7364
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