Offshore Fishing in Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore Atlantic fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesSmall group charter accommodates maximum six guests comfortablyProfessional crew targets fluke, tautog, and sea bass
Point Pleasant sits right where the Manasquan River meets the Atlantic, making it one of the Jersey Shore's hottest fishing spots. Fish N Party Charters runs a top-rated 6-hour offshore trip that'll put you right in the thick of the action. With just 6 anglers max, you're not fighting crowds or waiting for your turn at the rail. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not shy about sharing the spots that produce fish day after day. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back.
Your day starts early at the Point Pleasant docks, where the boat's already rigged and ready. Fish N Party Charters runs a clean, well-maintained vessel that handles the Atlantic swells like a dream. The crew's got everything dialed in – from the tackle boxes to the fish finder – so you can focus on what you came for. Once you clear the inlet, it's a short run to the productive waters where summer flounder, tautog, and sea bass call home. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days that means working the near-shore structure, other times you're heading out to deeper drops where the bigger fish hang. Either way, you're fishing water that consistently produces, not just burning fuel to say you went offshore. The crew keeps things moving, re-rigging when you get cut off, netting fish when they come boatside, and making sure everyone's got what they need to stay in the game.
This isn't your typical party boat fishing where everyone drops the same rig and hopes for the best. The crew switches up techniques based on what's biting and where you're fishing. For fluke, you'll be working bucktails tipped with squid or spearing, bouncing bottom in that classic drift pattern that separates the keepers from the shorts. Tautog fishing means getting tight to structure with green crabs or clams, and you better believe these guys know where every rock pile and wreck sits. Sea bass action often calls for diamond jigs or high-low rigs, especially when you find them stacked up on good bottom. All tackle's provided, but if you've got your own setup, bring it along. The crew's always happy to see anglers who take their gear seriously. They run quality stuff – no bargain basement reels that'll give up when you hook something decent. Braided line, circle hooks where appropriate, and sharp gaffs when needed. Everything's maintained and ready to handle whatever you tie into out there.
Summer flounder are the bread and butter of Point Pleasant offshore fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes in New Jersey waters, with keepers starting at 18 inches and trophy fish pushing 8-10 pounds or more. Fluke are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. That's why the drift fishing technique works so well – you're covering water and presenting your bait naturally. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer when they're fattening up for their offshore migration. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is the variety in size and the fact that you never know when you'll hook into a genuine doormat.
Tautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are the ultimate structure fish. These bruisers live around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and jetties, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. A keeper tautog starts at 15 inches, but the real prizes are the 20-plus inch fish that can weigh 6-8 pounds. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of a pickup. Spring and fall are prime time for tog fishing, when they're feeding heavily before and after their summer offshore move. The fight's what gets people hooked – tautog use every rock and crevice to try to break you off, making each fish a hard-earned victory.
Sea bass might be the most cooperative fish in these waters, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're pushovers. These aggressive predators attack jigs and baits with authority, and schools of them can make for non-stop action. Keeper size is 12.5 inches, and while they're not the biggest fish in the ocean, a chunky 3-4 pound sea bass puts up a respectable fight. They're structure oriented like tautog but more willing to chase bait up into the water column. Summer months offer the best sea bass action, and they're excellent table fare – firm white meat that's hard to beat. When you find a good school, you can often catch your limit in short order.
Six hours of fishing with a crew that knows how to put you on fish – that's what separates Fish N Party Charters from the weekend warriors and overcrowded head boats. The small group size means personalized attention, better fishing spots, and more fish in the box at the end of the day. Point Pleasant's offshore waters are as good as any along the Jersey Shore, and having local knowledge makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. Don't sleep on this – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to put some fillets in the freezer or just want to feel that rod bend, this charter delivers what serious anglers are after. Give Fish N Party Charters a call and secure your spot for some world-class offshore fishing action.
Get ready to hit the Atlantic waters aboard our fully restored 2000 Century center console, completely refreshed in 2022. This beauty packs a serious 300HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise at 42 knots, getting you to the prime fishing spots fast. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting fluke, tautog, and sea bass off Point Pleasant. The fish finder will help locate your targets while the GPS keeps you on course. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and the wireless trolling motor lets you work the water quietly when stealth is key. With a toilet onboard, you can focus on what matters most – landing that next big one. This center console delivers the performance and comfort that makes those 6-hour offshore adventures productive and memorable.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are aggressive schooling fish that hang around hard bottom structure like wrecks, reefs, and jetties. They average about a foot long and 9 pounds, with dark scales and a grayish belly. These guys have big mouths lined with sharp teeth and will eat just about anything - shrimp, crabs, small fish, you name it. They spawn January through July in our coastal waters, making spring and summer productive seasons. What guests love is that they're willing biters, fight well for their size, and are absolutely delicious - many high-end restaurants serve them. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. My go-to technique is bouncing bucktail jigs or soft plastics right on the bottom near structure. Use braided line so you can feel every tap and get them up quick before they dive back into the rocks.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are flatfish that live on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They're masters of camouflage, changing colors to match the seafloor while waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some real doormat-sized fish pushing 26 pounds. They're found inshore and offshore here, especially around structure transitions where sand meets rock. Best fishing is September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter migration. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're picky eaters with a light bite, but they're fantastic table fare. Pro tip: when using live bait like killies or sea robins, hook them through the lips and let them drift naturally along the bottom. Fluke bite sideways, so give them time to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are tough, territorial fighters that live around hard structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky outcrops. They average 1-3 pounds but can reach 28 pounds and live 40+ years. These thick-bodied fish have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish - their main diet. Spring through fall is prime time, especially late April through August when they're spawning and most aggressive. Anglers love them because they fight hard and taste great, but they're tricky to catch around all that structure. During the day they're active feeders, but at night they actually lie on their sides and go dormant. Here's a local trick: use green crabs with legs and claws removed, crush the shells to create a scent trail, and change baits every 4-5 minutes. Fish tight to structure but be ready to pull them out fast before they cut you off.
Point Pleasant, NJ