If you’re looking for serious saltwater action within easy reach of New York and Philadelphia, fishing in Point Pleasant sits right at the top of the list. This Ocean County port on the central Jersey Shore is anchored by two key waterways: the Point Pleasant Canal and Manasquan Inlet. Whether you’re drifting for Fluke in the summer, chunking for Striped Bass in the fall, or making an offshore canyon run for Bluefin Tuna, Point Pleasant delivers year-round variety that few Mid-Atlantic ports can match.
Point Pleasant is your gateway to stellar fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, and in the following section, we’ll equip you with knowledge on top fish species, ultimate hotspots, best fishing approaches, rules and regulations, and more. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Best Fish to Catch in Point Pleasant
Striped Bass
Striped Bass are the headliners in Point Pleasant, drawing anglers during two distinct migrations each year. The spring run picks up in March and typically peaks from April through mid-May as big schools of bunker push north along the coast. As water temperatures climb through the 40s and into the 50s, Striped Bass become increasingly active, and the fishing often stays productive into June. The fall run, from October through December, brings a second wave as fish move south. Trolling, chunking bunker, and casting swimbaits near the inlet jetties are all productive methods.
New Jersey’s current Striped Bass regulations enforce a 28–31″ slot with a one-fish daily limit. Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when fishing with natural bait.
The season runs March 1 through December 31 in most marine waters, and a separate Bonus Program permit allows one additional fish between 24″ and under 28″ from May 15 through December 31, with mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours.
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Fluke are the bread and butter of Point Pleasant’s summer season. From spring through fall, these aggressive flatfish stack up in the inlet, along channel edges in Barnegat Bay, and on nearshore structure. Bigger “doormat” Fluke – fish over 8 lb – tend to hold on deeper structure outside the inlet.
The official NJ Fluke season usually runs between May and September with summer months as its peak. The minimum size of 18 inches and a 3-fish daily bag limit applies in most waters. Delaware Bay has a 17″ minimum, and Island Beach State Park shore anglers get a 16″ minimum with a 2-fish limit.
Bluefish
Bluefish are one of Point Pleasant’s most reliable targets and a crowd favorite on party boats. They show up in late spring, stick around all summer, and often surge in the fall alongside migrating bait. Casting metals, trolling spoons, or chunking will all get you into the action. Expect choppers in the 5–12 lb range on a good day, with larger fish mixing in during the fall blitz.
New Bluefish regulations took effect January 1, 2026 and now all private boat and shore-based anglers can keep up to five fish, while for-hire anglers on charter or party boats may retain up to seven. There is no closed season and no minimum size.
Black Sea Bass
Black Sea Bass are abundant on the wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom off Point Pleasant. They’re aggressive biters and a great target for newer anglers. Squid, clam, and cut bait on a high-low rig get the job done. The fishing season generally runs from mid-May through December, with bag limits varying throughout the year. Be sure to check the latest regulations before heading out.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Tautog – locally called Blackfish – are a structure-hugging species that thrive around wrecks, jetties, and the rocky bottom of the Point Pleasant Canal. The best bites happen in spring (around April) and late fall (between October and December), when fish move onto shallow-water structure. Green crabs and Asian crabs are the top baits. Anchor directly over a wreck or jetty edge and drop your rig straight down.
In 2026, the Tautog season has four windows:
- January 1 – February 28 (4 fish),
- April 1 – April 30 (4 fish),
- August 1 – November 15 (1 fish), and
- November 16 – December 31 (5 fish).
The minimum size is 15″ across all windows. March and May through July are closed.
Bluefin Tuna
Point Pleasant is a legitimate Bluefin Tuna port. Boats running out of Manasquan Inlet can reach the Mud Hole and the more distant Hudson Canyon – two well-known offshore fishing grounds. The Bluefin bite often fires up in late spring and carries through fall. Trolling spreader bars, chunking, and jigging are all effective techniques.
Fishing opportunities and retention limits vary throughout the year, so check the latest NOAA regulations before heading out. Boats targeting Tuna and other highly migratory species also need the appropriate federal HMS permit.
More Species
Point Pleasant’s waters hold plenty beyond the headliners. Weakfish are another possibility, particularly from spring through fall. Bonito and False Albacore crash through in late summer and fall, creating fast-paced light-tackle opportunities. Thresher Sharks attract dedicated offshore anglers from June through October, while Mako Sharks may also be encountered but cannot be retained. Porgy (Scup), Ling (Red Hake), and Sea Robin round out the bottom fishing catches. And Billfish are in cards, too.
How to Go Fishing in Point Pleasant
Charter Fishing
Point Pleasant fishing charters range from family-friendly inshore trips to full-day offshore canyon runs. Many charters also offer shared boat options which is an affordable and a great way to try sportfishing without booking the whole vessel. Either way, charter fishing is the best option if you want to get the most out of your fishing trip in Point Pleasant.
It promises private vessel for you and your friend, experienced captain with local knowledge, top-notch equipment, more fisheries at your disposal, and more angling opportunities. Sometimes, booking a charter boat is the only way to reach the far offshore waters and target trophy catches such as Tuna.
If you opt for a charter, the good news is that most charters supply everything from rods, reels, tackle, and bait. You bring sunscreen, lunch, beverages, and a cooler for your catch. Booking in advance is wise for summer weekends and fall Striped Bass runs – prime dates fill fast.
Party Boat Fishing
Party boat fishing in New Jersey is one of the most affordable ways to get offshore. You don’t need any experience – the crew will bait your hook, help you reel in fish, and clean your catch at the end of the trip. Just show up, buy your ticket, and fish alongside other anglers. It’s ideal for families, solo anglers, and groups who want action without the commitment of a private charter.
Point Pleasant is home to one of the Jersey Shore’s largest party boat fleets, and this is a big part of what makes the port special. The pricing is per person and equipment is not included, so rod rentals are separate. You won’t have a captain only for yourself and angling will be less customized, but party boats are reasonable alternative in case you can’t book a private charter.
Shore and Pier Fishing
Shore fishing options in Point Pleasant are surprisingly good. The Manasquan Inlet jetties are the prime spot, producing Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, and Tautog depending on the season. The inlet wall – where the river meets the Atlantic – draws anglers year-round.
Maxson Avenue Beach offers a convenient fishing pier on the Manasquan River. It’s free for season badge holders and just a dollar or two otherwise.
The Point Pleasant Canal is another standout for shore anglers (more on that below). Just be aware that the current can be strong – plan your trips around slack tide for the best results.
Point Pleasant Fishing Spots
Shore and Pier Fishing Spots
- Manasquan Inlet Jetties: The inlet jetties in Manasquan, offer year-round fishing for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke, and Tautog. The rocky structure holds bait and game fish alike. Wear cleats or non-slip boots on the rocks.
- Point Pleasant Canal: The Point Pleasant Fishing Access Wildlife Management Area is a 7-acre public access site on the banks of the canal, purchased with funding from hunting and fishing license sales. Recent improvements include a concrete boat ramp, extended fishing dock, and parking for both trailers and anglers. The current runs quickly, so anglers do best at slack tide. Expect Striped Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Blowfish, Hickory Shad, and juvenile Black Sea Bass. The canal stretches two miles and connects to Barnegat Bay at its south end – a prime fall Tautog spot.
- Maxson Avenue Beach Pier: Family-friendly pier on the Manasquan River. Good for Fluke, Bluefish, and Kingfish in summer.
- Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Area: Surf fishing along Point Pleasant Beach can produce Bluefish and Striped Bass, particularly during the fall run.
Boat Fishing Spots
- Manasquan Inlet and River: Drift for Fluke and Weakfish inside the inlet, or troll along the jetty edges for Striped Bass. The inlet mouth holds structure that concentrates bait.
- Manasquan Inlet Reef: Located a short boat ride from Manasquan Inlet, this artificial reef provides excellent bottom fishing opportunities for Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Ling, and Porgy. Sunken vessels and other structures create habitat for marine life, attracting a variety of fish.
- Axel Carlson Reef and Sea Girt Reef: Close-in reefs within a short run from Point Pleasant, featuring extensive structure where fall Striped Bass stage.
- Hudson Canyon and the Mud Hole: The Mud Hole offers offshore fishing opportunities closer to shore, including Tuna and Sharks. Farther out, Hudson Canyon is a premier deep sea fishing destination for Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, White Marlin, and Swordfish. Canyon trips typically require a full day or an overnight excursion, with private charters often costing several thousand dollars.
- Upper Barnegat Bay: Accessible through the Point Pleasant Canal, these shallow flats and channels hold Fluke, Bluefish, and Weakfish in summer. Great for light-tackle and kayak anglers.
When to Go Fishing in Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant fishes well from spring through early winter. Here’s what to expect season by season:
| Season | Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Striped Bass, Winter Flounder, Bluefish | Spring Striper run peaks April–May. Fluke season typically opens in May. |
| Summer (June–August) | Fluke, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, Sharks, Bluefin Tuna | Peak season for offshore canyon trips and party boat fishing. |
| Fall (September–November) | Striped Bass, Tautog, False Albacore, Bluefin Tuna, Bluefish | Fall Striper run and trophy Tautog on the wrecks. Best variety of the year. |
| Winter (December–February) | Tautog, Cod, Ling | Wreck fishing for Tautog stays productive into February. |
Fishing Tournaments
Point Pleasant has a deep tournament tradition, centered around the Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club (MRMTC). Founded in 1936 and based out of Manasquan Inlet, the MRMTC is a nonprofit sportfishing and conservation club celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026.
The club runs a packed calendar:
- the Spring Striped Bass Tournament (May),
- Club Bluefin Tournament (May–June),
- Fluke Tournament (July–August),
- Jack Meyer Trolling Tournament (June–July), and
- the public Offshore Open (late August–early September).
- It also hosts annual Fall Bass and Reef Tournaments.
Beyond the MRMTC, the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers host Fluke Fever weigh-ins at Captain Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach. The annual Point Pleasant Elks Fluke Tournament draws a loyal community crowd each summer.
Point Pleasant Fishing Regulations
Anyone 16 and older must register with the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry before saltwater fishing recreationally in New Jersey. Individual anglers are exempt if they are under 16 or fishing solely on a registered for-hire vessel. And if you’re targeting Tuna, Sharks, or Swordfish in federal waters, you’ll need a free HMS permit from NOAA.
Availability of certain fish species depends on their seasonality, and you must respect their bag and size limits, too. You should also know that there are rules regarding equipment, and the circle hooks, for example, are required when fishing with natural bait for Striped Bass in all New Jersey waters.
Rules can change – always check with the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife before heading out.
Fishing in Point Pleasant: The Jersey Shore at Its Best
From the bustling Manasquan Inlet to the deep waters of Hudson Canyon, Point Pleasant offers a little bit of everything that makes New Jersey fishing special. You can chase Striped Bass along the jetties, drift for Fluke in the summer, explore productive offshore reefs, or head into the Atlantic in search of trophy Tuna. And with plenty of fishing charters, party boats, and shore fishing spots, there’s something for every angler, regardless of experience or budget.
What really sets Point Pleasant apart is the variety. Spring and fall bring exciting Striped Bass runs, summer is packed with bottom fishing and offshore opportunities, and even the colder months offer a chance to land Tautog and other species. Whether you’re planning your first saltwater adventure or returning for another shot at a personal best, Point Pleasant is a destination worth exploring.
Point Pleasant Fishing FAQs
Point Pleasant is one of the Jersey Shore’s most complete fishing ports – with a huge charter fleet, legendary party boats, and waters that fish well from spring through winter. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly Fluke trip, a shot at Bluefin Tuna in the canyons, or just a morning on a party boat, FishingBooker makes it easy to compare Point Pleasant fishing charters by price, trip type, and reviews – so you can spend less time planning and more time on the water.
The concept and outline of this article were created by people engaged by FishingBooker. Artificial intelligence tools were used to flesh out and reformat information into a blog article. Before being published, this article was edited and fact-checked by FishingBooker staff.
The post Point Pleasant Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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