New Jersey · Jersey Shore
INSHORE FISHING
IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Point Pleasant Beach. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Point Pleasant Beach is home to one of the largest charter and party boat fleets on the Jersey Shore, with Manasquan Inlet providing direct ocean access. Fluke, striped bass, sea bass, and bluefish are staples inshore, while canyon trips target tuna and mahi. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Point Pleasant Beach target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Fluke. Peak season runs through May, April, September, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Point Pleasant Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, New Jersey fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Point Pleasant Beach
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Striped Bass |
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| Fluke |
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Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Point Pleasant Beach
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Point Pleasant Beach area.
Manasquan Inlet
Manasquan Inlet is one of the busiest fishing inlets on the New Jersey coast, connecting the Manasquan River and Point Pleasant Canal to the Atlantic Ocean with powerful tidal currents. Striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and weakfish stack up in the inlet's deep channel and along the rock jetties during tidal transitions. The inlet serves as the primary departure point for the massive fleet of charter and party boats based in Point Pleasant Beach.
Manasquan River
The Manasquan River winds inland from the inlet through residential neighborhoods and marshland, providing miles of accessible inshore fishing for striped bass, fluke, and weakfish. The river's dock pilings, bridge abutments, and deeper bends hold fish from spring through fall, with winter offering opportunities for holdover striped bass. Bank fishing along the Manasquan River is popular with local anglers who wade or cast from public access points.
Point Pleasant Canal
Point Pleasant Canal connects the Manasquan River to the headwaters of Barnegat Bay, running through the heart of Point Pleasant with bridge pilings and bulkheads that create excellent fish-holding structure. Striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and tautog congregate in the canal's swift currents, particularly around the Route 88 bridge and railroad bridge pilings. The canal provides sheltered inshore fishing when ocean conditions prevent offshore departures.
Metedeconk River Mouth
The Metedeconk River empties into Barnegat Bay south of Point Pleasant, and its mouth area features deeper channels and grass flats that attract fluke, weakfish, and striped bass. The river mouth's mixing zone where freshwater meets brackish bay water creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports dense baitfish populations. Drifting the Metedeconk mouth with live bait during outgoing tides is a proven technique for keeper fluke.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Point Pleasant Beach
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Point Pleasant Beach charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: Apr, May, Oct, Nov
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Fluke
Paralichthys dentatus
Peak: Jun, Jul, Aug
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger siz...
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Point Pleasant Beach
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Point Pleasant Beach.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Point Pleasant Beach typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Point Pleasant Beach
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Point Pleasant Beach. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Point Pleasant Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Point Pleasant Beach include Striped Bass, Fluke. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Point Pleasant Beach are May, April, September, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Point Pleasant Beach offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Point Pleasant Beach, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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