New Jersey · Jersey Shore
FALSE ALBACORE FISHING
IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH
Point Pleasant Beach is a solid destination for false albacore fishing. Book a charter and target false albacore with local experts.
About False Albacore Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach
False albacore — also called little tunny or fat alberts — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Their incredible speed, long runs, and surface-feeding blitzes make them a fly fishing and light-tackle favorite.
False Albacore — also called Little Tunny or "Fat Alberts" — are the premier light-tackle gamefish of the fall run from North Carolina to Massachusetts. These small tuna relatives are incredibly fast, making screaming runs that peel hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They feed on the surface in visible "blitzes," crashing through schools of baitfish (bay anchovies, silversides) with explosive surface feeds. While not considered great table fare (dark, bloody flesh), false albacore are prized by fly fishers and light-tackle enthusiasts as one of the most exciting fish to catch on artificial lures.
Scientific name: Euthynnus alletteratus
False Albacore Seasonal Calendar — Point Pleasant Beach
Month-by-month availability for false albacore in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
How to Catch False Albacore in Point Pleasant Beach
Techniques & Bait
Casting Deadly Dick metal lures, Hogy epoxy jig sticks, and small Kastmasters into surface-feeding blitzes is the go-to technique. Small soft plastic jigs (white or silver Albie Snax) on 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads retrieved at high speed just below the surface are deadly. Fly fishing with small (size 1-2) Surf Candy, Clouser Minnow, and Albie Whip patterns on intermediate lines is considered the ultimate fall fly fishing experience. The key is matching the small baitfish (2-3 inch bay anchovies) — oversized lures and flies are rejected.
Recommended Tackle
Light to medium spinning rod (7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 8-9 weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing, intermediate or clear-tip line. Light tackle maximizes the fight.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Point Pleasant Beach
Top spots where local captains target false albacore and other nearshore species.
Sea Girt Reef
Sea Girt Reef is a permitted artificial reef site located approximately two miles off Sea Girt in 55 feet of water, just north of Point Pleasant Beach. The reef is built with concrete, steel, and subway cars that attract black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, and ling in remarkable concentrations. Its proximity to Manasquan Inlet makes it one of the quickest and most popular nearshore bottom-fishing destinations from Point Pleasant.
Manasquan Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties at Manasquan Inlet extend into the Atlantic on both the Point Pleasant and Manasquan sides, providing walk-on access to productive nearshore structure fishing. Tautog, striped bass, sheepshead, and bluefish hold along the submerged rocks where tidal currents create feeding lanes around the jetty's length. Fall tautog fishing on the Manasquan jetties is among the best shore-based tog fishing in New Jersey.
Point Pleasant Surf Zone
The surf zone along Point Pleasant Beach and adjacent Jenkinson's Beach provides consistent shore-based fishing for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and fluke in the troughs along the beachfront. The beach's rock groins concentrate baitfish and create current seams that attract predators, particularly during the fall striped bass migration. Dawn and dusk sessions in the Point Pleasant surf produce some of the best shore-fishing on the central Jersey coast.
Axel Carlson Reef
The Axel Carlson Reef is a nearshore artificial reef site south of Manasquan Inlet in approximately 50 feet of water, deployed with concrete and steel structures. Black sea bass, tautog, and summer flounder congregate on the reef throughout the year, with peak fishing during spring and fall seasons. The reef's easy access from Manasquan Inlet makes it a reliable half-day option for both charter and private boats.
Other Species in Point Pleasant Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Point Pleasant Beach.
False Albacore Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach — FAQ
False Albacore fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is productive during .
False Albacore fishing charters in Point Pleasant Beach are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Casting Deadly Dick metal lures, Hogy epoxy jig sticks, and small Kastmasters into surface-feeding blitzes is the go-to technique. Small soft plastic jigs (white or silver Albie Snax) on 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads retrieved at high speed just below the surface are deadly. Fly fishing with small (size 1-2) Surf Candy, Clouser Minnow, and Albie Whip patterns on intermediate lines is considered the ultimate fall fly fishing experience. The key is matching the small baitfish (2-3 inch bay anchovies) — oversized lures and flies are rejected.
No — when you book a charter in Point Pleasant Beach, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
False Albacore regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting False Albacore in Point Pleasant Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Fluke, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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