New Jersey · Jersey Shore
PORGY FISHING
IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH
Point Pleasant Beach is a solid destination for porgy fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August, September. Book a charter and target porgy with local experts.
About Porgy Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provide fast action on light tackle around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.
Scientific name: Stenotomus chrysops
Porgy Seasonal Calendar — Point Pleasant Beach
Month-by-month availability for porgy in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
How to Catch Porgy in Point Pleasant Beach
Techniques & Bait
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
Recommended Tackle
Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Point Pleasant Beach
Top spots where local captains target porgy 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.
Porgy Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach — FAQ
Porgy fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is productive during June, July, August, September.
Porgy 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.
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
No — when you book a charter in Point Pleasant Beach, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Porgy 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 Porgy in Point Pleasant Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Fluke, Tautog, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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