Fluke, sea bass, and bluefish are a few of the saltwater species in season during summer at the Jersey Shore. If you are "angling" for a fresh catch of the day during your Belmar vacation, the Belmar Marina is a great place to set sail on a party fishing boat or private fishing charter, or to rent a small motor boat for some action closer to shore.
Read more below in the Belmar Beachcomber's local guide to ocean fishing during your Jersey Shore vacation.
Party Boats And Head Boats In Belmar
The Belmar Marina is known for its sizable fleet of party boats (head boats) that sail every day of the year, weather permitting. Morning excursions depart the marina generally around sunrise and return in the mid-afternoon, between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Some ships also go out for afternoon fishing charters and special excursions, such as sunset cruises, whale watching, and July 4th fireworks.
On a fishing party boat, you're always welcome to bring your own rods and tackle, but this equipment also may be rented or bought on the boat (Local Tip: find out prior to booking if the ticket fee includes rods and/or tackle).
Feel free to pack a small cooler with cold drinks, snack, and lunch. Don't forget your sunscreen, sun glasses, a hat or visor, and whatever else you need to enjoy a summer day fishing off the New Jersey coast.
For your convenience, many vessels offer online booking, and tickets may be bought in advance if you are planning your vacation in advance or buying tickets as a gift. Please contact each of the boats below directly for more information.
Big Mohawk 732-974-9606 Website
Capt. Cal II 732-977-2020 Website
Golden Eagle 732-681-6144 Website
Miss Belmar Princess 732-681-6866 Website
Ocean Explorer 848-565-0519 Website
Suzie Girl 732-988-7760 RELATED: Mini Golf With A Water View - 3 Scenic Spots
Private Fishing Charters At The Belmar Marina
For a more intimate saltwater fishing experience on a smaller boat, a private charter might best suit your needs. Several private charters currently sail from the Belmar Marina. Private charter boats usually provide you with rods and bait. The captains and crew take pride in giving you a highly personalized boating and fishing experience, and in sharing their vast knowledge of the local waters and honey holes.
In addition to guided fishing excursions, many captains charter their boats for pleasure cruises to watch the sunset or July 4th fireworks, or to help you celebrate a birthday or family event. Contact the charters below for more information on hours, prices, and reservations.
Big Kid Sportfishing 1-800-836-8862 Website
Canyon Eagle I
973-865-1727 Website
Celtic Stoirm Charters
732-742-9276
Fin-Ominal Charters 732-489-1463 Website Katie H Sportfishing
Parker Pete's 732-496-5028 Website
Skylarker Charters 732-309-7689 Website Teri Jean II Sportfishing 732-280-7364 (Landline) 732-280-8133 (Boat) Website Venture III 732-928-4519
XTC Sportfishing 732-616-3763 Website
Motorboat Rentals at the Belmar Marina
If you'd rather fish closer to shore in the Shark River inlet or the Belmar harbor, consider renting a 16-foot motorboat from the Fisherman’s Den Bait & Tackle Shop at the Belmar Marina. Boats may be rented for a half day ($74.95) or a full day ($94.95).
Motorboat rentals come equipped with an 8-horsepower outboard motor, operating instructions, and a full gas tank. Rental hours of service are from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to boat rentals, bait and tackle may be purchased at The Fisherman's Den.
Fisherman's Den Bait And Tackle Shop
The Fisherman's Den Bait and Tackle Shop is located adjacent to the Marina Grille at the Belmar Marina. They sell everything you need for a day at sea.
Summer Hours (May to October), 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week
Winter Hours (November to April), 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week
732-681-5005 info@fishermansdennj.com
Parking At The Belmar Marina
Parking in Belmar can be tricky, especially on busy summer weekends. There are a limited number of free parking spaces at the marina near the fishing boats. You may need to pay for parking at the Belmar Marina if you cannot find a free spot in the area designated for fishing boats.
For paid parking, Belmar uses the ParkMobile app. ParkMobile is used at certain areas of the Belmar Marina near Marina Grille and the marina entrance at Route 35 and 10th Avenue. This area is known as Zone 6 (58106) on the ParkMobile app. The cost for parking in Zone 58106 is $2.00/hour between 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. This is a year-round paid parking zone. RELATED: Download The ParkMobile App For Parking In Belmar
Belmar Manutti Marina
905 Highway 35 Belmar, NJ 07719 732-681-2266 Summer hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week (May through September)
No Sea Legs? Try Surf Fishing Instead
Surf fishing is fun to do along the Belmar coastline. You may cast your line along any part of the Belmar beach, but a lot of people usually fish near one of the jetties.
Local Tip: Try the big jetty between the waters of Belmar and Avon by the Sea, down near the Belmar draw bridge. This is also a prime spot to watch the fishing boats cruise in and out of the inlet.
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.VacationInBelmar.com.
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
