Fishing Charters in New Jersey

Browse fishing charters in New Jersey that can help you catch tautog.

Catch N Hell Fishing Charters - Catch N Hell Fishing Charters
Catch N Hell Fishing Charters

Catch N Hell Fishing Charters

Highlands, New Jersey

fishing

inshore
Highlands, New Jersey
Control Freaks Sportfishing - Control Freaks Sportfishing
Control Freaks Sportfishing

Control Freaks Sportfishing

Brick Township, New Jersey

inshore
Brick Township, New Jersey
Celtic Stoirm - Celtic Stoirm
Celtic Stoirm

Celtic Stoirm

Belmar, New Jersey

Charter Boat in Belmar, NJ

inshore
Belmar, New Jersey
Fat Cat Sport Fishing - Steve King
Steve King

Fat Cat Sport Fishing

Neptune City, New Jersey

NJ Fatcat Offshore and Inshore Sportfishing from Belmar NJ

offshoreinshore
Neptune City, New Jersey
Blitzbound Charters - Blitzbound Charters
Blitzbound Charters

Blitzbound Charters

Lincroft, New Jersey

inshore
Lincroft, New Jersey
Fish Stix Charter Fishing - Fish Stix Charter Fishing
Fish Stix Charter Fishing

Fish Stix Charter Fishing

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

TRIPS AND RATES6 Passengers Max Stripers - $900. 00 - (6hrs) (April - July, October - December) Offshore Shark - $1800. 00 (12-14 hours, May/June). (20-40mil

offshorefreshwater
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj - Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj
Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj

Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj

Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey

The ZiggyB, NJ's most proud and one of the Shark Rivers longest running sport fishing Charters providing pro's/ amatuers alike with quality NJ fishing charters

freshwater
Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey
Lighthouse Sportfishing - Lighthouse Sportfishing
Lighthouse Sportfishing

Lighthouse Sportfishing

Barnegat, New Jersey

inshore
Barnegat, New Jersey
Terry Sullivans Guide Service - Mary Sullivan
Mary Sullivan

Terry Sullivans Guide Service

Point Pleasant, New Jersey

I am a lifelong resident of Ocean County, New Jersey and have been a professional fishing guide for the past ten years. I have been an intense and avid salt-water fisherman for over thirty years. Both of my boats are especially well suited for fly-fishing. In our local waters we are able to catch large striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, fluke, albacore, bonita, spanish mackerel, and a variety of different tuna. As your charter-fishing guide I will also tailor fit our itinerary to target any specific salt-water species that are within our range and season if you desire. Whether it is live-lining bait or enticing them with a custom tied fly, I well do what it takes to put us on the bite. I would enjoy and welcome the opportunity to make your day an enjoyable experience and pleasantly memorable one fishing the rivers, bays and ocean as your personal salt-water fishing guide.

freshwaterfly fishingoffshoreTunaSpanish Mackerel
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Shootem Sportfishing - Shootem Sportfishing
Shootem Sportfishing

Shootem Sportfishing

Brick Township, New Jersey

Spend your days of fun at Sipnseachartersnj. Enjoy with your family and friends our exciting cruise trips and events. Try out our various sport fishing charters.

inshore
Brick Township, New Jersey
Waterman Charters - Waterman Charters
Waterman Charters

Waterman Charters

Barnegat, New Jersey

inshore
Barnegat, New Jersey
No Expectations Fishing - No Expectations Fishing
No Expectations Fishing

No Expectations Fishing

Cape May, New Jersey

Experience world-class inshore Flounder fishing in Cape May on a shared charter. Expert-guided trips for all skill levels. Reserve your spot today!

inshoreSpotSouthern Flounder
Cape May, New Jersey

Best Time to Catch Tautog

Tautog can be caught year-round in Belmar. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Tautog Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Tautog

Tautog

saltwater

If you're targeting Tautog, or 'blackfish,' around Belmar, New Jersey, you're in prime territory for some exciting bottom fishing. The abundance of rocky structures, jetties, and wrecks in the area provides ideal habitat for these structure-loving fish. The best time to target Tautog here is during the spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate, and they move closer to shore to feed. Focus on areas around the Manasquan Inlet and the Shark River, as these spots hold good numbers of fish. A local tip: green crabs are the go-to bait, and using a sturdy rig with a short leader is crucial to prevent snags in the rocky terrain. Remember to adjust your presentation based on the tide; Tautog often huddle tight to structure during strong currents. The Tautog population here is known for its resilience, but practicing catch and release, especially with larger females, helps maintain a healthy fishery for future seasons.

How to Catch Tautog

Tautog Fishing Regulations in New Jersey

Open Season

January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, July 17 – November 15, December 1 – December 31

Daily Bag Limit

4 per person (Jan 1-Feb 28), 1 per person (Apr 1-Apr 30), 5 per person (Jul 17-Nov 15), 4 per person (Dec 1-Dec 31)

Size Limit

16-inch minimum

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Check the current regulations for any in-season changes.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New Jersey state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait for Tautog (Blackfish) in Belmar?

Tautog are known to be picky eaters, but they love crabs! Green crabs, fiddler crabs, and Asian crabs are all excellent choices. Present the bait close to structure, like rocks or pilings.

When can I fish for Tautog in New Jersey?

Tautog season is split into multiple periods: January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, July 17 – November 15, and December 1 – December 31. Be sure to check the regulations for any changes.

What are the size and bag limits for Tautog in NJ?

The minimum size limit for Tautog is 16 inches. The bag limits vary depending on the time of year: 4 per person (Jan 1-Feb 28), 1 per person (Apr 1-Apr 30), 5 per person (Jul 17-Nov 15), 4 per person (Dec 1-Dec 31).

Do I need a license to fish for Tautog in Belmar?

Yes, you need a valid New Jersey saltwater fishing license to target Tautog in Belmar's waters.

More Tautog Fishing in New Jersey

Other Species to Fish in Belmar

Ready to Catch Tautog in Belmar?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.