If you’re planning a summer fishing trip that also offers great cruising and family-friendly ports, head to New Jersey. Sitting where major migratory routes converge, New Jersey delivers world-class offshore sportfishing and a variety of well-equipped harbors for transient boaters. Below are the top species to target and the best ports to consider for a combined fishing and cruising getaway.
WHAT TO CATCH
Bluewater Big-Game
Off the New Jersey coast, a broad continental shelf drops into a series of deep submarine canyons—remnants of ancient rivers carved during the last ice age. These canyons, including the Hudson, Toms, Lindenkohl, Spencer, Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington structures, funnel migrating pelagic gamefish and concentrate baitfish and squid.
Two oceanographic forces make this area exceptional. First, the nearby west side of the Gulf Stream carries warm water north and generates warm-core eddies—large, rotating bowls of deep blue water. As these eddies meander and interact with the shelf edge and canyons, they create nutrient-rich upwellings that spark plankton blooms. Those blooms feed baitfish, which in turn attract tuna, marlin and other predators, producing some of the finest offshore sportfishing found anywhere.
The canyons come alive in late spring and remain productive through fall. Anglers routinely target yellowfin, bigeye, longfin and bluefin tuna—making New Jersey one of the few places where all four tuna species are available. White marlin are a light-tackle favorite here, and blue marlin also make frequent appearances, often yielding trophy-sized fish. Mahi mahi and wahoo show up seasonally, and the area attracts large marine mammals such as pilot whales and finback and humpback whales, which are sometimes visible from shore or boats.
These reliable, high-volume catch rates have made New Jersey a magnet for tournament teams. Longstanding events such as the MidAtlantic Billfish Tournament out of Cape May draw anglers because the fishery has proven consistently productive for decades.
Trophy-Sized Striped Bass
Inshore, New Jersey’s migratory corridors produce outstanding striped bass fishing. The northern part of the state supports the country’s second-largest spawning population of stripers and lies along the migration route for bass from the Chesapeake Bay. Areas like Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay host millions of stripers in spring as fish move to and from the Hudson River to spawn.
Spring and early summer—especially May and June—are peak months when stripers funnel through northern New Jersey, producing explosive action and frequent catches in the 30- to 50-pound range. The run repeats again in fall when bass head south, creating another period of intense fishing. In addition to stripers, the northern coast near New York Harbor’s shipping channels offers strong bluefin tuna fishing; in recent seasons, large bluefin have remained active well into the fall, drawing anglers of all boat sizes.
WHERE TO GO
Cape May
Cape May is an underappreciated hub for offshore fishing. Its proximity to nearby canyons means shorter runs to prime fishing grounds—often doable as a day trip. Captains who run tournament boats frequently praise Cape May for its white marlin fishery, which has produced some of the largest single-day release numbers on record. Cape May’s marina facilities, including The Canyon Club Resort Marina and South Jersey Marina, provide more than 300 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 140 feet. Transient slips are available, though advance reservations are recommended during tournament season.
When the crew isn’t fishing, Historic Cape May offers scenic beaches, charming bed-and-breakfasts and a range of restaurants. The Canyon Club also provides convenient shuttle service into town, and nearby tackle shops make re-provisioning simple for offshore trips.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City combines easy access to the canyons with lively nightlife and full-service marina options, making it ideal for anglers who want action on the water and entertainment onshore. The city has hosted major offshore events, and tournament organizers value Atlantic City for its dependable marlin and tuna fishing as well as first-rate facilities. The Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget features up to 640 slips with many transient berths available, fuel and 24-hour access, plus a wide array of services and nearby restaurants and casinos—perfect for families and tournament teams alike.
Atlantic Highlands
Set just inside Sandy Hook, Atlantic Highlands is a quieter but highly productive base for both striper and bluefin tuna fishing. The hills above town provide dramatic views of Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay and the New York Harbor entrance. Many top striped bass anglers base their boats here because the nearby bays and ocean grounds produce consistent spring-through-fall fishing.
Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina offers protected water, a large breakwater, 425 slips, 171 moorings and a launch ramp. Transient slips accommodate boats up to 120 feet, but reservations are recommended during popular months. Sandy Hook’s beaches, military historic sites and the Twin Lights lighthouse are nearby, and high-speed ferries to Manhattan are available for those who want a city outing during their cruise.
These ports are just a sampling of what New Jersey offers anglers and cruising families. From canyon-fed offshore hotspots to world-class inshore runs for stripers and bluefin, the Garden State delivers both trophy fishing and comfortable, well-appointed harbors for visiting boaters.
This article was originally published in the June 2022 issue.