Spring Fishing in New Jersey
Get out your fishing gear, because springtime is the perfect time for fishing in New Jersey. As the frigid waters of winter start to warm, the fish gradually become more active, seeking shallower waters to forage and feed. As far as the best places to fish in New Jersey, take your pick. Largemouth bass habitats can be found at spots like Monksville Reservoir (Hewitt), Lake Hopatcong (Landing), Union Lake (Mittllville), Manasquan River (Wall) and Assunpink Lake (Washington). To reel in an impressive trout (New Jersey’s state fish), the options are plentiful. During the weeks leading up to trout season (April is the kick-off month), breeder stocking programs provide a bounty of trophy-sized trout throughout streams, lakes and ponds throughout the state.
Each year, ten lakes are selected for additional large trout. Check New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for which ones. For those looking to do a little New Jersey saltwater fishing, spring is prime time for catching cod, blackfish, striped bass and ling. Just find a spot along the beachfront or fishing piers, or book a charter boat for a day on the water. Before fishing in New Jersey, make sure to read and follow all fishing license requirements.
Fishing Tournaments in New Jersey
April to November
Bass for cash! And marlin, fluke, blackfish — even mako. Prizes will be awarded for the largest catches for each recognized species. From the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament to offshore fishing for the whole family, New Jersey's waters are prime for reeling in prize catch.
Chartered Boats
Spend the day enjoying the fresh ocean air, panoramic beach views and the excitement of being out on the open water when you book a trip on a chartered boat. For those who love saltwater fishing, there’s no better way to reel in a big one than by booking a fishing boat trip. Even if you don’t love fishing, there are plenty of boating opportunities. Bring the whole family for a pirate cruise, plan a romantic evening on a sunset dinner cruise or go on a scuba diving adventure at the site of historic shipwrecks. Explore chartered boats in New Jersey.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
To experience the wondrous world of whales, head down to the southern tip of New Jersey, to the charming Victorian town of Cape May. Cape May whale watching is very popular during the months of March through December, and a number of companies offer whale-watching tours, such as Cape May Whale Watcher and Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center.
Breeze on by into Wildwood to take a ride on the Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat or Silver Bullet Tours. Along with seeing the dolphins, you may also see migrating birds, sea turtles and other marine life such as a migrating whale. You can also catch Atlantic City Cruises, which runs cruises May to October, including the popular Dolphin Watching cruise.
