New Jersey Fish Species

New Jersey Fishing Seasons by Species

When to Target Striped Bass, Tuna, Fluke & More

New Jersey offers year-round angling opportunities, with each season bringing its own peak species. Spring and fall are ideal for targeting striped bass, especially in Raritan Bay and along the coast. The spring run starts in April as the water warms, with fish migrating up the coast. Fall offers another strong run as bass feed heavily before winter. Bluefish also show up in force during these transitional months, providing hard fights and exciting action for inshore anglers.

Summer Offshore Fishing in New Jersey

Summer fishing in New Jersey is dominated by offshore species. June through September marks prime time for yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, and even bigeye tuna on deeper trips. Charter boats heading into the canyons or the midshore grounds can expect action-packed days chasing pelagic species. Nearshore, anglers can target fluke (summer flounder) from May through September, with some of the best catches coming in July and August. Sea bass and blackfish (tautog) also remain active around reefs and wrecks.

Winter Opportunities for Blackfish and Ling

While many species move offshore or south during the colder months, winter fishing in New Jersey still offers productive days on the water. Tautog (blackfish) become the main target species from late fall into early winter, especially around wrecks and rocky structure. Anglers can also find ling cod, hake, and other bottom dwellers during deep-water trips. For those willing to brave the cold, winter fishing offers less boat traffic and a chance at quality catches even in the off-season.

What fish are in New Jersey?

New Jersey is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, tuna, flounder, and weakfish, among others. Linda Lee Sportfishing offers charters targeting these and other species, providing anglers with the opportunity to experience the diverse fishing opportunities available in New Jersey's waters.

What is the state freshwater fish of New Jersey?

The state freshwater fish of New Jersey is the brook trout. While Linda Lee Sportfishing specializes in saltwater charters, anglers can still enjoy pursuing other freshwater species in New Jersey's lakes and rivers.

What is the biggest fish caught in New Jersey?

The biggest fish caught in New Jersey varies depending on the species. However, anglers have reported landing impressive catches like striped bass, tuna, and shark. Linda Lee Sportfishing offers charters targeting these trophy fish, giving anglers the opportunity to reel in their own record-breaking catch.

A Linda Lee Sportfishing Fishing Charter targets the top New Jersey Fish species including Striped Bass, Bluefish, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Flounder, Black Seabass, Blue Shark, Mako Shark, Thresher Shark, Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna. We primarily Fish the Atlantic Ocean.