HOOK LINE & SINKER

5 local fish to catch for lunch

Dan Radel
@DanielRadelAPP

Why go to the grocery market for seafood when you can catch your own fresh fish right now at the Jersey shore?

Here are five fish or crustaceans that are in season, close to shore and can be caught on a day trip aboard a New Jersey party, charter or rental boat.

Fishing from a party boat is a fun way to get a fresh fish lunch.

If you take an excursion on either a party or charter boat the crew will help you land your catch and fillet it at the end of the trip. Remember to follow all fishing regulations, which can found at the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

  • Summer flounder or fluke can be caught in shallow water drifting over sandy bottom or near structures such as an old wreck. They are common in the surf, bays and rivers. 
  • Black sea bass can be caught fishing over rock piles and wrecks in shallow water. They will inhabit rocks located in inlets and jetties.
  • Porgies or scup can be caught in the same areas of black sea bass. 
  • Weakfish can be caught in the surf or in the bays. When bay fishing fishermen often through grass shrimp in the water to attract them. 
  • Blue claw crabs can be caught on hand lines and crab traps using menhaden or other oily fish for bait. 

Craig Smith holds a summer flounder he caught on the party boat Atlantic Star.
A black sea bass is a common fish found on the New Jersey coast.
Danny Kim with a catch of two porgies.
Jim McHugh with a weakfish he caught on the Hi Flier charter boat in Barnegat Bay.
The Simonson family from Jackson with their haul of blue claw crabs from Barnegat Bay.

Dan Radel: 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com