CHARTER
and
PARTY
BOATS
NJBOATING.ORG
NJBoating.org is a comprehensive,
easy-to-use interactive website
linking you to the best of boating in
New Jersey. Use the site’s mapping
features to locate pumpouts and
boat ramps in the Garden State
or to get info on the best boating
practices, fishing regulations and
much more.
www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com 21
The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife maintains a
directory of New Jersey party and charter boats offering
year-round adventure on the state’s bay and ocean
waters. Party and charter boats, docked in ports at all
the major ocean inlets and bays on Monmouth County,
let you take advantage of the skill and knowledge of
experienced captains and well-equipped vessels at
a reasonable cost. All party and charter boats are
inspected and licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard
for the passenger’s safety; all captains are qualified
and licensed. Anglers can book trips departing from
Keyport, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, Middletown/Port
Monmouth, Rumson, Belmar, Manasquan and Brielle.
The basic difference between the two types of boats
is that a charter must be reserved in advance by a
group of passengers. Most party and charter boats are
privately owned and their prices are at the discretion of
the owners. The prices vary depending on the length of
time and the type of fishing and most offer special rates
to groups, children and senior citizens. Food, drinks and
rental rods are available on the boats.
Party boats are large vessels that carry anywhere from
20 to 150 passengers, sailing on a daily schedule
for designated species. Party boat passengers pay
individually as they board on a first-come-first-served
basis until the boat is full. Bait is provided and rods,
reels and tackle may be rented onboard. Most ports
have several party boats, offering a variety of types
of fishing. There are full, half and three-quarter day,
morning, afternoon, evening and night trips available.
Some party boats feature special long-distance trips for
tuna, tilefish, cod or whale watching. Such trips usually
require advanced reservations.
Charter boats are typically smaller in size. While most
charter boats carry a maximum of 6 to 8 anglers, others
carry much larger groups. Many party boats can also
be reserved for large group charters. The primary
advantage of a charter is that an entire boat can be
reserved for a selected group.
Trip fees vary considerably, depending on trip length
and costs of fuel and of bait and tackle, which are
supplied. Some boats will arrange to cater food if
requested.
Planning a fishing trip during your vacation? Most
vessels offer online booking, and tickets may be bought
in advance or as a gift. For a complete list of party and
charter boats, visit www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/prtyboat.htm.
Photo by Kim Palumbo
/NJBOATING.ORG
/NJBoating.org
/www.sparkvisitmonmouth.com
/prtyboat.htm
