Keith Lusher 11.28.25
Belmar has been named the top fishing destination in New Jersey for 2025, earning the highest score in FishingBooker’s annual statewide rankings. The Jersey Shore town secured 53 out of a possible 60 points, placing first among dozens of coastal communities evaluated on charter strength, customer satisfaction, and pricing.
FishingBooker’s study analyzed more than 100,000 fishing trips nationwide and thousands across New Jersey. Each destination was scored from one to ten across six performance indicators, including active charters, review averages, recommendation rates, Angler’s Choice Award winners, total bookings, and minimum trip prices.
Several other Shore towns also ranked high. Point Pleasant earned fourth place with a score of 43, while Point Pleasant Beach followed in fifth with 50 points. Barnegat Light ranked thirteenth, Neptune City twenty-sixth, and Brick Township twenty-ninth. The report noted that the cluster of high-ranking Shore communities reinforces the region’s long-standing reputation as the state’s fishing capital.
“From Belmar’s marinas to the docks of Point Pleasant, the Jersey Shore has some of the most vibrant fishing communities in the country,” said Vukan Simic, CEO of FishingBooker. “These coastal towns offer exceptional accessibility and value for anglers.”
Belmar’s first-place finish reflects its deep charter base, consistent five-star reviews, and a wide range of affordable trip options for both beginner and advanced anglers. The town’s marinas remain among the busiest on the Atlantic Coast, sending out party boats, private charters, and inshore and offshore trips throughout the year.
Beyond its charter fleet, Belmar is known for its strong surf and jetty fishing. The Belmar Jetty, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Shark River, has become one of the most popular fishing structures on the Jersey Shore. The jetty funnels fish and bait through a narrow channel, creating a reliable spot for anglers targeting striped bass, bluefish, fluke, blackfish, and seasonal species like triggerfish and Spanish mackerel. Anglers have even reported bluefin tuna surfacing just beyond the rocks during fall.
The structure itself stretches about 150 feet from the beach to its tip and runs roughly 1,000 feet overall. Its range of habitats and steady tidal flow give bank fishermen the opportunity to target fish year-round. Stripers are common during spring and fall migrations, bluefish swarm the area during late spring and summer, and fluke move through during warmer months. Tautog remains a popular target in the cooler seasons.
Local bait shops continue to play a major role in Belmar’s fishing culture. At Fisherman’s Den in the Belmar Marina, manager Tim Rizzuto says anglers can expect variety. “You can catch just about anything in season at the jetty, blackfish, blues, fluke, and even a striper if you are lucky,” Rizzuto said. He added that green crabs are best for blackfish, bunker is preferred for stripers, and killies remain a top choice for fluke. For surfcasters targeting blues and bass, Rizzuto recommends topwater plugs, SP minnows, and diamond jigs.
Belmar’s ranking reflects both its rich fishing heritage and its continued ability to draw anglers from around the region. The town’s jetty, marina, and active community remain central to its reputation as the premier fishing destination in New Jersey.
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