faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about a typical day fishing on Fish Head Charters? This page is here to provide information and share answers to frequently asked questions.
What's Biting When?
Follow FishingLBI.com - Long Beach Island's premier fishing report blog run by Captain Greg and the crew at Fisherman's Headquarters. This fishing report shares the pulse of the fishing Long Beach Island and the waters of Central New Jersey.
Shake the winter blues and targeting Early Spring striped bass and bluefish. Fish Head Charters relocated to Raritan Bay for the first couple of weeks each spring. It’s some of the year’s best fishing. Back at LBI, the Spring Striped Bass Run is mid/late May and all of June; however early season striped bass fishing in April and especially May can be really good. These early season times can be great drifting the flats and channels of Barnegat Bay. Some years the bluefish set off fireworks!
June, July and August are Prime Time Fluke Fishing (aka summer flounder). These months can also offer fishing fishing for striped bass and bluefish. July and August is best for night Ghetto Fishing which offers extreme inshore line screaming fun.
The summer to fall transitional period of September and October are the best time for a Barnegat Bay Slam (fluke, striped bass, bluefish & weakfish). Some years false albacore show and steal the spot light. And for good reason! Sheepshead and Triggerfish are a specialty catch this time of year. Also the popular bottom fishing species like Black Sea Bass, Tautog and Porgy.
The Fall Run in late October, all of November and usually the first week or two of December offers hot fishing. It is the best time to be on the water chasing striped bass and bluefish. The Fall Is What Central Jersey Fishing Is Known For!
What Are Daily Rates? What Does It Include?
Fish Head Charters offers affordable fishing with specialized private light tackle fishing trips. Rates includes top quality gear as well as fuel costs for the day's excursion. All fishing tackle (rods, reels, lures, etc) are provided. New Jersey does NOT have a saltwater fishing license; however, it does have a Saltwater Fishing Registry. BUT, individuals fishing aboard Fish Head Charters are EXEMPT because Fish Head Charters is registered with state as a For-Hire Charter Vessel. ***Food and drink NOT provided***
For Detailed Pricing See Our Fishing Rates Page.
What Should I Bring?
First and foremost leave the stress of daily life at the dock!
Think ahead and plan accordingly to ensure a fun, comfortable and stress free day on the water. Fish Head Charters and Captain have the boat and all fishing equipment covered. Jump aboard and be ready to do battle, catching with saltwater gamefish.
The Essential Packing List For Half Day Light Tackle Charters
Always Bring Food & Drink: A sandwich or a light snacks that’s simple to eat is best; granola bar, apple/orange, jerky, etc. Water, Sports drink, etc
Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Depending on the season these two are essentials! Medication if necessary! Be sure to notify captain in advance about any special accommodations you may require.
Appropriate Apparel: Dress in layers because it can get cold quick on the water. Always have a waterproof shell (jacket and pant). Sunglasses and a face buff are great to have. Proper footwear should be a concern! Depending on the season, specific needs change.
Cooler: If you are looking to catch and cook you’ll need to bring a cooler to take catch home. Do not pack and bring aboard. Unless prior approval by Captain, it must be left in vehicle at dock side parking.
Camera: Fishing is all about making memories… Capture them! All are free to take photos or video during trip. Captain will take some and share at end of trip via AirDrop.
No Dark Sole Shoes Allowed On Boat!
Where Is The Boat Docked?
Most all of our fishing adventure begins in the fishy town of Barnegat Light. Located at the northern most tip of Long Beach Island, it is home to Olde Barny Lighthouse which has overlooked the Barnegat Inlet since 1859. The “Endless Summer” is docked most of the year in Barnegat Light which is perfect for quick access to productive fishing grounds. Both tied up on a floating dock feet away from ample parking so loading and boarding is quick, safe and easy.
In order to better access prime fishing locations, certain times of the year Captain Greg chooses to relocated the boat. In early spring focusing on Raritan Bay and during the dog days of summer in Beach Haven. Details for these trip are prearranged when scheduling trips.
Special request pick up locations available upon request. Contact us for these special arrangements.
Where Does Captain Greg & Fish Head Charters Fish?
That is a loaded question! Fish Head Charters primarily fishes the Barnegat Bay, the Barnegat Inlet (home port), the inshore ocean waters along the beach of Island Beach State Park running as far north as the County Line as well as the mid/south end Long Beach Island and southern County’s back bay waters.
Why Fish Long Beach Island?
Long Beach Island also known as LBI is a very unique and dynamic area that's well know for it's quality saltwater fishing. LBI is blessed with the Barnegat Bay, is a renown estuary for saltwater game fish in the North East. The rolling flats, channels and sod banks offer great opportunities for awesome light tackle fishing. The Barnegat Inlet is one of the the fishiest inlets of New Jersey located right in the middle of the Central Jersey Coast. The local waters are well known for it's for striped bass, bluefish and fluke fishing.
The Boat: “Endless Summer” Parker 2520 Sport Cabin
A new addition in 2020, the Parker 2520 Sport Cabin openings up lots of new opportunities for Captain Greg and Fish Head Charters. After years of turning down many calls for trips with four adult angler, it’s now possible. While not the best (2-3 anglers is most comfortable) it’s fishable. It’s great for family bay day non-fishing trips with parties up to 6 passengers.
The Endless Summer is a 2006 Parker 2520SL powered by a Yamaha F250 Four Stroke engine. The deck has ALOT of space with almost 100 square foot of open deck. It’s perfect for so many things but stands out when striped bass fishing cold temperatures and when the weather turns. The Parker Sport Cabin design offers year-round fishability with the comforts of all-weather protection. The pilothouse has six feet, four inches of headroom. Small cabin area (v-birth) offers storage space for gear bags. The boat does not have a head, however a porta-potty can be arranged ahead of time.
Outfitted with the latest Garmin marine electronics (dual 10” screen) including HDx Radar, high definition sonar, wide band sonar and side scan sonar! Dual VHF Radio for safe marine communications. Bluetooth audio so you can play your own music to get the fish vibing.
The custom 65 gallon leaning post livewell is great when fishing livebaits; bunker, eels, spot, mullet.
The 96” Rhodan Trolling Motor - GPS Anchor offers huge advantages; controlling drift and holding position when needed.
The original “Fish Head” Parker 21’ 21SE Center Console was sold in Winter 2021.
Why choose Captain Greg & Fish Head Charters?
Fish Head Charts is a professional charter operation with expert knowledge of the waters and fisheries. Outfitted with top quality saltwater fishing tackle we are prepared to share the best possible fishing experience with you... stress free fish catching memories! Choose Fish Head Charters for a private, fun and relaxed custom tailored charter fishing trip in the Long Beach Island area.
Specializing in custom light tackle and fly fishing charters on the beautiful waters of New Jersey's Ocean County, Captain Greg and Fish Heads Charters is ready all season long to put you on fish. Enjoy the thrill of saltwater fishing for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, weakfish and false albacore with a light tackle approach.
With focus on teaching all aspects of inshore fishing from proper techniques for application specific approaches to water movements and rigging up, it's all about why. Yes, fishing is luck but it is also about the hunt and solving the puzzle to ultimately understanding the patterns.
Call Now To Book Your Date
What Are Specialty Charters?
Contact Us For Custom Long Beach Island Adventures.
Popular Specialty Trips:
+ Crabbing/Clamming LBI - Enjoy the Long Bach Island Tradition of clamming and crabbing Barnegat Bay. Hunt down some blue claw crabs using topless crab traps and handlines or head out to productive clamming grounds where we'll scratch rake and treading clams. ***NJ State Shellfish License is required by all onboard and each individual is responsible for the purchase prior to trip. *Due to time Crabbing and Clamming can not be combined into one trip. A trip can only consist of one or the other.
+ LBI Eco Tour - Explore Barnegat Bay & Island Beach State Park, one of NJ’s most productive wildlife habitats. Peacefully observe the tidal marshes and marine conservation area from a safe distance.
+ Explore LBI - Enjoy a water tour of LBI's North End to experience the area from a different perspective. Navigate by Olde Barney, Barnegat Light’s Lighthouse for a perfect photo opportunity. Ocean cruises are options on good weather days as well as Sunrise and sunset cruises are available. BYOB (bring your own beverage), sip and relax to the sunset.
+ Water Taxi - Looking for a boat ride to or from a special location? Let us know and we’ll pick you up. A common request is Forked River’s Captain’s Inn or The Waterfront. Another popular spot is Bayville’s Martell’s Water Edge restaurant/bar.
+ Bay Day - Enjoy the day on the bay at one of Barnegat Bays sand bars enjoying the warm bay waters and the summer sun. Get away from the summer traffic on the LBI beaches and relax on an open beach/sandbar.
+ Capture LBI - Photographic Tours: Photographers looking for a unique perspective on photographing LBI love the large open flat deck of the 25’ vessels. Get out on the bay to photograph the diverse wildlife.
What Happens If We Get Skunked?
Life is real and everyday is different. Some days fish don't chew. Because we want all of our clients to enjoy fishing and the overwhelming joy of catching we offer 25% OFF a future booking when nothing is caught by the boat.