Belmar Parasail

First Time Fishing & Forever a Fan!…read more Big thanks to Pola & Lina from Stay Branded for hooking us up with a VIP day on Miss Belmar! It was my first time fishing (same for my kids) and we had an absolute blast--my daughter caught her first fish, and my son and I caught four! The boat was clean, had bathrooms, and even a café where we grabbed pork roll egg & cheese sandwiches. Huge shoutout to Captain Jeff for letting my kids steer the boat--core memory made! Highly recommend for families or first-timers like us.

The deck hands Jake and Alana were great. Everything else was poorly organized and executed. After…read morepaying for a 3/4 day trip, they put me on the wrong boat, which was for a 1/2 hour trip. Hardly any fish caught and I didn't see a single keeper on the boat. They just dont know how to find fish or run their business. Read the reviews and find another fishing/whale-watching boat. I wish I did... You'll be glad you did.

Best staff, Captains, deckhands, crew ever! They are like having a second family and being in a home away from home. Love The Hagner's!

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Fisherman's Den

4.6

(9 reviews)

The new and improved Fisherman's Den is a staple of Belmar Marina. To start off try one of the…read more15-minute (strickly enforced) parking spots right in front to grab whatever you need for whatever fishing trip you will be embarking on. If you are going on a party boat you can grab some extra rigs and weights, if you fishing near the marina or surf fishing they have all the live and frozen bait + lures you will need. They even have rods and reels for sale. Best part is they have boats to rent that you can take around in the Shark River. They are small (16ft) and have like a 9 HP engine but get the job done to cruise around the river and do some fishing. Bring your patience if you are heading in there before the party boats head out (early morning) (2:30 pm) because it will be crowded in there but they move the line quickly.

I get all my tackle and bait stuff for a good price thank you Bob for everything you doread more

Bow of boat

Shark River

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Ocean Explorer

3.8

(21 reviews)

The boat, Captain and mates were all well prepared, knowledgeable and friendly. The mates were on…read moretop of every bite, net in hand. My youngest (21) liked fresh water fishing and had done some ocean salt water fishing from jetty's or bridges but was a newbie in every aspect today. Me, I am a novice at best. The mates filled every gap and he learned a lot too. On our ride home I had the conversation with him that my dad had with me. In short, I told him the 4 things I liked today not in any particular order. The boat, the fishing, building memories catching fish together. I said keepers and shorties matter the least and that is why is called fishing, not catching. The boat just cements the distance away and the time together. When I dropped him off I told him about my first Eagles game. I ran down the details. Franklin Field on a Monday night. The first time the birds played in a Monday night game. They played the Giants and got their asses handed to them on a platter. "Joe must Go" and we had Norm Snead as our QB because we traded away the legendary Sonny Jurgensen to the Redskins. He said "You really still remember all that from over 50 years ago?" I said "yep all but the score." Fishing catching winning loosing points? Dads & Sons PRICELESS! I said "you'll remember when it's your turn."

Had an absolutely amazing trip whale watching with this company! Captain Chris, mate Dave and Gina…read morewere beyond awesome! They went out of their way to make this such a great trip! We got to see 3 whales which was more than we could have hoped for! Thank you all so much for making this a trip to remember! Highly recommend!

Dinner!!

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Canyon Eagle 1

(1 review)

The boat was spacious and clean. The air conditioning was great. The mates were great with the…read morekids. Captain Nick was great.

From the owner: Canyon Eagle 1 offers the best NJ fishing charters in Belmar. If you're an avid angler or simply…read morelooking to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, look no further than Canyon Eagle 1, a premier fishing charter business based in the beautiful town of Belmar, NJ. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure on the high seas, as Canyon Eagle 1 offers an exceptional fishing experience that will leave you hooked. From the moment you step foot on the well-equipped vessel, you'll be greeted by a friendly and experienced crew that is passionate about fishing and dedicated to ensuring your trip is nothing short of exceptional. Their extensive knowledge and fishing techniques ensures that you'll have the best chance of reeling in a remarkable catch and an unforgettable experience. Canyon Eagle 1 specializes in deep-sea fishing excursions that take you to the most productive fishing grounds in the area. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, their skilled crew will provide guidance and assistance every step of the way, ensuring that you have an enjoyable and successful fishing experience. From targeting trophy-sized striped bass and bluefish to going after fluke, sea bass, and even offshore species like tuna, there's a wide range of fishing opportunities to suit every angler's preferences. For those who prefer a relaxing cruise on our vessel, we offer charter packages for sightseeing, birthday parties, business trips, and all types of celebrations.

Captain Nick

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Fishing

Golden Eagle Fishing

3.0

(36 reviews)

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE VERY PROFESSIONAL…read more I purchased 4 reservations for me and my buds on the 5/23/2020 fishing trip because I hadn't been out in the water for a few months (thanks Covid) and I was craving a trip back out. Unfortunately, one of my guys can't make it so I reach out to the captain to see if he'd be comfortable rescheduling. Being mindful that current times are tough, I was incredibly grateful that the captain was okay with this. Please remember that you can't always control how good the fishing is or if there's enough people on the boat for a trip, but you can practice great customer service and professionalism. I want to keep my money with this business, so I'll be sure to come back again and make up for my sudden rescheduling request.

Prepaid for a trip with friend packed in like sardines , 2 and 1/2 hour to fishing spot 30min…read more later turned around because of high surf for 45 min. trip inland to catch nothing ! I know its called fishing totally disappointed 2nd and last time on this boat

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Wots Up Dock Charter Fishing

(1 review)

0.3 mi

Full Day Trip with Capt. Geno…read more This was my first charter boat trip I've been on. After being on the boat with Capt. Geno, safe to say my father and I won't be doing anymore party boat trips. Capt. Geno knows how to put fish on the boat, we had a great time the whole day. Lots of laughs and we couldn't have had a better day on the water. Thanks again Capt! We'll be back.

From the owner: In-Shore fishing such as Fluke, Sea Bass, Porgies, Trigger Fish, Blue Fish are all targeted when…read morethey come into season and don't forget the Striped Bass. Bring your own lunch and we cover the rest! Charter start as cheap as $600 don't forget the mate typically gets 20% tip

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Ziggyb Sport Fishing

(1 review)

0.3 mi

Due to weather related issues (hurricane) I was unable to go fishing with Rich but I could tell…read morethrough our communication both the passion he has for boating and for being a small business owner. I will definitely seek him out again when I need to book a trip.

From the owner: As Shark Rivers newest Sport Fishing Charter business, we can offer you the best price on a broad…read morerange of fishing, cruising and relaxation charters. Whether it's Fluke, Bluefish, Blackfish, Tuna, or Shark our enthusiastic and well-trained Captains are available to assist you no matter what type of charter you have in mind. Can't find what you want, or not sure what you want to fish for? Let Capt Rich set you up a custom charter based on the time of season and/or what is running.

ZiggyB doing some fun family charter fishing for fluke and sea bass

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Jumbo Blues

Big Mohawk

(2 reviews)

The Best Fishing Boat on the Jersey Shore. Captain Payton Gepp will put you on the fish and the…read morecrew will make sure your always ready to fish. Always a fun trip with these guys..

I travel from Ohio to fish with these guys! I follow them on social media and have made a few…read morefriends who are regulars. The crew knows how to put you on fish!! I initially expected the "old salty fisherman" experience, but was thrilled that everyone on the crew is not only friendly, helpful & genuinely cares about you having a successful day on the water. My pictures unfortunately also show that they will take you fishing in rain- as long as they feel like the ocean will be safe!!! (Safety is a BIG DEAL).

Captain making the rounds wishing my son a happy birthday!!

Black Sea bass!!

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Belmar Beach

4.0

(104 reviews)

0.8 mi

THE GOOD ----------------…read more+ SUPER clean beach with a $12 beach badge fee (13 and under are free) as of July 2025. And, yes, they DO check for your beach badge at every beach entryway. + SUPER clean boardwalk with nicely painted brown planks spanning 1st to 20th Avenue. + For the kids, there are a few small playgrounds located on the beach itself. + Lots of parking spaces in the surrounding area leading to the boardwalk and beach. Only the angle parking spaces facing the beach are pay spots. Spaces in front of houses are FREE! (See NOT SO GOOD section for more) + Bathrooms are seemingly located every few blocks when in the middle of the boardwalk THE NOT SO GOOD ---------------------------- - Not many restaurants along Ocean Avenue and the boardwalk except a few pizzerias (J's Pizza, 3 Brothers From Italy, Mamalukes), ice cream shops (Coney Waffle, Mamalukes) and D'jais bar. - Just a few souvenir/t-shirt stores (Beckman's On the Beach, The Beach Nut) if you're into collecting souvenirs or buying shirts from different towns/cities. - Show up early to park on weekends/holidays! If you show up after 11AM, you might be out of luck until the afternoon when folks begin leaving the beach. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS -------------------------------------- = For a good photo op, stand in front of the Borough of Belmar Taylor Pavilion between 5th and 6th Ave

I love Belmar Beach!! It's only an 1 hour 15 minute ride from my house. It is very clean and the…read morewater (dare I say) almost looked blue (ish). It's early in the season so the water was way too cold for me to enjoy. It was $12 to enter. Parking was atrocious, but it wasn't too long of a walk to get to the beach. Nice boardwalk, however it would be better with a store or game or two a long the way. Will absolutely be back.

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Belmar Beach

Avon By the Sea

4.3

(59 reviews)

1.0 mi

Wow. I LOVE IT HERE. I'm a gal who prefers a more quiet, peaceful beach experience. I spent the…read moreday at Avon By the Sea on a weekday in September and it was perfect. All parking is FREE. Can't complain about that! There's plenty of street parking right in front of the boardwalk as well as residential parking nearby. Since I visited after the summer season ended, I had no problem finding a spot at 12pm. If you're going during the season, I would suggest coming much earlier if you want to get a good spot closer to the beach. During the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), beach badges are required from 9am-5pm on weekdays and 9am-5:30pm on weekends/holidays. It's $13 per person. Children ages 11 and under + active military and their dependents are free of charge. They don't accept credit/debit cards, so remember to bring CASH. The beach is beautiful - clear, blue water and clean, soft sand. The crowd is more mature and family-oriented. They do have a lot of rules (no alcohol/smoking/cannabis/canopies/tents/sound systems), but I don't mind. It's not rowdy here, so you'll have a peaceful experience. There are bathrooms, a playground area for children, and a boardwalk. The boardwalk is small, but charming. There are benches for you to sit, relax, and enjoy the ocean view. There aren't many restaurants, bars, games, or entertainment around. They have a snack/food pavilion, but I'd suggest driving a few miles away to Asbury Park or Long Branch for a better dining and night life scene. Seeeeee yaaaaaaaa at the shore!

Avon-by-the-Sea is perfect if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful beach day. It's way more low-key…read morethan Belmar -- not much going on, mostly retirees and families, which honestly makes it super relaxing. Don't come here expecting to walk to a bunch of restaurants or bars -- it's more of a bring your own vibes kind of place. But they do have a snack shack, bathrooms, and the beach itself is really clean with clear water. Daily entry is $13, and there's lots of street parking, which is rare and amazing for beach towns. If you just want to chill, read, and enjoy the ocean without the crowds, this is the spot

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Summit Family Aquatic Center

4.5

(8 reviews)

39.9 mi

Great place! Clean and wonderful warm pool! Water classes are great. Great for families!read more

Swim lanes, water slides and a kiddie pool: What more can you all of a community pool? There's also…read morefree WiFi, a little free library and a decent snack bar. The wooded surroundings make it feel cozy, while the spacious swimming areas make it feel luxurious. We were here with the Maplewood Makos for a swim meet, and it was a joy to compete against such fine athletes!

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Highlands Natural Pool

3.5

(26 reviews)

63.2 mi

Nice little place and very secluded . I love the fact that even tho you're basically in the middle…read moreof nowhere , they have WiFi , nice bathrooms with air conditioner , large tables with umbrellas and everything is very organized . Good vibes . The only downside for me is the amount of bugs ..arghhh , I understand we're outdoors but Jesus you better have tons of bug spray . I was bit and stung by every single bug on earth for the rest of my life hahaha and there are creatures in the water , needless to say I didn't even go in .

Highlands Natural Pool has definitely blown up on social media lately, which is what put it on my…read moreradar. While it's a nice enough spot and the setting is scenic, the pictures floating around don't quite tell the full story. Yes, it's spring-fed and chemical-free, which gives it more of a forest pond feel than a traditional pool. That might be a plus for some people, but there are downsides. The water feels heavier than a normal pool, and there's no true shallow end--so treading water for long stretches can get tiring. If you go, I'd honestly recommend bringing a float to hang out more comfortably in the water. The facilities are basic. There are very few pool chairs--mostly just park benches scattered around a small paved deck. Seating is limited, and it was hard to find a place to set up. I'd recommend bringing your own beach chair if you have one. There are plenty of picnic tables farther back from the pool, which I assume is their way of keeping food out of the swim area. We arrived around 3 PM and that timing was probably my biggest gripe. The parking lot was full, so we had to find a random lot down the road and then walk back and hunt for the entrance. Not the easiest arrival. The $20 day pass would be fine if the setup matched the price, but for what it is, it felt a little steep. Also worth noting--cell service is spotty, and while they say there's Wi-Fi, it didn't work well for us. Overall, it's not a bad experience, but it didn't quite live up to the online buzz. If you go in with the right expectations (and a float, a chair, and some patience), you'll probably enjoy it more than we did.

The view!

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Bradley Beach

3.9

(64 reviews)

1.8 mi

Its $13 per person on my visit and kits under 12 are free. Sand is nice. Water its clear and good…read morefor family. It get deep after 10 meters. There a food shop in the main road grab the barcode and you can order food to get deliver in the beach. Thats nice. Parking its a bit hard to find but if you wait there is aways people leaving. You might wait 20-50 minutes

The beach matched our vibe. My top-tier chum and I managed to secure a super decent Airbnb right on…read morethe border of Ocean Grove and Bradley Beach, which came with badges for Bradley Beach. We already figured out that OG was an older, Christian-centric community but weren't sure about Bradley; didn't care really either way, but figured as a result of the proximity to a more religious town that we weren't exactly about to wander into a hardcore party scene. That was definitely true, but it wasn't oppressive - just chill and stunningly low key for 4th of July Weekend. We wandered onto the beach mid-morning on Saturday (so not the official busiest day of the holidays, but clearly still a big one) and ended up uncharacteristically sticking around until 4ish. From the Ocean Grove border, we decided to come in at the second entrance, thinking it was a little less secluded and didn't involve the surf school. One of the few annoyances of the day was the lifeguard/surf school situation - while the school was in session, you couldn't swim near that area (which is fine/understandable). That boundary was marked by a flag, but people were constantly floating toward it throughout the day and getting whistled at, to the point where we would have just put up buoys or something - it's easy to accidentally drift like that. This has to be one of the top three worst times to go to the beach in terms of crowds, etc. but we were both amazed that the entire time we were there, we easily had at least 10 feet of space between us and the next group of people. Given how early we got there, not surprising to have some acreage, but when it was 2pm and we still did? Wild. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality also made a cameo appearance around midday and was pleasantly surprised at the lack of population density as well. There are some rules here, which I imagine helps weed out the riffraff a bit. Full disclosure - I'm bad to the bone, so we did smuggle in some 5% tequila-based canned cocktails, and my other chum brought some "juice" in a Minute Maid container or something. I know. We behaved. And I don't know if it matters to the readers who are raking me over the coals right now, but the juice had very high level, Don Julio quality tequila. Anyway. There was a lifeguard patrolling in an ATV but I never saw anyone really looking into prohibited drinking (we were fairly discrete) but I'm sure that's something you should be looking out for no matter what. A few groups were clearly doing the same thing but honestly, anyone who's taking a nip at a beach like this is not doing it as a precursor to a raging kegger. One rule nitpick - we checked beforehand and the rules online clearly stated no cabanas and yet we saw a bunch of them. This was only annoying because my chum has a great one we didn't bring with us, which would have been an enormous asset. So I guess the lesson is, check the rules ahead of time but if you have the room, bring the cabana just in case everyone else is being naughty too. I didn't really think about it in the moment, but it was also very clean (the gold standard for me is Spring Lake, but it comes at the cost of some super off-the-charts rules that diminish the experience a tad). Each entrance had a person checking badges, and everyone I interacted with was very friendly. I forgot to bring my badge for a quick water trip and the woman at our entrance let me go since I had a memorable shirt (featuring Academy Award-nominated actress Winona Ryder) and was going to be back in a few minutes. Nice of her regardless. One of our favorite beaches to date. I think for me personally, I would just need one or two food stands nearby (they do have a QR code thing on the boardwalk to order some shizzle for delivery) and the surf school buoys. Really top-notch stuff.