NJ Shore Party Boat Tips

Party Boat Tips

The Jersey Shore has some of the best party boat fishing on the East Coast.

Party Boats, also known as Head Boats, and Open boats are a category of commercial sport fishing boats that charges a fee per passenger for regularly scheduled trips.

This is also the easiest way to go from landlubber to fisherman in a New York minute.

Like a train or plane, the boat has posted departure and return times, holds a set number of passengers, and charges the same fixed fee for most voyagers. Kids and seniors get a discount on most boats. They will supply you with a rod, tackle and bait (some charge a small fee for the use of rods, some provide them free with your fare).

The number of anglers on a trip depends on the size of the boat, and the cost of the trip. The less the trip costs, and the bigger the boat, (also the shorter the trip), the more people will be on the boat. Skill levels of the fisherman vary greatly.

If the trip is taken during the local tourist season, and the trip is during the day, expect a number of 'riders' (people who go out just for the ride-not to fish) and extremely novice anglers. If you want to avoid the crowds take your trip during bad weather, off-season, long trips, or 'limited party' (costs more hence fewer folks).

Proper etiquette is a MUST for party boat fishing. You may be with a group of friends; another group might have a family with kids; a third might be a group here from another country, everyone gets along.

From Keyport to Atlantic Highlands to Belmar and Point Pleasant, Cape May to LBI, here are some tips that will make your trip more enjoyable.

General Rules

1) Always obey the Crew and Captain. Their goal is to keep you and all the other anglers happy, since without your money they will go broke. Most of the time, with a good professional crew, this is not a problem. They do this for a living and it is there business to put you on fish.

2) Always be aware of those around you (right, left, and when casting-behind). Watch out for kids. Most bad tangles can be avoided if you pay attention to your line. Otherwise, oh boy! “No pulling in the back!”

3) Be knowledgeable of local species, and local regulations. Often a single illegal fish on a boat can result in very large fines for both boat Captain and the offending angler. When in doubt, ask the crew or release the fish. A few mates break the spines of nuisance species like dogfish. I am not down with this unnecessary killing and make a point of saying that when I hook one.

4) Exercise patience, kindness, and courtesy. Cursing loudly, while common among most of us anglers when fishing alone, can offend others on a party boat. Never drink excessively. It is common respect not to get all banged up on a boat.

5) Chill out. If your lines get tangled, don't get frustrated or try to assess blame-it goes with fishing elbow to elbow, and can be a good way to make friends.

6) HAVE FUN! A party boat is a great place to meet other anglers and 'trade lies' as fishermen often do. There is more to fishing than just catching fish.

What should I bring on a party boat?

1) Food, Beverages (I recommend fruit juices and cold bottles of water-while I do occasionally indulge in a beer or two, I find that too much hurts my fishing abilities and make me take too many trips to the 'head'). Drinking a few beers is part of the experience for many anglers on a hot day, but remember it is a privilege afforded to you by the Captain. Some boats sell food and drinks on board so call the boat’s Captain before your first trip for the low-down.

2) A camera (sealed in a Zip Lock Bag to prevent it getting wet) for those special moments.

3) Extra Clothing (it can be much cooler on the water then on land). Dress in layers. Even on warm days, bring a layer or two.

4) Rain Gear, if there is even a chance of foul weather.

5) Sunscreen and Polarized Sunglasses. You will bake in the sun.

6) An old towel or t-shirt to wipe your hands on.

7) Warm, non-slip shoes that can get wet.

8) Bring a cooler to keep your food and beverages cold and to bring your fish home.

9) Tools: Pliers, Scissors, Folding Knife, extra line, and a tackle box or bag that can get wet.

10) Sturdy fishing tackle. Just about every boat will have decent rods for you to use. If you are going to fish a few times each years, you will soon want to invest in your own. It can get personal.

11) A waterproof bag or heavy plastic bag to put you non-fishing gear stuff in. You are on the water and things get wet.

12) Any specialized baits not provided by the boat (call the boat first and check reports online or in the papers).

13) Cash in small denominations (usually I bring some ones and fives, in addition to my fare). You will need it to tip the crew (ask regulars what is customary), to buy extra tackle, to pay for fish cleaning, to buy snacks and to enter the pool.

14) Aspirin (or equiv.) and/or Dramamine (for those sea-sick prone-take one BEFORE you leave the dock)

15) A GOOD ATTITUDE! It is a great day to forget your city strife and experience a bit of nature. Enjoy yourself.

by Jim Shaffer for Shore11