skiff renting: navesink or barnegat

[rycher]

Im new to both the forum and area.

I am taking the wife and kids on their first "skiff" fishing trip and was looking for feedback as to deciding which local would be best this time of year.

I'm leaning toward the bay thinking the river is less likely to produce action this time of year. Looks like i'll be at low/incoming tide on day i go out as well.

Any opinion/feedback is much appreciated.

[CapBob]

If you rent in the Highlands area you have the option of the Shrewsbury and Navesink River as well as Sandy Hook Bay.  Fluke in the Bay and Rivers, Great crabbing, Small Blues

[rycher]

Thanks CptBob. So bay vs river is same scenerio it seems. Not many skiff rentals in the Raritan area. I will be a party of 3 adults 2 kids, so need a 5 person (16') skiff. I've only found rentals @ either Nave. or down to Barnegat. Nave is much closer to home but I am unsure as to river action in August vs bay.

This trip is a prequel to me purchasing a boat if the wife and kids enjoy the day so I am overthinking it abit. 

Any other opinions/options?

[Offshore Madness]

There are many rental places u could chose from keyport,highlands, red bank and rumson all accessable to the bay the last 2 are in the river..

 we fish that area the rivers have small fluke major crabbing and some small blues.The bay holds bigger fluke but more boats.

 My advise would be......go for the river first to get used to it, you said ur new! the river is less crowded and less waves/wakes. then when you feel comfy you can journey to the bay!

   If you need more info just pm me and ill let you know when/what/where/and how......to make ur day on the water not only good but safe also.
   
   Good luck to you no matter where you deside to go!!!!!!!!

[NJ Guy]

wagners in keyport does this

[rycher]

Thanks so much for all this info.

Offshore I'll pm you with the detailed ?'s I still have.

NJ Guy, thanks and I called Wagners but they don't (any longer??) rent skiffs.

**side note: having a wife that loves to fish is a curse and a blessing , if this were me and the guys the research would be far less 

[Offshore Madness]

ok no problem any to help a fellow capt. 

[NJ Guy]

sorry  might be brownes point marina in keyport they are right next door to one another my mistake

[gagedylan]

not sure how far you want to travel, but Bobbie's Boats in Barnegat Light is very reasonable, and you can fish right in or behind barnegat inlet, Tice's, Double Creek, etc

[Hotrod]

 

[rycher]

sorry  might be brownes point marina in keyport they are right next door to one another my mistake

thanks, yes browns point would be perfect, cept they are on vaca this week...

Leaning toward boat outfitters @ seaside...though navesink is sooo much closer..

Mother nature is pushing this trip up to Weds from Fri..thats tomorrow a.m...time to make the sandwichs..

[CapBob]

Schupps Landing in Highlands has skiffs for rent from 16-24 ft you can go from 0600-400 pm the larger ones will take up to 6 people

[rycher]

Fished today at dock outfitters in Barnegat on a skiff based off their web fishing reports. Here is their post:

Latest Fishing Report:
Date: Time: Report:
Aug 15, 2011 01:00 pm Casino fishing pier is the spot right now with plenty of weakfish being caught and a few keeper fluke as well. SCott

Aug 14, 2011 02:00 pm Well crabbing remains steady even around the full moon. Plenty of snappers kingfish and blowfish are being caught off the pier here behind the shop. Clams and spearing are the baits of choice. The rental boats have been very busy so you wanna be here first thing in the morning on the weekends.Scott

We were told on arrival there is no fluke that far back in the bay. But the kids could catch snappers. We caught 2 all day. Turning in the boat we were told the 'full moon' did them in this week...
 I would have been better off on the beach, near home and saved time & more than a few $$.

**Engine was 9.9hp not 15hp as advertised.**

May try Schuups tomorrow seeing how their local is in Sandy Hook bay.

[Hotrod]

not sure how far you want to travel, but Bobbie's Boats in Barnegat Light is very reasonable, and you can fish right in or behind barnegat inlet, Tice's, Double Creek, etc

[Offshore Madness]

Gateway marina is next to schupps try them first.. or go to oceanica marina in red bank/rumson........try the bay first not the river now seems the fish(keepers) are making their way out to the ocean.

[rycher]

Hit Schupps today. Had steady action all day drifting fluke with 25 shorts, 14-17". I pushed the 9.9hp to the tip of the hook, only took 1hr + 15 to make it back to the marina  .

All in all a great day of fishing fun.

Next trip will rent a 19' 45 hp to lessen the boat rock and drive time to the spots.

Thanks to all for the help/advice.

My next thread will be gathering detailed fluke spots in Sandy bay and/or up shrews...if any one wants to give them up. 

[Offshore Madness]

very cool glad to hear you had some fun!

[Maritime Matt]

Years back, Schupps, Johnny's Landing,& Henjo Dock in the Highlands, as well as Frank's Boats in Atlantic Highlands were great places to rent skiffs. On weekends, you had to be in line by 4;30am for a boat and motor cause by 6am they were out. Back then, Johnny's and Henjo Dock had 18-25hp motors. These boats flew. Franks had your choice of 9.5 or 20 hp and a wooden rowboat or glass skiff. Some of my best fluking was right in front of the rental liverys. Glad ya had a more productive time at the Hook. In my opinion, those waters Are NJ's best fishing grounds, hands down. I miss that area bad.
Capt.Matt