What Clark's Landing Offers

Clark's Landing is a commercial and recreational fishing hub in Port Reading, New Jersey, sitting on the Raritan River where it meets Raritan Bay. The facility operates as a working waterfront with a fish market, charter boat operations, and direct access to productive saltwater grounds. You can fish from the dock itself, book a half-day or full-day charter, or buy fresh catch from boats that unload there daily.

The location gives you quick access to Raritan Bay's flats, channels, and deeper water without a long run offshore. Summer brings striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish into the shallows. Fall and spring are prime for larger stripers and blues moving through the bay. Winter fishing is lighter but possible for anglers targeting cold-water species. The working-waterfront setting means you'll see commercial boats alongside recreational anglers, and the pace and conditions can shift with the tide and the season.

Key Takeaways

  • Clark's Landing sits in Port Reading on the Raritan River and offers both dock fishing and charter boat access to Raritan Bay without a long offshore run.
  • Summer and fall are the most active seasons, with striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish the primary targets depending on the month.
  • You can fish from the dock for a modest fee, or book a charter through operators based at the facility for guided half-day and full-day trips.
  • New Jersey saltwater fishing requires a Saltwater Fishing License or Permit, which you can obtain online or at the landing itself.
  • Parking, restrooms, and a fish market are on-site, making it a self-contained option for a day trip from the northern New Jersey area.

Seasons and Target Species

Spring (April through May) brings the first strong runs of striped bass and weakfish into Raritan Bay as water temperatures climb. Shad and herring move upriver, and the stripers follow. Conditions can be rough early in the season, but by late May the fishing stabilizes and the crowds thin after the initial rush.

Summer (June through August) is peak season for recreational anglers. Bluefish dominate the shallower flats and channels, with striped bass holding in deeper holes and along structure. Weakfish are present but less reliable than in spring. The dock becomes crowded on weekends, and charter boats run multiple trips daily. Water temperatures are warm, and tides matter more than they do in cooler months—slack water can slow the bite significantly.

Fall (September through November) is often the best time to fish Clark's Landing. Larger striped bass move through Raritan Bay on their way south, and bluefish are aggressive as they feed before migration. October and early November typically offer the most consistent action. Weather becomes less predictable, and some charter operators reduce trips as conditions deteriorate, but the fishing can be excellent on calm days.

Winter (December through March) sees a sharp drop in recreational activity. Some anglers target stripers in the deeper channels, and occasional bluefish show up, but most charter boats reduce their schedule or go idle. Dock fishing is possible but slow. Water temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s, and weather windows are narrow.

Dock Fishing and Access

Clark's Landing allows walk-on dock fishing for a daily fee, typically in the $10 to $20 range depending on the season and current rates. You can fish from the main dock and surrounding pilings with light tackle, casting to structure and along the channel edges. The dock is best during moving tides—slack water often produces little. Early morning and evening are more productive than midday, especially in summer.

Parking is available on-site, and the facility has restrooms and a small tackle shop. The dock can become crowded on weekends and holidays, particularly in summer. If you plan to fish during peak times, arrive early to secure a good spot. The working-waterfront atmosphere means commercial activity continues around you—boats load and unload, and the pace can feel hectic, but that activity also means fresh bait and reliable information from captains and crew.

Bait is usually available at the on-site market or from charter operators. Live bunker, mullet, and shrimp are common choices for stripers and blues. You can also bring your own tackle and bait if you prefer. The dock is accessible year-round, though winter conditions and reduced commercial activity can make it less appealing.

Charter Boat Operations

Several charter captains operate from Clark's Landing, offering half-day (typically 4 to 5 hours) and full-day (7 to 8 hours) trips. Half-day trips usually run in the morning or afternoon and cost between $60 and $100 per person, depending on the season and operator. Full-day trips run $120 to $180 per person. Prices and schedules vary by captain and season, so contact the landing directly or check individual operator websites for current rates.

Charter boats target the same species as dock anglers—stripers, bluefish, and weakfish—but cover more water and fish deeper channels and structure. Captains know the tides, seasonal patterns, and current conditions, which matters significantly in Raritan Bay where structure and depth changes are subtle. Trips are limited to 6 to 12 anglers depending on the boat, and tackle and bait are usually included in the price. Beginners and experienced anglers both fish these charters regularly.

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season. Some operators require a deposit or full payment in advance. Check cancellation policies before booking, as weather can shut down trips with little notice. Most charters depart early in the morning, so plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure.

Regulations and Licensing

New Jersey requires a Saltwater Fishing License or Permit for anyone 16 and older who fishes in state saltwater. You can obtain a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or in person at Clark's Landing or other tackle shops. A 3-day permit costs around $10, a 7-day permit around $20, and an annual license around $30 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Prices vary slightly year to year.

Size and catch limits apply to all species. Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily limit of 1 fish per person in most of the year, though regulations can change. Bluefish have a 10-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a 4-fish daily limit. Charter boats are responsible for knowing current regulations, but it is your responsibility to follow them. Check the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or ask at the landing before you fish to confirm current rules, as they shift seasonally and can change year to year.

Catch-and-release is common practice, especially for stripers during periods when the fishery is under pressure. Handle fish carefully if you plan to release them, and keep them in the water as much as possible.

Getting There and What to Bring

Clark's Landing is located at 1 Port Terminal Road, Port Reading, New Jersey, about 20 miles south of Newark and accessible via Route 1 and local roads. Parking is on-site and free. The facility is open year-round, though hours and activity levels vary by season. In summer, the dock is typically open from dawn to dusk. In winter, hours may be reduced. Call ahead to confirm hours and current conditions before you go.

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat—the water reflects light intensely, and you will spend hours in the sun. Wear non-slip shoes or boots, as the dock can be wet and slippery. Bring a cooler if you plan to keep fish. Light rain gear is useful even in summer, as spray from passing boats and sudden squalls are common. In fall and winter, dress in layers; wind off the water cools things quickly.

If you are fishing from the dock, bring your own rod and tackle unless you plan to rent. If you are taking a charter, the boat provides rods, reels, and tackle, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Bait is available at the landing, but you can also bring your own. Bring cash or a card for the dock fee, parking (if charged), and any food or drinks you want to buy.

Nearby Options and Alternatives

If Clark's Landing is crowded or conditions are poor, other Raritan Bay access points include Keyport, Keansburg, and Belford, all within 15 to 20 minutes by car. Keyport has a public dock and several charter operators. Keansburg offers bay and ocean fishing from a public pier. Belford has a working waterfront similar to Clark's Landing with dock fishing and charter access. Each has its own character and seasonal patterns, so exploring alternatives gives you flexibility if one location is not producing.

For ocean fishing beyond the bay, Point Pleasant and Barnegat Inlet are 45 minutes to an hour south and offer deeper-water species and longer boat runs. For river fishing, the Delaware River and upper Raritan River hold freshwater species and offer a different experience. Clark's Landing works best as a quick-access option for bay fishing without a long commute or boat run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish from the dock at Clark's Landing?

Yes. New Jersey requires a Saltwater Fishing License or Permit for anyone 16 and older, whether you fish from a dock, charter, or private boat. A 3-day permit is the shortest option if you are visiting. You can buy one online, by phone, or at the landing itself.

What is the best time of year to fish Clark's Landing?

Fall (September through November) is generally the most productive, with larger striped bass and aggressive bluefish moving through Raritan Bay. Summer is the busiest season and offers consistent action, but crowds are heavy. Spring is good for stripers and weakfish but can have rough water. Winter is slow and best avoided unless you are targeting specific cold-water species.

Can I bring my own tackle and bait to fish from the dock?

Yes. You can bring your own rod, reel, and tackle. Bait is available at the on-site market, but you can bring your own if you prefer. The dock fee covers access; tackle and bait are separate purchases or your own supply.

How far offshore do charter boats from Clark's Landing go?

Most charters fish Raritan Bay itself—the flats, channels, and deeper holes within a few miles of the landing. Boats do not typically run far offshore. If you want to fish deeper water or wreck fishing, Point Pleasant and other ocean ports are better options. Clark's Landing is best for bay fishing without a long boat run.

What should I do if the weather looks bad on the day I booked a charter?

Contact the charter operator as soon as you know conditions are deteriorating. Most captains will cancel trips if conditions are unsafe and offer to reschedule or refund your deposit. Do not assume a trip is cancelled—call and confirm. Weather can change quickly, so check conditions the night before and the morning of your trip.