Mahi-mahi fishing out of Belmar comes down to two options: the lobster pots along the edges of the Mud Hole, and an inshore troll up to 20 miles from Shark River Inlet. Both start at the same inlet and put you in 90 to 240 ft of water with named structure to plot. Boat ramps, marina details and port context are on the Belmar port page. Biology and general tactics are in our mahi-mahi guide. This page covers where to look, what depth, and what locals throw.
When Mahi Are off Belmar
Mahi show up off Belmar in summer. For the seasonal pattern along the whole coast, see the wider Northeast picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
- Season: summer
- Departure point: Shark River Inlet
- Two options: Mud Hole pots and the inshore troll
The Run from Shark River Inlet
Boats fish the Mud Hole lobster pots and troll inshore up to 20 miles from Shark River Inlet.
- Mud Hole pots: Lobster pots line the edges of the Mud Hole, which reaches 240 ft at its deepest.
- Inshore troll: The troll zone runs up to 20 miles from Shark River Inlet.
Before you run, check wind, wave height and period on the NWS marine forecast, and plan the day around those numbers.
Grounds and Structure to Plot
Belmar’s named structure runs from the Sea Girt Reef near the beach out to the Mud Hole wrecks. Distances are given from the point each ground is charted off.
| Name | Depth | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Girt Reef | 60 ft (60 to 75 ft) | 3.6 nautical miles off Sea Girt |
| Klondike | Not given | Underwater ridge; the Sea Girt Reef sits atop it |
| Shark River Reef | 125 ft | 15.6 nautical miles off Manasquan |
| Stolt Dagali | 130 ft | Wreck near the Shark River Reef, close to the Mud Hole edge |
| Arundo Wreck | 90 ft | Eastern end of the Mud Hole; lies in 90 to 150 ft |
| Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca) | 170 ft | In the Mud Hole area |
| IP Goulandris | 190 ft | Midway through the Mud Hole; lies in 190 ft |
| Mud Hole | 240 ft | Lobster pots line the edges |
Plot the named structure and read the Mud Hole edges on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Mahi Are Fished Here
Locals cast bucktails around the pots, fish live peanut bunker or mullet, and troll inshore for mahi, albies and bonito.
Bucktail at the Pots
Cast a bucktail to fish holding around the Mud Hole lobster pots. This is the local method along the pot lines.
Live Peanut Bunker or Mullet
Live peanut bunker or mullet is the local live-bait option for mahi, and it is fished around the same pots.
Inshore Trolling for Mahi, Albies and Bonito
The inshore troll runs up to 20 miles from Shark River Inlet. Mahi share it with false albacore and bonito, so albies and bonito can fill the box when mahi are scarce.
Charters That Fish for Mahi out of Belmar
These Belmar operators list mahi-mahi:
- Golden Eagle at Belmar Marina: a vessel named Golden Eagle.
- Shark Inlet Charters: lists mahi-mahi.
- Fin-ominal Charters with Capt. Jared: a 55 ft Custom Carman and a 101 ft Custom Sport Yacht.
FAQ About Mahi-Mahi Fishing out of Belmar
When is mahi season out of Belmar?
Summer.
How far do Belmar boats run for mahi?
The inshore troll runs up to 20 miles from Shark River Inlet. Boats also fish the lobster pots along the edges of the Mud Hole.
How do locals catch mahi at the Mud Hole pots?
They cast a bucktail around the pots, or fish live peanut bunker or mullet.
What else bites on the inshore troll?
False albacore (albies) and bonito, alongside mahi.
Which Belmar charters fish for mahi?
Golden Eagle at Belmar Marina, Shark Inlet Charters, and Fin-ominal Charters with Capt. Jared.
Where are the regulations?
On the New Jersey regulations page and in the federal dolphin and wahoo rules. Check both before you fish.
