Shark River - Neptune/Belmar

Shark River
( 40.18786, -74.03461 )

  1. Shark River - Belmar ( 40.17946, -74.03743 )
  2. Shark River - Neptune ( 40.19364, -74.03092 )
  3. Shark River - Wall Township ( 40.19149, -74.05792 )

Shark River is not really a river, it is more of a saltwater lagoon with an outlet to the sea. The actual inlet would be a very bad place to go, with a lot of boat traffic and sometimes swift tidal current. The lagoon is much better, and I have marked two spots that are easy access and parking - both in public parks. Don't try to use the boat ramp, you might get in trouble.

Shark River - Belmar
( 40.17946, -74.03743 )

The spot in the north is an easy launch off the beach. The spot in the south has a number of options, from the nearby beach to the stairs down the bulkhead. There are doubtless other spots where you could put in, but these two are the best. Once in, stay away from the marked boat channels. The rest of the 'bay' is too shallow for motorboats, and you'll have it to yourself, especially at low tide.

One reason to come here is fishing - the river and lagoon can be full of fluke, blues, stripers, and other fish. With a boat, you have access to everything that is beyond the reach of shore-bound fishermen.

Shark River - Neptune
( 40.19364, -74.03092 )

Tides

The town (Belmar) clearly does not want you to use the nearby boat ramp, and has provided good alternatives in the park. Stay out of the marina as well, and the river itself would be a pretty stupid place to go.


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South River
( 40.43920, -74.36810 )

  1. Raritan River - Edison ( 40.48791, -74.38382 )
  2. Raritan River - Sayreville ( 40.47450, -74.35606 )
  3. South River - Old Bridge ( 40.41228, -74.36362 )
  4. South River - Sayreville ( 40.45397, -74.37222 )
  5. South River - South River ( 40.45838, -74.38361 )

The launch point is on the river behind the little strip mall off Route 527 / Old Matawan Rd. I have never had a problem parking here, although I don't think this would be a good place for a large group to show up. Entry can be messy if the water is low.

The river is tidal and brackish at this point. If the tide is high, you can go upstream to the left, under the highway. Pick your way around all the fallen trees and have fun avoiding all the dead-ends, and you can go all the way to the Duhernal Lake dam. The lake itself is off limits.

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