What Clark's Landing offers anglers in Point Pleasant Beach

Clark's Landing is a public boat ramp and parking area on the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant Beach, located near the inlet where the river meets the ocean. It's a working waterfront with commercial fishing boats, party boats, and private anglers all using the same ramp—which means it gets crowded during peak season but also means you're fishing where the professionals know the fish are. The ramp itself is concrete, well-maintained, and wide enough for most trailers, though parking fills fast on weekends and summer mornings.

The real value of Clark's Landing is access to both the river and the inlet. From the ramp, you can motor upriver into the Manasquan for striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish, or head seaward into the inlet and the near-shore waters where fluke, sea bass, and larger stripers hold. The inlet current runs hard here, which concentrates baitfish and predators—especially during the tide change. If you're launching a boat, this is one of the few public ramps in the immediate area with enough space and infrastructure to handle regular use.

Key Takeaways

  • Clark's Landing is a public concrete boat ramp on the Manasquan River with parking for trailers and vehicles, located where the river meets the inlet.
  • The ramp gives you access to both upriver fishing (stripers, bluefish, weakfish) and inlet/ocean fishing (fluke, sea bass, larger stripers).
  • Parking fills quickly on summer weekends and weekday mornings, so arriving early or fishing during off-peak times improves your chances of finding a spot.
  • The inlet current here is strong and changes direction with the tide, concentrating baitfish and making the area productive during slack water and the first hour of the tide change.

Parking and launch fees

Clark's Landing charges a daily launch fee for boat ramp use. The fee structure varies by season and day of the week—weekends and summer months cost more than weekdays and off-season. As of recent years, daily launch fees run between $10 and $15 for a single launch, though you should confirm the current rate by calling ahead or checking at the ramp office, as fees do change.

Parking is included with your launch fee, but spaces are limited and fill by mid-morning on weekends and summer weekdays. If you're trailering a boat, arrive by 6 a.m. during peak season to secure a spot. If you're fishing from shore or planning to fish from a party boat, there is limited public parking nearby, and you may need to pay for parking in the borough lot or at a nearby commercial lot.

What fish to target by season

Spring (April through May) brings striped bass moving upriver to spawn. Fish the deeper holes and current breaks in the river channel at dawn and dusk, using live bunker, eels, or large soft plastics. The inlet mouth is also productive for stripers during this period, especially on the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed into the narrower water.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to fluke in the inlet and near-shore waters, and bluefish throughout the river and inlet. Fluke bite best on the slack tide and the first hour of the outgoing tide, when they're less likely to be swept away from structure. Bluefish are aggressive and will chase topwater plugs and metal spoons all day, but early morning and late evening are most reliable. Weakfish also show up in the river during summer, particularly in the deeper channels at night.

Fall (September through November) is prime time for striped bass again. The river fills with migrating fish heading to deeper water, and the inlet becomes a funnel for large stripers moving offshore. Live bunker and eels are the standard baits, but topwater plugs and large swimbaits work well at dawn. The inlet current is strongest in fall, so time your fishing around slack water or the first hour of the tide change.

Winter (December through March) is slower but not empty. Stripers linger in the deeper holes of the river, and sea bass hold around structure in the inlet. Fishing is best on mild days when the water temperature hasn't dropped too far. Many anglers switch to smaller baits and slower presentations during winter.

Tides and current patterns at the inlet

The Manasquan Inlet has a strong, predictable current that changes with the tide. On the incoming tide, water is pushed upriver and into the inlet mouth, concentrating baitfish and predators in a narrower zone. On the outgoing tide, the current flows seaward and can be strong enough to sweep smaller baits away from structure. Slack water—the 20 to 40 minutes between tide changes—is when fish feed most aggressively because they don't have to fight the current.

The inlet mouth is shallowest at the center of the channel and drops off on both sides. Fish hold along these drop-offs and in the deeper pockets, especially during the outgoing tide when they can rest in deeper water while still intercepting baitfish being swept seaward. Check tide tables before you launch; fishing the first hour of the incoming tide or the slack water before the outgoing tide will put you in the water when fish are most active.

Nearby alternatives if Clark's Landing is full

If parking is full at Clark's Landing, the next public ramp option is the Manasquan River Boat Ramp, also in Point Pleasant Beach, about a mile upriver. It's smaller and less crowded but also has fewer amenities and less parking. The fee structure is similar, and it gives you access to the same river system but puts you farther from the inlet.

For shore fishing, the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk and the inlet jetties offer free access, though jetty fishing requires care and experience—the rocks are slippery and the current is strong. The inlet jetties can be productive for stripers and bluefish, especially during the tide change, but they're best fished during daylight and calmer conditions.

Facilities and what to bring

Clark's Landing has a ramp office, parking area, and basic facilities including a small bait and tackle shop. You can buy live bunker, eels, and frozen bait on-site, along with basic tackle and supplies. The shop is usually open from early morning through mid-afternoon, so if you're launching late in the day, bring your own bait.

Bring a cooler with ice, a landing net, and a gaff if you're targeting larger stripers or bluefish. The ramp can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. If you're fishing from a boat, bring a VHF radio and a GPS unit—the inlet can be rough and visibility can drop quickly. Life jackets are required by law and should be worn at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Clark's Landing?

There is limited shore fishing access at Clark's Landing itself, as most of the waterfront is dedicated to the boat ramp and commercial fishing operations. Your best bet for shore fishing in the immediate area is the inlet jetties or the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, both within walking distance.

What's the best time of day to launch at Clark's Landing?

Early morning—before 6 a.m. during summer and peak season—gives you the best chance of finding parking and launching without a wait. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. If you're fishing the inlet, launching early also puts you on the water for the first productive tide of the day.

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license to fish from a private boat at Clark's Landing?

Yes, New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older fishing in state waters, including the Manasquan River and inlet. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife or at most tackle shops.

Is the ramp open year-round?

Clark's Landing is open year-round, though hours may vary by season. Winter hours are typically shorter, and the ramp may close temporarily during severe weather. Call ahead during winter or bad weather to confirm the ramp is open before you make the drive.

What's the difference between fishing the river and the inlet from Clark's Landing?

The river is calmer, shallower, and better for smaller boats and anglers targeting stripers, bluefish, and weakfish in a more protected environment. The inlet is deeper, has stronger current, and is where you'll find fluke, sea bass, and larger stripers, but it requires more experience and a seaworthy boat, especially in rough conditions.