Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

I'm planning on taking my 17' Center console out for some blues and striper this coming Saturday. I've never launched in the RB. Any suggestions? I'll be trailering from NE New Jersey.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Keyport municipal, Leonardo, or Atlantic Highlands are a few options.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Thanks for the recommendations. Any of those that you prefer over the others?

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Leonardo is steep. Atlantic Highlands is a further drive, but it is a nice deep water ramp. Keyport Municipal ramp is a decent ramp, but it is shallow during low tides. You have a small boat so that should not make a difference during the right tide. Good luck.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

There is a free one at Seawarren

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Carteret ramp is free
Sewaren is free during the week until
Memorial Day then they charge every day

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Seawaren and Carteret put you in the river and then you need to run down to the bay. Best blue action for us has been toward the front. That being said, I'd recommend Atlantic Highlands. Any of those mentioned will work for you but IMO Leonardo is the least favorable option.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

There are two ramps in Keyport ( Wagner's and Keyport Marina) on Matawan Creek on the north and south side of the Amboy avenue bridge. The bridge that's closed as it is being rebuilt. Be wary of exposed rock and an un reachable floating dock( at low tide) at the Keyport municipal ramp. If the fish are in the back of the bay use Keyport. If they are closer to the knoll off the hook go to Atlantic Highlands.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Thanks for all the input guys. Any chart recommendations for that area?

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

I would recommend Atlantic Highlands over the others.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Keyport is probably my least favorite. Limited parking. Steep(er) ramp. Low tide there is a bit more of a pain if you don't know you're way around.

With your size boat (no disrespect), you should be able to launch at any of those mentioned. Regardless of where you go, bring chocks. All of those ramps can be a bit slippery at low tide.

Atlantic Highlands definitely has the widest ramp - you could launch 7 boats at once there. So if you're newer to the game, that ramp might be easier.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Sewaren for sure! Back bay and river ten minute ride.Fish the TRIANGLE!!!!!Spot burner for sure lol

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

You can get charts at Twin Lights Marina in Highlands and also Mariner Mart in Belford on rt 36

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Thanks for all the information everyone. Hopefully I can make it out on Saturday and have a positive fishing report for everyone!

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Download the Navionics app for your smart phone. I've used its charplotter feature it from Maine to Florida. Best $10 you'll spend this week.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

FYI, I'll never launch from the Keyport Municipal ramp again. I've screwed up 2 props on the rocks at the end of the ramp....enough is enough. the AHMM ramp is so much nicer, well worth the extra time it takes to get to the back bay.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Great, thanks for the advice. It looks like the highlands it is. How careful do I have to be about slipping in the ramp? I've seen some nasty photos of trucks inside of the bay while trying to launch.

Fyi I have a 4x4 jeep.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

Even at low tide Atlantic Highlands is safe. The concrete is ridged for better traction.

Re: Raritan Bay launching suggestions
 

I've never had a problem; F250 4x4 with a 21' 3800lb boat on a tandem axle trailer. But I always use my chocks and lock in the 4 wheel drive.