Featured Weakfish Guides
Expert captains ready to take you on your next Weakfish adventure.
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in Inshore, Nearshore, Shark Fishing, and Kids Fishing Charters. Based in Ocean Isle Beach NC, but also serving Sunset Beach NC and Holden Beach NC. Veteran-Owned.
Tide Hustle
Greenport, New York
Tide Hustle is an open boat and private charter fishing boat in Greenport, NY. Tide Hustle fishes for porgies, weakfish, striped bass, blackfish and other local fish. You can buy a single ticket or book the whole boat!
Terry Sullivans Guide Service
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
I am a lifelong resident of Ocean County, New Jersey and have been a professional fishing guide for the past ten years. I have been an intense and avid salt-water fisherman for over thirty years. Both of my boats are especially well suited for fly-fishing. In our local waters we are able to catch large striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, fluke, albacore, bonita, spanish mackerel, and a variety of different tuna. As your charter-fishing guide I will also tailor fit our itinerary to target any specific salt-water species that are within our range and season if you desire. Whether it is live-lining bait or enticing them with a custom tied fly, I well do what it takes to put us on the bite. I would enjoy and welcome the opportunity to make your day an enjoyable experience and pleasantly memorable one fishing the rivers, bays and ocean as your personal salt-water fishing guide.
Reel Reaction Sportfishing
Light tackle bay and inshore fishing charters for 1-4 anglers on NJ's Barnegat Bay. Specialize in Barnegat Bay, Inshore and Wreck Fishing. Departures from both LBI and the mainland. Charter fishing for Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Weakfish, Blowfish, Tog, Bonita, Sea Bass, etc. We offer fishing trips from Barnegat Light, New Jersey and Waretown, New Jersey.
Plan a Weakfish Fishing Trip
Find the best times and places to catch Weakfish, and get matched with experienced guides.
Best Time to Catch Weakfish
Peak months for Weakfish fishing across the US.
Best Places to Catch Weakfish
Top 6 cities ranked by guide availability and species data quality.
States Where Weakfish Are Found
Top Locations for Weakfish
Seasonal Activity Chart
Weakfish
The weakfish, also known as squeteague, is a popular inshore gamefish prized for its delicate flavor and exciting fight. Found along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Massachusetts, weakfish inhabit estuaries, bays, and nearshore waters, making them accessible to a wide range of anglers. Their iridescent colors and willingness to strike lures and bait make them a fun and rewarding target, especially on light tackle. Weakfish are known for their soft mouths, hence the name, requiring a delicate touch when setting the hook.
Effective techniques for catching weakfish include drifting live shrimp or squid under a popping cork, casting soft plastic swimbaits or paddletails on light jigheads, and trolling small spoons or tube lures. When using bait, a small circle hook (size 1-2) is recommended to avoid gut-hooking the fish. For lures, a slow, steady retrieve is often most effective. Fly fishing with streamers or small baitfish patterns can also be highly productive, especially in shallow water. A light to medium spinning rod and reel combo spooled with 6-10 pound test line is ideal.
Weakfish fishing is typically best during the spring and fall months, when water temperatures are moderate. During the spring, they migrate into bays and estuaries to spawn, providing excellent fishing opportunities. In the fall, they feed heavily in preparation for winter, making them a reliable target. Look for weakfish around structure such as docks, bridges, and oyster beds, as well as along channel edges and drop-offs. Popular locations for weakfish include Montauk, NY, Point Judith, RI, Cape May, NJ, Ocean City, MD, and Virginia Beach, VA.
If you're new to weakfish fishing, start by targeting areas with known weakfish populations and focusing on low-light conditions, such as early mornings or late evenings. Use a fluorocarbon leader to minimize line visibility and be sure to use a soft touch when setting the hook to avoid tearing their delicate mouths. Pay attention to tidal currents and water clarity, as these factors can significantly impact weakfish activity. Experiment with different baits and lures until you find what the fish are responding to.