The Dock Outfitters

Note: this review comes without fully utilizing the all of services. Located on the bayside of Seaside Heights, nestled just off the bridge, this spot is super convenient and has a lovely view, without any of the MTV types. Today was our Third Annual Crab Trek to the The Dock, and it couldn’t have been a better day. I’m told the Dock itself has been rebuilt since Sandy — it’s solid and large enough to hold about 100 people, I’d imagine. Best part — it’s totally free to crab and fish off the dock; it’s comforting, especially with a couple of kids in tow, to have the bait shop and restaurant right there (read bathroom). Folks — the employees as well as those who use the dock — are friendly in that New Jersey «I’ve got someplace else to go, so make this quick» kind of a way (that’s a compliment — I appreciate the «howdies» and «how they bitin’?» chitchat and friendly faces, but I’m glad that we can all get back to our own business in short order, too).
Bait and breakfast seem to be fundamentally at odds (I’ve always wondered if there are separate freezers for fish food and human food), but locals, and former locals (like me) know you cannot go wrong at a place like this. Food is gloriously basic, and affordable. Service is quick, everything is decent; Bön Jovi tunes play in the background.
The establishment also runs a boat/​pontoon/​jet ski rental service that looks inviting, but we haven’t tried it. They do a good business — we arrived at 9 today just as two of the pontoons were headed out for a tour. Jet skis zipped around the bay (I’m not sure how this affects the sea creatures, but it’s nice to have activities, too).
We had a lot of crabs today; unfortunately all but 3 were (WAY) too small. But they’ll grow up soon enough, I imagine.

Kinda confusing to get to if not from the area even if you have a navi. First visit and first pontoon rental for relaxing n fishing with friends. You don’t need a boat license, it’s like driving a car. Price was decent, can check actual time, because it might differ from the site. I got $ 100 off bevause i was also going to bring fishing gear. They gave me a less «luxurious» pontoon, it was still great and not «ghetto». Staff was very polite and explained clearly what i needed even tho customers waiting behind me. They offer fishing equipment for sale and rental. Mini restaurant also there, make sure to eat before you get on a boat or take some food.
They got half day which is like 4hours and also full day that starts around 8. They also have a dock which is free to catch fish or crabs if you don’t like boats.
Check out their site or utube vid, seems outdated but to get an idea. I went couple hours ahead to reserve a pontoon for 5. Just my recommendation if u can wake up early rent the full day because halfday seems short.
Oh they also got jetski rentals but have no clue on time n price.
I think it’s the closest from boardwalk by car.

So I’m from «the» Jersey Shore. Ah yes, the land of Snooki, fist pumping, and guidos/​guidettes. For years, I made fun of «bennies» (the northern Jersey Shore’s version of shoebies, for you Philly peeps). But after 11 years of living in the Philly area, I realized that I AM a bennie! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!
So when I’m home, I try to visit as many local, hole-​in-​the-​wall, non-​touristy places as I can. You know, to try and get some more of that saltwater running through my veins.
Luckily, my sister and her boyfriend are locals and they introduced me to this interesting little spot to grab a bite to eat– The Dock Outfitters. Why is it interesting? Because this is a bait shop/​café. Weird huh? BUT the food is cheap, gets out fast, tastes pretty good, and you have this ridiculous view of the water that you’d pay 4x more for elsewhere.
Aside from the food, they offer a wide variety of fishing supplies and they also have some watersports (jetskis) rentals. I’d definitely check it out as a place to stop and get some food before spending the day out on the water.