Premium Inshore Trolling for Striped Bass & Tuna
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Striped Bass, Tuna, Bluefish, and Bonito speciesProfessional crew provides guidance for all experience levelsSixperson capacity ensures personalized fishing attention
Ready to spend a day on the water chasing some of the most sought-after fish species around? This inshore and midshore trolling trip with Aquila Sportfishing puts you right in the action, targeting everything from hard-fighting Striped Bass to lightning-fast Bluefish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of fishing day that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With room for up to 6 guests, you'll get personalized attention from an experienced captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a full-day adventure that combines the best of inshore and midshore trolling techniques. You'll start your morning meeting the crew who'll set the tone for a relaxed but productive day on the water. The boat heads out to prime fishing grounds where the captain uses years of local knowledge to put you on fish. Don't worry about bringing gear or knowing complicated techniques – everything you need is provided, and the crew handles all the setup. Your job is simple: hang on when something hits your line. The intimate group size means everyone gets plenty of chances to fish, and there's always someone nearby to help land that fish of a lifetime. Between the trolling action and the camaraderie on deck, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the rhythm of the day.
Trolling is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right speed and depth to trigger strikes from predatory fish. The crew rigs multiple lines with proven lures and baits, adjusting everything based on current conditions and what the fish are hitting. You'll see umbrella rigs, tube lures, and spoons working their magic as the boat moves through productive areas. The captain reads the electronics, watching for bait schools and temperature breaks that hold fish. When you're trolling inshore, you're working structure like drop-offs and current edges. Move to midshore waters, and you're targeting deeper structure and temperature gradients where larger predators cruise. The beauty of this setup is that while the crew handles the technical stuff, you get to focus on the fight when fish hit. Lines go off with that distinctive zing of the drag, and suddenly everyone's alert and ready to get that fish to the boat.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These powerful fish can range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds. Stripers are structure-oriented and feed heavily on baitfish, making them perfect targets for trolling presentations. Spring and fall migrations offer some of the best action, when massive schools move through the area. What makes Stripers so special is their fight – they'll make long runs, dive deep, and test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Albacore Tuna bring a completely different energy to the trip. These speedsters can hit 40 mph and will take you straight into your backing if you're not ready. Albies typically show up in warmer months, often feeding in schools that create visible surface action. They're smaller than their Bluefin cousins, usually running 10-20 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. The crew knows how to spot the telltale signs of feeding tuna, and when you hook into one, you'll understand why tuna fishing is so addictive.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bunch – aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These toothy predators hit lures with authority and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Blues travel in schools and can range from snapper size up to chopper blues over 10 pounds. They're active throughout much of the season and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky. Their razor-sharp teeth and strong jaws make them a handful, but that's exactly what makes landing one so satisfying.
Atlantic Bonito round out the target species list with their incredible speed and acrobatic fights. These smaller tunas are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies that can reach impressive velocities. Bonito often travel with other pelagic species and provide fantastic light-tackle action. They typically show up during warmer months and can be found anywhere from inshore waters to well offshore. Their distinctive stripes and beautiful coloration make them one of the most attractive catches you'll encounter.
This world-class trolling experience combines proven techniques, experienced crew, and prime fishing grounds into one customer favorite package. You'll walk away with new fishing knowledge, great stories, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish. The crew's commitment to making sure everyone has a good time – regardless of experience level – sets this trip apart from other charters. With only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to learn new waters, this is the kind of trip that delivers memories along with the fish. Ready to get your lines wet? Book your spot and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even reach the dock.
Thunnus AlalungaThese bullet-shaped fish are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds. You'll find them in deeper offshore waters where they travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. They're constant swimmers - never stopping due to their need for oxygen. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes albacore special is they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" - firm, mild, and delicious. They hit hard and fight strong on lighter tackle. Pro tip: when you hook that first fish, work fast - if it gets away, it'll spook the whole school and you'll lose your shot at the rest of them.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that look like small tuna with dark stripes running down their silver sides. These 8-12 pound rockets can hit 40 mph and travel in huge schools of hundreds. You'll spot them in mid-water offshore, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They show up when water hits the 60s and stay through warm weather. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign of a feeding school. Once you find them, they're not picky and will hit almost any fast-moving lure. The fight is wild for their size, with blistering runs and jumps. While not great table fare here, they make excellent bait for bigger game. Key tip: work the school quickly before they sound.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that show up in summer and stick around through fall. These gray-green fish with razor-sharp teeth average 5-15 pounds but can hit 20-plus. You'll find them in bays, along surf beaches, and around structure where they hunt baitfish in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. They're famous for their "blitz" attacks on schools of bait near shore. Blues fight hard and are great for beginners, but handle with care - those teeth mean business. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids in late summer. When you see birds diving and water boiling, that's your cue. Fresh blues taste best when bled immediately and kept cold, especially the smaller ones under 10 pounds.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the ultimate inshore game fish - those distinctive black stripes make them unmistakable. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't rare. These structure-loving fish hang around drop-offs, rocky points, and bridge pilings from spring through fall. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're smart and can be picky about what they'll hit. What guests love most is their strong, determined fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They migrate up and down the coast following bait and temperature, so timing matters. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. My go-to tip: match your bait to whatever they're feeding on locally.
Beach Haven, NJ