Premium Inshore Ocean Fishing Within 15 Miles of Shore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing within 15 miles of coastlineBottom fishing and trolling for diverse speciesSmall group charter accommodating up to 6 guests
Picture this: you're cruising just offshore with Captain Babu, the salty breeze hitting your face as you scan the water for bird activity and bait schools. This isn't some deep-sea marathon that'll have you puking over the rail – we're talking about productive inshore waters within 15 miles of the beach where the fish are hungry and the action stays hot. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to put some dinner on the table or a seasoned angler chasing that next trophy photo, this trip delivers the goods without the long run to blue water.
You'll be fishing prime inshore territory where structure meets open water, and that's where the magic happens. We keep groups small at just 6 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn at that hot bite. The beauty of staying within 15 miles means more time with lines wet and less time burning fuel to get there. Captain Babu knows these waters like the back of his hand – every reef, every drop-off, every piece of structure that holds fish. Some days we'll anchor up over productive bottom and let the current do the work, other days we'll be on the move covering water until we find the schools. The fish don't read the script, so we adapt our game plan based on what Mother Nature serves up.
This charter runs two proven techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. Bottom fishing is where we drop down to structure and reef areas, using circle hooks and fresh bait to target everything from sea bass holding tight to the rocks to scup cruising the sandy patches. You'll feel that telltale thump-thump of a fish picking up your offering, then it's game on. Trolling is a completely different beast – we're covering ground with lures or rigged baits, targeting pelagic species like mackerel and little tunny that cruise the water column. The rods stay in holders until something crashes the spread, then whoever's up grabs the bent rod and hangs on. Both methods produce fish, and Captain Babu reads the water to decide which approach gives you the best shot at a full cooler.
Atlantic Mackerel are absolute dynamite on light tackle – these silver bullets show up in schools and when you find them, it's game over. They typically run 12-18 inches and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that'll test your drag settings. Best action usually happens during their spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is their willingness to hit just about anything – small jigs, trolled spoons, even sabiki rigs loaded with tiny hooks. Plus, they're fantastic eating when properly bled and iced.
Scup might not win any beauty contests, but these porgy family members are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. Running anywhere from keeper size at 9 inches up to doormat 14-inchers, they love hanging around structure and won't hesitate to grab a properly presented bait. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower water to spawn. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll want to stay sharp on the hook sets. Many anglers overlook scup, but they're actually one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Little Tunny, also called false albacore, are the speed demons of the inshore scene. These mini-tuna typically weigh 5-15 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making blistering runs and testing every knot in your tackle. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they'll crash trolled lures or live bait with authority. While they're not great table fare, they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line and make for great photos before release.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bunch – aggressive, hard-fighting, and always ready to eat. From smaller "snapper" blues perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll straighten hooks, these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They show up in different sizes throughout the season, with larger fish typically arriving in fall. Fair warning: respect those teeth and bring a good pair of pliers. Fresh bluefish on the grill is hard to beat, just make sure to ice them down immediately.
Black Sea Bass are the prize of the bottom fishing game – chunky, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. These guys love structure and won't give up without a fight, using every rock and crevice to try breaking you off. The season typically runs late spring through early winter, with bigger fish often found in slightly deeper water. They're notorious for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll have your arms burning. At 1-3 pounds average, they're perfect for the dinner table.
Look, there's plenty of charter boats out there, but Captain Babu's focus on productive inshore waters within 15 miles gives you the best of both worlds – variety of species without the long ride to get there. Small groups mean personalized attention and better fishing opportunities for everyone on board. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to feel some serious pulls on your rod, this top-rated inshore experience delivers consistent action. The fish are out there waiting – all you need to do is show up ready to fish and let Captain Babu put you on them. Don't sleep on booking your trip, especially during prime season when these inshore grounds really light up with activity.
Our well-equipped motorboat is built for productive fishing adventures within 15 miles of shore. This comfortable 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need to find and catch fish - GPS navigation keeps you on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish, perfect for both bottom fishing and trolling presentations. You'll appreciate the radar system when morning fog rolls in or weather changes, and the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine services. Whether you're dropping lines for bottom species or pulling lures through the water column, this boat handles both fishing styles with ease. The onboard toilet adds convenience for longer trips, so you can focus on what matters most - hooking into different fish species that call these inshore waters home.
Scomber ScombrusThese sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are one of our most reliable catches during the warmer months. Most mackerel run about a foot long and weigh around 2-4 pounds, traveling in massive schools that can stretch for miles. You'll spot them by their metallic blue-green backs with distinctive wavy black bars. They're incredibly fast swimmers - hitting speeds over 12 mph - which makes for some exciting light tackle action. We find them in open water from late spring through early fall when they move closer to shore. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit small shiny lures, making them perfect for kids and beginners. The meat is rich and oily, packed with omega-3s. Pro tip: when you hook one, get ready to catch more - where there's one mackerel, there's usually hundreds more nearby.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect mix of good eating and solid fighting, making them a favorite target on our bottom fishing trips. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though we regularly see 4-6 pounders around deeper structure. They love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs in 30-100 feet of water from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They'll put up a respectable scrap on medium tackle, making strong runs toward cover. Most productive baits are squid strips, clams, or small jigs worked near bottom. Here's a local secret: when you catch one, work that same spot thoroughly - sea bass are territorial and there's usually more hanging around the same piece of structure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression wrapped in a sleek package - probably the most ferocious predator you'll encounter on our trips. These chrome torpedoes typically run 2-8 pounds, though we see plenty pushing 12-15 pounds during peak season. They roam open water and surf lines from late spring through fall, often creating feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz" where the water looks like it's boiling. What draws people back is their incredible fight - strong initial runs followed by determined head-shaking battles. They're also excellent table fare when properly handled, with flaky white meat that's great grilled or baked. They'll hit almost anything that moves: spoons, poppers, cut bait, even bare hooks sometimes. One important tip: use a wire leader and watch your fingers when unhooking - those razor-sharp teeth can do serious damage even on smaller fish.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore or bonito, are the scrappy cousins of big tuna that'll give you a serious workout. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically weigh 8-15 pounds but can hit 20-plus. You'll recognize them by their dark metallic blue backs with squiggly lines and black fingerprint-like spots behind the gills. They travel in schools through our waters from late spring through fall, preferring the surface around jetties, inlets, and drop-offs. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll make blistering runs and test your drag like few other fish their size. The red meat has a strong flavor that's not for everyone, but they're prized as sport fish. Best approach is trolling small lures or casting to breaking schools. Quick tip: use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as locals call them, are one of the most dependable bottom fish around here. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 8-12 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though bigger ones push 18 inches and 4 pounds. They hang around rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings in 20-60 feet of water from May through October before heading south for winter. What makes them great for families is they're easy to catch and excellent eating - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They've got strong jaws built for crushing shells, so they'll readily take clam, squid, or marine worms on a simple bottom rig. Here's the trick: use a light sinker and keep your bait moving slightly off bottom. Scup are curious and will investigate, but they're also easily spooked by heavy tackle dragging around.
Brigantine, NJ