Belmar Full Day Private Blackfish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour private charter targeting blackfish and multiple speciesCaptain Matt guides groups up to 6 anglers maximumEarly 6 AM departure with full catch keeping privileges
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing off the Jersey coast, this 8-hour private charter with Captain Matt delivers exactly what you're after. Starting at 6:00 AM sharp, you and up to five buddies will have the entire boat to yourselves as you target some of the most sought-after species in these waters. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a full day commitment to putting fish in the box, with plenty of time to work different spots and techniques until you find what's biting.
Captain Matt knows these Belmar waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the moment you clear the inlet. The early morning departure gives you the advantage of hitting the grounds when the fish are most active, plus you'll beat the weekend crowds to the best spots. With six anglers max, there's plenty of room to spread out along the rails without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The boat's equipped with everything you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. Captain Matt will put you on structure where blackfish love to hang out, but don't be surprised if you hook into stripers, sea bass, or even something bigger cruising through the area.
Blackfish fishing is all about finesse and knowing the bottom structure. Captain Matt will rig you up with the right tackle – typically medium to heavy conventional setups with enough weight to hold bottom in the current. You'll be using green crabs, white leggers, and sometimes clams depending on what the fish are showing a preference for that day. The key is feeling the bite through your rod tip and setting the hook at just the right moment. These fish have serious teeth and know how to use structure to their advantage, so you'll need to muscle them up quickly once you get a solid hookset. The captain will move the boat to different wrecks, rock piles, and structure throughout the day, giving you shots at different schools and species as conditions change.
Atlantic Cod are the heavyweight champions of this charter, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 20-30 pounds in these waters, and they fight hard all the way to the boat. Fall and winter are prime time for cod, when they move in closer to shore and stack up on the wrecks. What makes cod so exciting is their unpredictability – you might catch a few small ones, then suddenly your rod doubles over with a true trophy fish that'll have you cranking for several minutes.
Thresher Sharks are the wildcards that can make your entire day in seconds flat. These apex predators show up when you least expect them, often while you're targeting bottom fish. Their distinctive long tail fin makes up nearly half their body length, and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish. When a thresher takes your bait, get ready for a fight that can last 20-30 minutes or more. They're acrobatic fighters that will test your tackle and your endurance, making them one of the most prized catches in these waters.
Tautog, also known as blackfish, are the bread and butter of this charter and the reason you're out here. These fish are masters of structure, living in the nooks and crannies of wrecks, rocks, and reefs. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they're incredibly strong and will try to wrap your line around anything they can find. What anglers love about tautog is the challenge – they're finicky biters that require skill and patience to hook consistently. Plus, they're fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Black Sea Bass are the most cooperative species you'll encounter, often biting aggressively once you find a school. These fish travel in groups and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they wise up or move on. They're excellent fighters for their size, with sharp spines and a tendency to dive straight for the bottom when hooked. Sea bass are also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the feast afterward.
This full day private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace with your own crew, making it perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Captain Matt's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish has made this one of the top-rated charters running out of Belmar. With just six spots available, you'll have plenty of space to fish comfortably and the captain's full attention throughout the day. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or chase that trophy fish you've been dreaming about, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This 43' Egg Harbor is built for serious fishing adventures off Belmar's coast. With twin 450HP engines, she cuts through the water smoothly to get you to the best blackfish spots without wasting time. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines without bumping elbows, while the flybridge offers great visibility for spotting structure and working birds. Captain Matt keeps this boat loaded with the right gear - fish finder to mark the bottom structure where tautog hide, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a solid icebox to keep your catch fresh. When you need a break from the action, there's AC to cool off, a full kitchen for meal prep, and even a bed if someone needs to rest up. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and the multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the longer runs to offshore spots. Whether you're targeting blackfish around the wrecks or chasing stripers along the beach, this Egg Harbor handles Jersey waters like a champ. She's got the power to get you out to the productive grounds and the comfort to make those long 8-hour days on the water enjoyable for the whole crew.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are easily spotted by their distinctive barbel under the chin and white lateral lines running down each side. Most run 2-4 feet and weigh up to 88 pounds, though we've seen some real monsters over the years. They hang around rocky and sandy bottoms, usually 500-600 feet deep off our coast. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're spawning. What makes cod special is their incredible table fare - that flaky, mild white meat is tough to beat. They'll hit squid strips, clams, and chrome jigs pretty readily. Here's a local trick: when you're fishing the deeper wrecks, use a 16oz sinker and fish right on bottom. They're not flashy fighters, but landing a nice cod makes for a great day and better dinner.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky fighters that love hanging around structure during our summer season. Most run under 4 pounds, but the big males can push 8+ pounds and develop that bright blue color with a distinctive hump on their heads during spawning. You'll find them on wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in less than 120 feet of water from late spring through summer. What guests enjoy is their scrappy fight until they break the surface, plus they're outstanding table fare. They'll hit squid strips, clams, and small jigs pretty readily. These fish are born female and change to male as they grow, which is pretty unique. My go-to technique is a simple two-hook rig with squid strips fished right on the bottom around structure. They're aggressive feeders, so once you find them, you can usually load the cooler.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish as we call them locally, are the bulldozers of the wreck world. These stout, mottled fish average 1-3 pounds but can push 28 pounds on the big wrecks. They live right in the structure - jetties, rocky outcrops, and boulder fields where their thick, slimy skin protects them from getting cut up. Spring through fall is prime season, especially April through August when they're spawning and super territorial. What makes tautog fishing addictive is the challenge - they've got crusher teeth that can snap your line in a heartbeat, and they know every hiding spot on the wreck. Green crabs are your best bet for bait. Pro tip: crush up some crab shells and legs, let the scent drift down to create a feeding frenzy, then drop your bait right into the mix.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for that massive tail that's as long as their body. These blue-grey predators average around 16 feet and 500 pounds, but can hit 20 feet. They cruise the open ocean 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2100 feet, preferring water temps around 60-70°F. Late spring through fall is your best shot at hooking one. What guests love about threshers is the raw power - they'll burst to 30 mph and sometimes leap clean out of the water. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so use strong 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. My tip: troll mackerel or sardines around 25-50 feet deep near bait balls. When you hook one, hang on tight - it's going to be a battle you won't forget.
Point Pleasant Beach