Belmar Sunset Bluefish & Striper Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Specialized bluefish fishing charter during peak Atlantic Ocean seasonAll fishing gear and refreshments provided onboard for guestsFlexible sunset departures accommodate individual scheduling preferences
There's nothing quite like watching the sun melt into the Atlantic while you've got a rod bent and your drag screaming. That's exactly what you'll get with Canyon Eagle 1's specialized sunset fishing charter out of Belmar. We're talking prime fall fishing when the blues and stripers are feeding heavy before winter, and the bite gets hot right as the day starts winding down. This isn't your typical day trip – we time it perfectly so you're out there during the magic hour when fish are actively hunting and the ocean puts on a show you won't forget.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish where the action's happening. We keep groups small at just 6 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to work and personalized attention when you need it. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need – though feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. We'll have fresh bait ready to go, but if you prefer throwing lures, that works too. The fall bite means these fish are aggressive and looking to pack on weight, so you're fishing during one of the hottest times of year. Don't worry about getting hungry or thirsty out there – we stock the cooler with cold drinks, water, and some snacks to keep you going. The flexible departure times mean we can work around your schedule, whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in before heading out.
September through November is bluefish and striper season along the Jersey coast, and we fish them differently depending on what we're seeing. For blues, we'll often run fresh bunker or mackerel on circle hooks, letting them run before setting up. These fish hit hard and fight dirty, so expect some drag-peeling runs. When the stripers are around, we might switch to live eels at dusk or work plugs and metals if they're busting bait on the surface. The inshore waters off Belmar hold structure and baitfish that draw both species in close, so we're not burning fuel running way offshore. Your captain reads the water constantly – watching for birds, bait, and temperature breaks that signal where the fish are stacked up. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait to ensure solid hooksets and easy releases. If you're new to saltwater fishing, don't sweat it – we'll get you dialed in on technique and help with everything from bait presentation to fighting fish properly.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and Belmar's fall run delivers some fantastic opportunities. These fish range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. Stripers are smart, structure-oriented fish that love to ambush baitfish around rocks, wrecks, and drop-offs. They're most active in low-light conditions, which makes sunset trips absolutely prime time. What makes them special is their fight – they're strong, stubborn fish that use their broad sides to pull hard and make multiple runs. The meat's excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste great grilled or baked. October and November are peak months when the big breeders are moving south along the coast.
Bluefish are pure aggression on fins, and the fall run brings some of the biggest, hungriest blues of the year. These fish typically run 2-10 pounds inshore, though occasional gator blues over 15 pounds show up to make your day. Blues are voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match – they hit baits savagely and fight with non-stop energy. When a school of blues moves through, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups at once. They're incredibly fun on light tackle, making screaming runs and pulling with surprising power for their size. The key with blues is fresh bait and sharp hooks – they'll shred your tackle if you're not prepared. September through November is when they're feeding heavily before heading south, making them prime targets for sunset charters.
This seasonal charter runs September 1st through November 30th, which means you're fishing during the absolute best time for both species. The fall migration brings consistent action, cooler temperatures, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you'll see all year. With only 6 spots available per trip and flexible scheduling, these charters book up fast once word gets out about the bite. Canyon Eagle 1 has the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish when others are struggling, plus the gear and setup to make sure you're comfortable and successful on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started in saltwater fishing, this sunset charter delivers the perfect combination of great fishing and spectacular scenery that keeps people coming back season after season.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 42-foot Bertram convertible, a classic fishing machine that's been brought back to life with twin 550HP Detroit engines. This boat cuts through Belmar waters at 30 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds and baitfish, while our fish finder helps locate those autumn bluefish schools. Below deck, you'll find air conditioning for hot September days, a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a private head. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With GPS and radar onboard, we can fish safely in any conditions. Our multimedia system provides entertainment during longer runs offshore. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, this boat combines old-school fishing boat reliability with modern comfort. Whether you're casting from the cockpit or trolling from the outriggers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water and land those hard-fighting bluefish that make Belmar famous.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a scrappy fight pound for pound. Most range 3-10 pounds, with some pushing 15+ pounds. They travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that are exciting to witness. We find them in open water, around structure, and often right in the surf during our September through November season. What guests love about blues is their willingness to hit lures and their strong initial runs. They're also great table fare when handled properly - the smaller ones have mild, flaky meat. Just be careful of those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them. Local trick: when you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby. Work the area thoroughly with spoons or poppers, and you'll often limit out quickly. They're fantastic fish for beginners too.
Morone SaxatilisThese iconic fish with their distinctive black stripes are what many anglers dream about. Most stripers we catch range from 20-40 pounds, though they can push 50+ pounds. They're structure-oriented, so we find them around jetties, drop-offs, and along the surf line. Spring through fall offers the best action here in Belmar, especially during their migration when they're actively feeding. What makes stripers special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: watch for diving birds and baitfish activity on the surface. When you see that commotion, there's likely stripers feeding underneath. We'll position over those spots and drop live bait or work lures through the school.
Belmar