Belmar Sunset Fishing for Blues & Stripers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sunset bluefish fishing charter on Atlantic Ocean watersAll gear, bait, snacks and beverages included onboardSeasonal trips available September through November only
Picture this: the Atlantic sun painting the sky orange and pink while you're hooked up to a feisty bluefish that's putting up one hell of a fight. That's exactly what you'll get with Canyon Eagle 1's top-rated Belmar charter fishing experience. We're talking about prime fall fishing when the blues are thick and the stripers are making their push south along the Jersey coast. This isn't your typical crowded party boat deal – with just 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Fall fishing in Belmar is something special, and we time these charters to hit the sweet spot when both bluefish and striped bass are feeding heavily before their winter migration. The beauty of our setup is the flexibility – we work around your schedule for departure times because we know the fish don't always follow the textbook. Some days they're biting at first light, other days it's that golden hour before sunset that gets them fired up. Our boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. We've got fresh bait on board, but if you're the type who likes to bring your own lucky lures, we're all for it. The onboard refreshments keep you comfortable – we're talking cold drinks, bottled water, and some snacks to keep your energy up during those hot bite windows. September through November is prime time for this fishery, and honestly, it's when I get most excited about what we're going to find out there.
Inshore fishing along the Belmar coast means we're working everything from the surf line out to about 3 miles offshore, depending on where the bait is holding. We'll be trolling when we need to cover water and find the schools, using a mix of bunker spoons, umbrella rigs, and swimming plugs that drive these fish crazy. Once we mark fish on the finder or see the surface action, we switch to live lining bunker or throwing chunks to keep them interested. The gear we run is medium to heavy spinning tackle and conventional setups – nothing too light because these bluefish will straighten out weak hooks in a heartbeat. Wire leaders are a must with the blues, and we've learned over the years that a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader works great for the stripers when they're being picky. The technique really depends on what the fish are telling us that day. Sometimes they want that bait moving fast, other times a slow drift with fresh chunks is the ticket. That's where having an experienced captain reading the water conditions, current, and fish behavior makes the difference between going home with stories and going home with dinner.
Striped bass are what most anglers dream about when they think Jersey coast fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful when you get them to the boat. Fall is migration time, and we're seeing fish ranging from schoolies up to those memorable 30+ inch keepers that'll give you a workout. Stripers are structure-oriented and love to ambush baitfish around rocks, wrecks, and drop-offs. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictability – one minute they're slamming topwater plugs with explosive strikes, the next they're sitting deep and you need to finesse them with live bait. The bigger fish tend to be more active during low light periods, which is why our sunset timing works so well. These bass are also incredibly strong fighters that use the current to their advantage, making long runs and trying to wrap you up on any structure they can find. When you hook into a quality striper, you know it immediately – that head shake and the way they dig deep is unmistakable.
If stripers are the elegant fighters, bluefish are the brawlers that never know when to quit. These fish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude that shows up the second they hit your bait. Fall brings some of the best bluefish action of the year to Belmar waters, with schools of "snappers" (smaller blues) mixed in with those chunky 3-8 pound "cocktail blues" that are perfect for the dinner table. What I love about targeting blues is their willingness to hit just about anything when they're feeding – metal jigs, soft plastics, live bait, chunks, you name it. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be nonstop. Blues are also one of the best eating fish when they're fresh and handled properly, despite what some people might tell you. The key is bleeding them immediately and keeping them on ice. These fish follow the bait migrations and can show up in massive numbers when conditions are right. Their seasonal pattern along our coast makes September through November prime time, as they're feeding heavily before heading south for winter.
This seasonal fishery doesn't last forever, and the best days book up fast once word gets out about hot fishing. With only 6 spots available per trip, you're getting a world-class charter experience without the circus atmosphere of larger boats. Canyon Eagle 1 has built a reputation on putting customers on fish and making sure everyone has a great time doing it. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone who just wants to experience what Jersey inshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The combination of sunset timing, prime fall fishing, and our flexible approach means you're setting yourself up for one of those days you'll talk about for years. Don't wait until the season's almost over – book your Belmar charter fishing adventure now and get ready to see why so many anglers consider this stretch of the Atlantic their home waters.
Our beautifully restored 42-foot Bertram convertible is your ticket to prime Atlantic fishing grounds off Belmar. Built in 1981 and completely renovated in 2017, this sportfishing machine packs twin 550HP Detroit diesels that'll cruise at 30 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious cockpit comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the flybridge gives you that elevated view for spotting birds and bait schools. Below deck, you'll find air conditioning, a full galley, head, and sleeping quarters for longer trips. The boat comes loaded with serious fishing electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those bluefish schools. There's plenty of cold storage with both an icebox and refrigerator for your catch and refreshments. Whether you're targeting blues at sunset or heading out for a full day on the water, this rig has everything you need for a productive day of fishing the Jersey coast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, typically weighing 3-15 pounds around here. They travel in schools through our coastal waters, especially during our September-November season when they're migrating south. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and fight hard once hooked - they'll make drag-screaming runs that get your heart pumping. The smaller "cocktail blues" are perfect table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use wire leaders or they'll bite through your line in seconds. When you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby, so keep casting to the same area.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, running 20-40 pounds on average with those iconic dark stripes. These powerful fighters love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time here in Belmar, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They put up a serious fight and taste amazing on the table. The meat is sweet, firm, and flaky. My local tip: watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to the feeding schools. When you see that surface action with birds working, get your lines in fast. Stripers won't stay put long once they start chasing bait.
Belmar