Fishing Charters Belmar - Canyon Eagle 1
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters target fluke, sea bass, and stripersSmall group trips accommodate up to 6 guests maximumSeasonal rates start at $10 per person in October
Looking for a solid fishing charter out of Belmar that won't break the bank? Canyon Eagle 1 Fishing Charters has been putting anglers on fish for years, and their offshore trips deliver exactly what you're hoping for - bent rods and coolers full of keeper fish. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, from the inshore structure where fluke hang out to the deeper offshore spots where the big stripers cruise during their fall migration. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll get personalized attention without feeling crowded on deck. These aren't cattle boat trips - you're fishing with a small group that actually gets to fish, not just watch other people cast.
Your day starts early at Belmar Marina, where Captain will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting. The boat heads out through Shark River Inlet, and depending on the season, you might be targeting fluke on the nearshore wrecks and structure, or running further offshore for sea bass and the legendary striper fall run. The fishing changes with the calendar - right now through September 27th, fluke are the main target, with some nice doormats still being pulled up from their summer haunts. Come October 1st, the focus shifts to sea bass at an unbeatable $10 per person rate, and by November, when the water cools down and the bass fishing really heats up, you're looking at just $15 per person. That's about as good as it gets for quality offshore fishing. The boat carries all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear for fluke to heavier conventional setups for the bigger stripers. Bring your own if you prefer, but their gear is well-maintained and suitable for everything swimming out there.
Canyon Eagle 1 runs a versatile operation that adapts to what's working on any given day. For fluke, expect to be drifting over structure with bucktails and gulp baits, or maybe bouncing some live killies if the bite is tough. The captain knows every wreck, reef, and piece of structure from the beach out to 20+ miles, and he's not shy about moving if the fish aren't cooperating. When sea bass season kicks in, you'll be dropping down on the wrecks with hi-lo rigs loaded with clams or squid - these fish stack up thick on the structure, and when you find them, it's game on. The fall striper run is a different beast entirely. These fish are moving south in big schools, feeding heavily before winter, and when you intercept them, it's some of the best fishing of the year. Expect to troll tube and worm, cast plugs to breaking fish, or even live line bunker if the big girls are around. The boat carries a fish finder and GPS that'll put you right on top of the structure, and the crew knows how to read the signs - bird activity, bait schools, water color changes - that separate a good day from a great one.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey offshore fishing, especially during the fall run that peaks in early October. These fish range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds, and they're here in serious numbers as they migrate south from New England waters. Stripers are aggressive feeders during this time, gorging on bunker, herring, and anything else they can fit in their mouths. What makes them so exciting is their fight - they'll make long runs, pull drag, and give you a workout on medium tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few within regulations.
Southern Flounder, or summer fluke as most locals call them, are available through September and represent some of the best light tackle fishing you'll find. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, waiting to hammer baitfish that swim overhead. A good fluke will go 3-5 pounds, with doormat fish over 8 pounds always a possibility. They fight with a distinctive head-shaking action that'll test your drag, and their white, flaky meat is about as good as it gets for table fare.
Bluefish are the workhorses of the offshore scene, available most of the season and always ready to bite. These aggressive predators travel in schools and will absolutely demolish anything you put in front of them. Blues range from snapper size up to gator blues over 15 pounds, and while they might not be the most challenging fight, they make up for it with sheer enthusiasm. They're oily fish that are best prepared fresh, and they make excellent bait for bigger predators when whole fish aren't biting artificials.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of late fall fishing, and at $10-15 per person starting in October, they represent incredible value. These bottom dwellers stack up on wrecks and hard structure in impressive numbers, and once you find a good school, you can load the cooler quickly. Sea bass are excellent eating with firm, white meat, and they're one of the more reliable species when weather limits your offshore options. They typically run 1-3 pounds, with bigger fish always mixed in, and they're aggressive enough that even novice anglers will get plenty of action.
Canyon Eagle 1 Fishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want - access to quality fishing at fair prices with a crew that knows how to find fish. Whether you're chasing the last of the summer fluke, gearing up for the affordable sea bass action starting October 1st, or planning to hit the striper fall run in early October, this is your chance to get on some of the best fishing Belmar has to offer. With only 6 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. The pricing structure makes it easy to fish multiple times without breaking the
Our restored 42-foot Bertram convertible cuts through the Atlantic waters off Belmar with twin 550HP Detroit engines pushing us to the fishing grounds at 30 knots. This classic 1981 sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2017 and handles offshore conditions like a champ. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility to spot bird action and baitfish while our fish finder pinpoints the hotspots below. When you need a break from fighting fish, duck into the air-conditioned cabin where you'll find a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and a head. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during long days chasing fluke through September, then sea bass and stripers when fall fishing heats up. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without getting tangled up. GPS and radar keep us on course whether we're running to the rocks or heading home in the fog.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom dwellers are bread-and-butter fish around our local wrecks and rocky structure. Most run 1-4 pounds with some bigger males pushing 6-8 pounds in deeper water. They've got a strong initial fight before settling down, and they're hands-down some of the best eating fish we catch - firm, white, sweet meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them from late spring through fall around jetties, wrecks, and anywhere there's hard bottom in 30-120 feet of water. They're not picky eaters, going for squid, clams, or cut bait on a simple two-hook rig. What guests love is the consistent action - where there's one, there's usually more. My advice: drop your rig right to the bottom and give it a slight bounce. They'll grab it and head straight for the rocks, so be ready to turn them quick.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for action-packed trips. Most range 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools, feeding heavily on bunker, anchovies, and whatever baitfish are around. You'll find them from spring through fall in our local waters - surf, jetties, and open ocean. When they're feeding, it's pure chaos with fish jumping and water churning everywhere. They fight hard and are great eating when fresh, especially the smaller "cocktail blues." The bite can turn on fast, so always be ready. Here's the key: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in seconds. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat fighters are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we see some pushing 8-10 pounds on good days. They're perfect for bottom fishing in our shallow bays, channels, and around structure where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they're finicky biters and excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Plus, watching a "doormat" flounder come up flat against the surface always gets people excited. Pro tip: use a slow drift and let your bait sit still on bottom - they like to study it before committing.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our fall run here in Belmar. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds and put up one hell of a fight with their strong shoulders and stamina. You'll find them moving through our waters from late September through November as they migrate south, feeding heavily on bunker and herring. They love structure - wrecks, jetties, and drop-offs where baitfish get pinned. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them perfect for the dinner table. Early October gives you the best shot when they're actively feeding before the cold sets in. My tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the bait is stacked up, and that's where you'll find the bass feeding underneath.
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