5.0(7 Reviews)Belmar Fishing Charters | 7 Hour Charter Trip
5.0(7 reviews)
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
7hour inshore fishing aboard spacious 90foot Lydia vesselAccommodates up to 70 anglers with experienced Captain Cal 2Modern navigation equipment ensures safe Atlantic fishing experience
When you're looking for serious fishing action off the Jersey Shore, Captain Cal 2 Charters delivers the goods. Based out of Belmar, this operation runs their impressive 90-foot vessel Lydia, giving up to 70 anglers plenty of room to spread out and work the waters. With seven solid hours on the water, you'll have time to dial in on multiple species and really get into the rhythm of productive fishing. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're committed to putting you on fish while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming for everyone aboard.
The Lydia isn't your average charter boat – this 90-footer gives you the stability and space that makes all the difference when you're spending a full day fishing. You'll find plenty of rail space to claim your spot without feeling crowded, plus sheltered areas when you need a break from the elements. The boat's equipped with professional-grade navigation and fish-finding electronics, so the captain can put you right where the action is happening. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone just getting started with saltwater fishing, the crew creates an environment where everyone can succeed. They'll help with rigging, offer tips on technique, and make sure you're positioned to make the most of every opportunity.
Inshore fishing around Belmar means adapting your approach based on what's biting and where they're holding. The crew typically runs a combination of bottom fishing and drift techniques, depending on conditions and target species. You'll be working with standard tackle – spinning reels loaded with braided line, circle hooks, and a variety of sinker weights to match the current and depth. Bait selection varies throughout the day, from squid strips and sea worms to fresh bunker chunks when the bigger fish are prowling. The captain reads the water constantly, moving between productive spots and adjusting tactics as conditions change. Structure fishing plays a big role here – working over wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where fish congregate to feed.
"I have been to Belmar several times, but this is the first time I have boarded the Captain Cal 2 ship and it was truly incredible." - Beso
"Everyone caught enough fish and the service was top quality. Guys have to get on this boat too and you won't regret it, from now on this is going to be my favorite boat. Thank you Captain Cal 2, it was an excellent trip" - Christian
"Andrew and Chris were awesome, kept positive energy flowing during times when the action was low. Overall, awesome time and looking forward to coming back." - Rome
Summer Flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the crown jewel of Belmar's inshore fishery. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom and wait for baitfish to swim overhead. Peak season runs from May through October, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Fluke are notorious for their light bite – you'll feel more of a weight on your line than an aggressive strike. They're prized not just for their fighting ability but for their excellent table fare. A keeper fluke puts up a respectable fight, using that broad, flat body to create maximum resistance as you bring it to the surface.
Scup, commonly known as porgy, are abundant throughout the summer months and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These silver-sided fish travel in schools and once you locate them, the action can be fast and furious. They're aggressive feeders with sharp teeth, so they'll readily hit small pieces of squid, marine worms, or even small jigs. Scup average 8-12 inches but larger specimens push 15 inches and provide surprisingly strong fights for their size. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers looking to fill the cooler with quality fish.
Black Sea Bass are structure-oriented fighters that inhabit wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom throughout the region. These fish are territorial and aggressive, making them exciting targets for both bait fishermen and those working jigs. They have a distinctive appearance with their mottled dark coloration and prominent dorsal spines. Sea bass bite best during slack tide periods when they're actively feeding around their preferred habitat. The season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from keeper size around 15 inches up to trophy specimens exceeding 20 inches. Their firm, white meat makes them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
Tautog, or blackfish as they're locally known, are the bulldozers of the inshore waters. These powerful fish live around hard structure and are notorious for their ability to break lines and straighten hooks with their incredible strength. Tautog fishing requires patience and finesse – they're selective feeders that prefer green crabs, Asian shore crabs, and other crustaceans. The bite is often subtle, feeling more like a gentle tapping than an aggressive strike. Once hooked, they immediately try to reach the safety of their rocky homes, making for intense battles in close quarters. Fall is prime time for tautog fishing when they're feeding heavily in preparation for winter. A quality blackfish is a true trophy, with fish over five pounds considered exceptional catches.
Seven hours with Captain Cal 2 Charters gives you the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The combination of the Lydia's capabilities, the crew's local knowledge, and Belmar's productive waters creates the perfect setup for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're targeting a specific species or just want to see what's biting, this charter provides the platform and expertise to make it happen. The boat fills up regularly, especially during peak season, so securing your spot
Ready to land some serious fish? The 90-foot Lydia with Captain Cal 2 is your ticket to productive waters off Belmar. This well-built motorboat handles up to 70 anglers with plenty of deck space to cast your lines and fight those fish properly. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy morning runs, and fish finder technology to locate where the action is happening. You'll appreciate the onboard restroom during those long 7-hour trips, plus sheltered areas when you need a break from the sun. Captain Cal 2 keeps this vessel in top shape and knows these local waters inside and out. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting started with saltwater fishing, the Lydia provides a stable platform to work from. The spacious layout means you won't be bumping elbows with other anglers, and the modern navigation equipment gets you to the fishing grounds safely and back to port when the day is done.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are silver-scaled fighters that show up in good numbers from May through October when the water warms up. They average 1-2 pounds but can reach 4 pounds and 18 inches. You'll find them around rocks, pilings, and structure where they crush shells with their strong jaws. While they're not huge, they're scrappy little fighters that'll bend your rod. Great eating too - firm white meat that's perfect for the table. Most folks catch them while targeting other species, but they're worth going after. Here's the thing about scup: use small hooks and light tackle. They have tiny mouths, so downsize your gear and you'll hook up way more often than with heavy bottom rigs.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, also called blackfish, are the bulldogs of inshore fishing. These thick, powerful fish live tight to structure - rocks, jetties, and wrecks - where they crush crabs and mussels with crusher teeth. They average 2-4 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds and live 40 years. Peak season is April through June and again in fall. What makes them special is that dogged fight and their challenge - they're smart, structure-hugging fish that'll test your tackle and patience. Excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Green crabs are the gold standard for bait. Here's my secret: crush up some crab shells and drop the pieces around your spot first. Creates a feeding zone that draws them in before you start fishing.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that love structure. They run 1-4 pounds typically, but can reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water from late spring through summer. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a hump on their head. They hit hard and fight all the way to the boat, making them a favorite for both kids and experienced anglers. Great table fare with firm white meat. The cool thing is they're born female and change to male as they grow. My tip: when you're fishing structure for them, drop your sinker to the bottom, then reel up two cranks. Keeps you out of the rocks but still in the strike zone.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are the "chameleons of the sea" - they'll change color to match whatever bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Best fishing is September through November when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is that fight - they'll pull hard and try to get back to the bottom. Plus, they're fantastic eating. Pro tip: when you feel that tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounders grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around in their mouth. Rush it and you'll pull the bait right out.
5.0 out of 5.0I have been to Belmar several times, but this is the first time I have boarded the Captain Cal 2 ship and it was truly incredible.
Everyone caught enough fish and the service was top quality. Guys have to get on this boat too and you won’t regret it, from now o...
Andrew and Chris were awesome, kept positive energy flowing during times when the action was low. Overall, awesome time and looki...
Had a great day on the water! The crew was friendly and helpful and we caught fish! What more could you ask for?
I highly recommend this trip! All time fav..
Had a great day on the water! The crew was friendly and helpful and we caught fish! What more could you ask for?
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