Inshore Fluke & Seabass Combo - Neptune, NJ
Want to get into some serious flatfish action without breaking the bank or burning a whole day? This inshore combo trip out of Shark River Inlet is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking prime fluke waters where doormats cruise the sandy bottom, plus the chance to load up on tasty seabass when the bite's hot. Captain runs a tight ship with all the gear you need, so whether you're bringing the kids for their first keeper or you're a seasoned stick looking to put some quality fish in the cooler, this trip delivers every time.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet up at Total Marine in Seaview, Neptune - right there at the Shark River Inlet where the real fishing begins. The boat maxes out at six anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. No cattle boat nonsense here. We head out into some of the most productive inshore waters along the Jersey coast, where structure meets sand and the fish stack up thick. The captain knows every wreck, every piece of structure, and every drift that holds fish. All your rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait come with the trip, so you can travel light and fish heavy. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to bend some rods.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
This is classic Jersey inshore fishing at its finest. For fluke, we're talking drift fishing with bucktails tipped with squid strips or gulp baits, working the bottom structure where these ambush predators lay in wait. The captain sets up the drifts perfectly, reading the current and wind to keep you in the strike zone. When we switch gears for seabass, it's all about finding the right structure - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom where these scrappy fighters congregate. High-low rigs with clams or squid work like magic, and you'll feel that distinctive thump when a quality seabass grabs your bait. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat. They'll even clean your catch at the end of the trip, so you go home with fillets ready for the dinner table.
Target Species Breakdown
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them in Jersey, are the main event here. These flatfish are pure eating machines that can grow massive - we're talking fish pushing 8-10 pounds that locals call "doormats" for good reason. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, with peak action happening in summer when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. Fluke are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, waiting to crush anything that swims by. What makes them so exciting to catch is that explosive strike followed by that bulldogging fight as they try to get back to the bottom. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh fluke fillets on the grill - sweet, white meat that melts in your mouth.
Black seabass round out this combo perfectly, and they're some of the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound in these waters. These chunky bottom dwellers love structure - wrecks, rocks, and reefs where they can ambush crabs and smaller baitfish. Seabass season typically runs from late spring through fall, with summer offering the most consistent action. They hit hard and fight dirty, using every piece of structure they can find to break you off. A quality seabass will run 2-4 pounds, but the real bruisers can push 6 pounds or more. They're fantastic eating too - firm, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a classic shore dinner. The bonus is that seabass are usually pretty cooperative, so when you find a school, you can really load the cooler.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated inshore combo gives you the best of both worlds - trophy fluke potential and steady seabass action, all in the productive waters around Shark River Inlet. With only six spots available per trip, this customer favorite books up fast, especially during peak season. The captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and with all gear and bait included, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're after that personal best doormat or just want to fill the cooler with quality eating fish, this world-class inshore experience delivers every time. Don't sleep on this one - book your spot now and get ready to see why Jersey's inshore fishing scene is the best on the East Coast.