Ocean Bottom Fishing with Get Hooked Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Bottom fishing targets seabass, tautog, triggerfish, flounder, and sharksAll equipment including rods, bait, tackle, and ice providedSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests
When you're looking for variety and action on the water, ocean bottom fishing delivers every single time. Get Hooked Fishing Charters takes you out to the deep water structure where anything can grab your line - from chunky seabass to hard-fighting tautog, colorful triggerfish, dinner-plate flounders, and even the occasional shark that'll get your heart pumping. This customer favorite trip keeps things exciting because you truly never know what's going to come up from the depths next.
We're heading offshore to fish the productive bottom structure where the big fish hang out. This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The beauty of bottom fishing is the surprise factor - one minute you're cranking up a solid black sea bass, the next you might be battling a feisty tautog trying to wrap you around the wreck. Weather plays a big role in where we can fish safely, but when conditions line up, we'll put you on the spots that consistently produce quality fish. All your gear is covered - rods rigged and ready, fresh bait, tackle boxes stocked with everything we need, and ice to keep your catch fresh for the ride home. You just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day.
Bottom fishing is all about reading the structure and presenting your bait right where the fish are feeding. We'll be using conventional tackle with enough weight to get your baits down to the bottom and hold them in place despite the current. Circle hooks are the name of the game here - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth for better survival rates and easier releases. The key is feeling that subtle tap-tap-tap on your rod tip, then letting the fish load up before setting the hook. Different species bite differently too - seabass tend to grab and go, while tautog are notorious for their light, almost hesitant bites that require patience and experience to detect. We'll be anchoring over productive spots and drifting when conditions call for it, always adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. The tackle we use varies from lighter spinning setups for the smaller species to stouter conventional rigs when we're targeting bigger fish or dealing with strong currents.
Tautog are the bulldogs of the bottom - these thick-bodied fish use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and mussels around rocky structure. They're incredibly strong for their size and will try to wrap your line around anything they can find. Spring and fall are prime time for tog fishing, when they move into shallower water to feed heavily. What makes them so popular with anglers is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's absolutely delicious. Plus, they put up a determined, head-shaking fight that'll test your drag system.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing. These spunky fish are aggressive feeders and willing biters, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They're beautifully colored with mottled patterns that help them blend into rocky bottom, and they're curious by nature - often following hooked fish right up to the boat. Summer months are peak season, though they can be caught spring through fall. Seabass are excellent eating and fun to catch, with a quick, darting fight style that keeps things lively.
Ocean triggerfish are the colorful characters of the bottom fishing world. These vibrant fish have a unique body shape and an attitude to match - they'll bite aggressively and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Gray triggers are most common in our waters, typically showing up in summer and fall when water temperatures are warmest. They have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so don't put your fingers near their mouth. Their meat is firm and tasty, with a slightly sweet flavor that makes them a favorite among those who've tried them.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the masters of camouflage. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottom and ambush prey swimming by. They're prized for their excellent eating quality and the challenge they present - fluke are notorious for short strikes and dropped baits. When you hook a good-sized fluke, they'll make powerful runs and use their flat body to fight against the current. The summer months are obviously prime time, with the biggest fish typically found in deeper water offshore. Door-mat sized fluke are every angler's dream and provide enough fillets to feed the whole family.
Shortfin mako sharks are the wildcards of bottom fishing trips. While we're targeting bottom species, these powerful predators sometimes show up to crash the party. Makos are built for speed and power - they're capable of incredible jumps and blistering runs that'll test your equipment and skills. When fishing areas where makos are present, we always use appropriate tackle and follow best practices for shark handling and release. These world-class gamefish are typically encountered during warmer months when they follow baitfish into our waters. Landing a mako, even a smaller one, is something you'll remember for years to come.
Ocean bottom fishing with Get Hooked Fishing Charters gives you the best shot at mixed bag action in deep water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone new to saltwater fishing wanting to experience the variety our waters offer, this trip delivers. The combination of different species, varied fighting styles, and the element of surprise keeps every drop interesting. With all tackle and bait provided, you can focus on what matters most - enjoying your time on the water and bringing home some fantastic fish for dinner. Book your spot today and get ready to see what the deep water has in store for you.
Our fully-rigged motorboat gets you out to the productive deep water zones where the big fish hang out. This setup handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for everyone to work their lines. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools, while GPS keeps us locked onto those honey holes. When we need to stay quiet over spooky fish, the wireless trolling motor lets us position perfectly without spooking anything below. Between bites, crank up the sound system and grab a cold one from the ice box. We're targeting everything from chunky seabass and stubborn tautog around the wrecks to whatever sharks might cruise through. All your rods, tackle, bait, and ice are handled - just bring yourself and get ready to see what the ocean serves up today.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are solid bottom fighters that put up a good scrap until they break the surface. Most run under 4 pounds, but they can reach 25 inches and over 8 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in less than 120 feet of water from late spring through summer when they move inshore. The bigger males hang in deeper water and have that distinctive blue coloring and head hump during spawning. They're great eating and fun to catch on medium tackle. What's wild is they all start as females, then change to males around 9-13 inches. Best tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they're aggressive feeders but prefer smaller baits.
Paralichthys DentatusThese "chameleons of the sea" are ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged until they strike. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can reach 26 pounds and live 20 years - the females get biggest. They're found along the entire East Coast from inshore shallows to offshore waters. Best fishing is September through November when they're most active before heading deep for winter. What's cool is watching them change color to match the bottom. They're excellent eating and fun to target because you never know when that "dead" bottom will explode with life. Pro tip: hook live minnows through the eye and let them work just off the bottom. Use a 7-foot rod with enough weight to stay down, and be patient - they mouth the bait before swallowing.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are stocky fighters with thick lips and powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish around rocky structure. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they can hit 28 pounds and live 40 years. You'll find them hugging boulders, jetties, and wrecks from spring through fall before they head south for winter. They're territorial and aggressive, especially during spawning season from late April to August. What makes them fun is the challenge - they bite light but fight hard once hooked. The meat's excellent too. Here's the key: use green crab bait, crush up the shells and claws to create scent, and change your bait every 4-5 minutes. They lose interest fast in old bait, but fresh crab scent triggers feeding frenzies.
Canthidermis SufflamenThese tough little fighters have small mouths but big attitudes. Running 10-18 inches typically, they've got dense, gray bodies with a dark spot behind their pectoral fins. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 35-100 feet of water. When threatened, they wedge into crevices and lock their dorsal spine - hence the name "trigger." They're scrappy for their size and make decent table fare. The challenge is their small mouth and habit of nibbling bait before committing. Use small #4 or #6 circle hooks with coin-sized pieces of squid strip. Skip the leader and tie direct to 15-pound test. Cast near them, not on top - they spook easily. Once you find one, there's usually more around the same structure.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe ocean's fastest shark - these blue rockets can hit 30+ mph and leap 20 feet out of the water. Most run 130-300 pounds, but they can exceed 1,000 pounds and 13 feet. You'll find them in open water, usually near the surface but they'll dive past 400 feet hunting. They're highly migratory, so they show up when water temps are right. What makes them special is the fight - they're incredibly strong, smart, and acrobatic. Plus the meat rivals swordfish for eating. Fair warning: they're dangerous and have been known to jump in boats. Use 50-pound class gear minimum with heavy wire leaders. Chum with ground mackerel and tuna, then run live bluefish or bonito. When you hook one, stay alert - they'll use your own boat against you to break free.
Absecon, NJ