Private Bottom Fishing New Jersey Wrecks
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour bottom fishing trip targeting black sea bass and tautogCaptain Jesse provides expert guidance and proven local techniquesSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
When you're ready to get serious about bottom fishing along the Jersey coast, Captain Jesse Pierce knows exactly where to take you. His 6-hour private charters out of Point Pleasant target some of the most productive wreck sites and structure where black sea bass, tautog, and summer flounder gather in numbers. This isn't your typical party boat crowd – you'll have the deck to yourself with up to 5 other anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work and learn from one of the area's top-rated captains. Jesse's been fishing these waters for years and has the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great one.
Your day starts early at the Point Pleasant docks, where Captain Jesse will have the boat rigged and ready to roll. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to get your bearings and talk strategy – Jesse's always happy to share what he's seeing on the fish finder and what baits have been producing lately. Once you reach the wreck sites, it's all about precision. These fish hold tight to structure, so Jesse positions the boat perfectly over productive spots where the bottom is littered with debris, rocks, and artificial reefs that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – this is fishing at its finest, where technique and local knowledge come together for consistent action.
Bottom fishing the New Jersey wrecks requires the right approach, and Jesse's got it dialed in. You'll be using conventional tackle with enough backbone to pull fish up from 40-80 feet of water, often through strong current. The captain provides all the gear you need, including circle hooks, sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom, and fresh bait that these species can't resist. Clams, crabs, squid, and sea worms make up the arsenal, and Jesse knows which baits work best at each spot. The technique is straightforward but requires patience – drop your rig to the bottom, keep a tight line, and feel for that telltale tap or steady pull that means a fish is interested. Jesse's there to coach you through the fight, especially when a bigger tautog or sea bass tries to dive back into the wreck.
Summer flounder are the bread and butter of New Jersey's inshore fishery, and the wrecks hold some real quality fish. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to doormat fluke pushing 8 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that lay flat against the sandy bottom near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish showing up during the summer months. What makes fluke so exciting is their fight – they're surprisingly strong for a flatfish and will make several hard runs before coming to the boat. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of wreck fishing, and these chunky fighters are always willing to bite when you find them. They school up around structure in impressive numbers, with fish ranging from just-legal 15-inchers to hefty 4-pound specimens. Sea bass are aggressive feeders that will hit clams, crabs, and squid with gusto. They're active year-round in New Jersey waters, but the best fishing happens from late spring through fall when they move into shallower water to feed and spawn. What anglers love about sea bass is their reliability – when you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Tautog represent the ultimate challenge in wreck fishing, and Captain Jesse knows how to put you on these bruisers. Also called blackfish, tog are the bulldozers of the reef, with powerful jaws designed to crush shellfish and the muscle to dive straight back into the rocks when hooked. These fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes – a 6-pound tog is a real trophy, and fish over 10 pounds swim these waters. They're most active during the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for targeting them. What makes tog fishing so addictive is the challenge – they're incredibly structure-oriented and will break you off in the rocks if you're not quick on the hookset and aggressive with your drag. Landing a big tog requires skill, patience, and a little luck.
Captain Jesse's private bottom fishing charters offer everything you need for a world-class day on the New Jersey wrecks. With room for up to 6 anglers, personalized instruction, and access to proven fishing spots, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just enjoy some of the best bottom fishing the Garden State has to offer, Jesse's got the local knowledge and dedication to make it happen. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, so don't wait to secure your date. Book your Point Pleasant bottom fishing adventure today and get ready for some serious action on the wrecks.
Meet Captain Jesse Pierce's 32-foot Tidewater Custom center console, your ride for serious bottom fishing off Point Pleasant. This 2018 beauty packs twin Yamaha engines with 700HP total, getting you to those productive black sea bass and tautog spots fast – we're talking 60 knots when conditions are right. Built for fishing, she's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to locate the honey holes, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those 6-hour trips. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and there's even a bed if someone needs a break. Wheelchair accessible design means everyone can get in on the action. Captain Jesse knows these New Jersey waters inside and out, and this boat gets you there in comfort and style.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy little fighters that pack a punch for their size. Most of what we catch runs 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, but the big males can hit 5+ pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They love structure - wrecks, rockpiles, and jetties in 30-80 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're up shallow and feeding hard. What makes them popular is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit almost anything you drop down. They're also fantastic eating with firm, flaky white meat. The cool thing is they're born female and change to male as they grow - nature's pretty wild. My advice: drop your bait right to the bottom and keep it moving. These fish are competitive, so if one shows interest, others will too.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, also called fluke, are masters of camouflage that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized ones pushing 5+ pounds. They're active from late spring through fall, with September and October being prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What makes them special is their incredible ability to change color to match the bottom - they're like underwater chameleons. The fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish, and they're hands-down some of the best eating you'll find. My go-to tip: when you feel that initial tap, count to three before setting the hook. Fluke bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the bottom - thick, powerful fish with crushing jaws built for cracking shellfish. Most run 2-4 pounds, but we see some real slobs over 8 pounds around the deeper structure. They live tight to rocks, wrecks, and jetties, making them tricky to land without getting cut off. Spring and fall are your best shots when they're most active, especially April through June. What guests love is the stubborn fight - these fish use every rock and crevice to their advantage. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: use green crabs and crush up some shells around your spot to create a scent trail. When you hook up, pull hard immediately to get them away from the structure, or you'll be retying.
Point Pleasant