NJ Inshore Fishing with Captain Frank
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Frank guides 4-6 hour inshore fishing tripsTarget fluke, seabass, weakfish, and bluefish speciesExplore local bays, inlets, and nearshore wrecks
Ready to get on some serious fish? Captain Frank knows these New Jersey waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the bite. Whether you've got 4 or 6 hours to burn, we're heading out to the productive bays, inlets, and nearshore structure where the fish are feeding. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – Captain Frank runs a tight ship with room for up to 6 anglers, keeping groups small so everyone gets their shots at the good stuff. You'll be targeting prime eating fish that'll make your cooler heavy and your dinner table happy.
Captain Frank runs his operation out of some of New Jersey's most productive inshore waters, and trust me, he's dialed into where the fish are holding. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting over structure in the back bays, working the edges of inlet mouths where current brings the baitfish, or hitting those shallow wrecks that hold big schools of keeper-sized fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and all the terminal tackle. Captain Frank's been working these waters for years, so he reads the tides, wind, and seasonal patterns better than most. You'll spend your time actually fishing, not running around looking for fish. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to have a good time, but we're also here to bend some rods and fill the cooler.
The beauty of inshore fishing around New Jersey is the variety of techniques that work. Captain Frank switches up tactics based on what's biting and where we're fishing. You might be dropping bucktails and Gulp baits for fluke on sandy bottom, bouncing sinkers with clam baits around structure for blackfish, or working the water column with cut bait for bluefish when they're schooled up. The boat carries a mix of conventional and spinning gear, from lighter setups for smaller species to stouter rods when the bigger fish are cooperating. If you're new to saltwater fishing, Captain Frank will get you squared away with the basics – how to feel the bite, work the bait, and fight the fish properly. Experienced anglers will appreciate his willingness to let you run your own program while still putting you on productive water. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter here, but don't be surprised if we're casting artificials when the fish are feeding aggressively.
Tautog, or blackfish as the locals call them, are some of the craftiest fish swimming in New Jersey waters. These guys live around hard structure – rocks, wrecks, pilings – and they've got a serious attitude about protecting their territory. They hit green crabs and clams hard, but they're also notorious bait stealers who can clean your hook without you feeling a thing. The best tautog fishing happens in fall and early winter when they're feeding heavy before going dormant. A solid keeper tautog runs 3-4 pounds, but the real bulls can push 8-10 pounds and will test your drag system. What makes them special isn't just the fight – it's the eating. Tautog have some of the sweetest, firmest white meat you'll find in saltwater.
Southern flounder, what we call fluke around here, are the ultimate inshore gamefish. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. When they hit, it's usually a solid thump that gets your attention fast. Fluke can be finicky – they'll follow your bait, mouth it, drop it, and come back for seconds before finally committing. The key is knowing when to set the hook and when to let them run with it. Keeper fluke start at 18 inches, but the real prizes are those 4-6 pound "doormat" fluke that show up over structure and channel edges. They're incredible on the table – mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Bluefish are the wild cards of New Jersey inshore fishing. When they're around, you know it – they'll slash through baitfish schools like chainsaws, turning the water into a feeding frenzy. Blues hit hard and fight harder, with that distinctive head-shaking run that tests your knots. They show up in different sizes throughout the season, from "snapper" blues in summer that are perfect for kids, to the big "horse" blues in fall that can stretch the tape to 15+ pounds. The action can be non-stop when you find a feeding school, and they're not picky about baits – cut bunker, artificials, even bare hooks will get bit when they're in that feeding mode. Fresh bluefish is outstanding eating if you bleed them properly and get them on ice quickly.
Black sea bass are the reliable producers that keep your rod bent when other species are being finicky. These chunky bottom dwellers hang around structure and wrecks, often in good numbers. They're aggressive feeders that hit squid, clams, and small baits with authority. Sea bass have this habit of diving straight down when hooked, trying to get back into the rocks, so you've got to turn them quick and keep them coming up. Most keepers run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger breeding males can hit 5+ pounds and sport those distinctive humped heads. They're fantastic eating fish – firm, sweet meat that holds together well whether you're grilling, frying, or making fish tacos.
Look, there are plenty of charter boats working the New Jersey coast, but Captain Frank's operation stands out because he focuses on putting you on fish, not just taking you for a boat ride. The 4-hour trip is perfect if you want to get a taste of the action without
Captain Frank's 36-foot Contender center console is built for serious New Jersey fishing adventures. This restored 2005 beauty runs on triple 250HP Yamaha engines, pushing you to the fish at 35 knots through local bays, inlets, and nearshore wrecks. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work while targeting Fluke, Black Seabass, Weakfish, and Bluefish. Modern fish finder and GPS keep you on the productive spots, while radar handles those foggy mornings on the water. When the action slows, grab a cold drink from the fridge or icebox. Air conditioning, onboard head, and comfortable sleeping area mean you can fish hard during those extended 6-hour trips without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're after dinner or bragging rights, this well-equipped charter boat delivers the goods on New Jersey's productive fishing grounds.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom dwellers are some of the most reliable fish around our wrecks and rocky structure. Most run 1-4 pounds with a stocky build, big mouth, and surprisingly good fight for their size. You'll find them on wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water during summer months. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests love is the steady action and excellent eating - firm, sweet white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or jigs worked near bottom. Here's my secret: use a two-hook rig with different baits - squid on one hook, clam on the other. They're curious fish, so varying your offerings doubles your chances of hooking up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese voracious predators are pure energy when they hit your line. Blues typically run 3-10 pounds in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive feeding making them a blast to catch. They roam our bays, inlets, and nearshore waters in schools, especially during summer months when they chase baitfish like menhaden and anchovies. Fall fishing can be outstanding when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What makes them special is their fight - they'll make screaming runs and jump. Plus, smaller blues are great eating when fresh, with flaky white meat. The action gets wild when you find a feeding blitz. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono instantly, and when you find one blue, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side watching for prey. Most Southern Flounder run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though they can reach 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and sandy bottoms where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter produce the best fishing as adults move offshore. What guests love is the challenge of sight fishing and the excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're not flashy fighters, but spotting one camouflaged on the bottom takes skill. My tip: drift with live bull minnows or mullet on light tackle, and when you feel that subtle tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called Blackfish, these chunky wrasse are built like tanks with thick lips and crushing teeth perfect for eating crabs and mussels. Most run 1-3 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 28 pounds. They love rocky structure - jetties, wrecks, and boulder fields where they feed during daylight hours. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially late April through August when they're most aggressive and territorial. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're smart, structure-hugging fighters that test your tackle and patience. The meat is fantastic, sweet and firm. Here's the key: use green crab bait, crush up the shells and legs to create scent, and change your bait every 5 minutes. They'll inspect it, so fresh bait is critical.
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