Half Day Weekend Fishing - New Jersey Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing charter along New Jersey coastlineCaptain Ryan provides equipment and guidance for all skill levelsComfortable boat accommodates up to four guests maximum
Captain Ryan's weekend fishing charters are what keep anglers coming back to New Jersey's productive coastal waters year after year. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – with just 4 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home empty-handed or with a cooler full of quality fish. The 5-hour window gives you serious time to work the best spots without feeling rushed, and Ryan's local knowledge means you're hitting the honey holes that weekend warriors rarely find on their own.
You'll meet Captain Ryan at the dock bright and early, where his well-maintained charter boat is loaded and ready to roll. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes you along some of New Jersey's most productive inshore waters, where the continental shelf creates perfect conditions for holding baitfish – and the predators that chase them. Ryan keeps his tackle boxes stocked with everything you need, from circle hooks for live bait presentations to heavy jigs for working the bottom structure. Whether you're a complete beginner who's never held a fishing rod or a seasoned angler looking to dial in on local patterns, Ryan adjusts his approach to match your skill level. The boat itself is built for comfort during those long fights with trophy fish, with plenty of room to move around and fighting belts available when you hook into something substantial. Don't worry about bringing lunch – this trip focuses purely on maximizing your time with lines in the water.
New Jersey's inshore waters demand versatility, and Ryan comes prepared with multiple game plans depending on conditions and what's biting. Live bait fishing with bunker, eels, or clams often produces the biggest stripers, especially when working the deeper channels and drop-offs where these fish stage before moving shallow. When the bite calls for it, you'll be throwing metal jigs or soft plastics to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive feeders. Bottom fishing with high-low rigs is deadly effective for sea bass and other structure-oriented species, particularly around the wrecks and rock piles that dot this coastline. The tackle is all top-shelf stuff – Penn and Shimano reels paired with quality rods that can handle everything from finesse presentations to brute-force battles with powerful fish. Ryan provides all terminal tackle, weights, and bait, but feel free to bring your own lucky lures if you've got confidence baits. Circle hooks are standard for live bait work to ensure solid hooksets and easy releases when needed.
Striped Bass remain the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided bulldogs can range anywhere from schoolie size around 18-20 inches up to true trophy fish pushing 40+ pounds. The best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with fish moving through in waves as they follow baitfish migrations. What makes stripers so addictive is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and endurance. Captain Ryan knows exactly where these fish stage based on tide, wind, and water temperature.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're technically known, bring tropical excitement to New Jersey waters during the warmer months. These blazing-fast predators are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their acrobatic jumps and brilliant golden colors. They typically show up in late spring and summer when water temperatures climb, often holding around floating debris or weed lines. A 20-30 pound mahi will give you a workout you won't forget, and their firm white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate challenge in these waters – pure muscle and speed wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. While they're more common during specific seasonal windows, hooking into a yellowfin is like being connected to a freight train. These fish can exceed 100 pounds in local waters, and even smaller school-sized fish will test every component of your tackle. The key is being ready when they show up, because tuna fishing windows can be brief but spectacular.
Bluefish are the perfect species for action-oriented anglers who want consistent hookups. These aggressive predators travel in schools and attack with savage intensity, making them ideal for beginners who want to feel plenty of bites. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly and bled immediately. Blues are present throughout much of the fishing season and provide reliable action when other species are being finicky.
Black Sea Bass round out the target species list as the perfect bottom-dwelling adversary. These chunky, hard-fighting fish inhabit the rocky structure and wrecks that dot New Jersey's coastal waters. They're excellent eating and provide steady action, especially during their peak seasons. Sea bass fishing teaches proper bottom fishing techniques and helps anglers develop the feel for different types of structure.
Weekend slots with Captain Ryan fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when conditions align perfectly. With only 4 anglers per trip, you're guaranteed the kind of personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. This charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality time on productive water with a captain who knows these fisheries inside and out. Whether you're looking to put meat in the freezer, chase a personal best, or just enjoy some quality time away from the crowds, this trip checks all the boxes. New Jersey's inshore waters are at their peak right now, and Captain Ryan's track record speaks for itself. Don't let another weekend pass watching other anglers post their catches on social media – reserve your spot and get out there where the action is happening.
This 2022 21' Parker center console with a Yamaha 200HP engine is built for serious New Jersey coastal fishing. Cruising at 40 knots, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly and comfortably. The boat handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need - GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate the action below. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox while you target popular coastal species along Jersey's productive waters. With onboard toilet and sleeping area, you can fish comfortably all day. Captain Ryan's local knowledge of these waters means you'll be casting where the fish are biting, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are steady producers around structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. These chunky fighters average 1-4 pounds, with the bigger males holding deeper spots. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests appreciate is their reliability - when other species aren't cooperating, you can usually count on sea bass for steady action. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat similar to grouper. These fish are structure-oriented, so drop your bait right on the bottom with squid or clam strips. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig and bounce it just off the bottom - they'll grab it on the way down but rarely chase a bait that's sitting still.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them - perfect for getting kids and beginners hooked on fishing. Most run 2-10 pounds, though we catch some choppers over 15. They school up in sandy bays, around inlet mouths, and surf zones from late spring through fall. What makes them exciting is their feeding frenzies - when you find a school, it's non-stop action with fish jumping and water churning everywhere. They're also great on the table when prepared fresh, with a rich, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. Fair warning though - those razor-sharp teeth mean business, so always use a wire leader or heavy mono. Best tip I can give is to look for diving birds, especially terns and gulls working bait schools.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the speedsters of offshore fishing - these golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on quite a color show when you bring them to the boat. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water during summer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo, diving plugs, or live bait. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, mahi are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip from years out here: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of New Jersey fishing - these silvery fighters with their distinctive black stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though we've seen some push 50+. They love structure like jetties, drop-offs, and around bridge pilings in 10-60 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight hard all the way to the boat and taste fantastic - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish are smart, so here's a local tip: when the bite gets tough, downsize your leader and use circle hooks with fresh bunker or eels. The key is staying patient and letting them take the bait before setting the hook.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate offshore challenge - these torpedo-shaped powerhouses typically run 40-100 pounds around here, though we've landed some real monsters over 200. Find them in deep water beyond the continental shelf, usually 30-100 miles out where the water's blue and clean. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot when they're chasing bait near the surface. The fight is what hooks people - these fish can peel 300 yards of line in seconds and battle for an hour. They're also prime sushi-grade fish, so you're looking at restaurant-quality meat. My go-to technique when they're being picky is chunking with butterfish or sardines to bring them up from the depths, then switching to a circle hook with a live bait once they're fired up.
New Jersey