NJ Inshore Fishing - Private Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Weakfish inshorePrivate 4-6 hour charter accommodates up to 4 guestsCaptain Michael provides guided fishing adventure from New Jersey
Captain Michael's got the perfect setup for your New Jersey inshore fishing adventure. This isn't your typical crowded party boat - you're looking at a private charter that keeps things intimate with just 4 anglers max. Whether you're planning a 4-hour morning bite or stretching it to 6 hours for maximum fish time, you'll be targeting some of the Garden State's hottest species. Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, and more are all on the menu depending on what's running. The best part? Everyone's welcome aboard, from first-timers who've never held a rod to seasoned salts looking to dial in their technique.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Michael knows these New Jersey waters like the back of his hand - every structure, every drop-off, every place where baitfish stack up and predators follow. You'll be fishing the productive inshore zones where the action happens fast and furious. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. No need to pack lunch since meals aren't included, but definitely bring snacks and plenty of water to keep your energy up during those long fights. The vibe is relaxed but focused - Captain Michael's there to put you on fish while making sure everyone learns something new. Whether conditions call for drifting live bait or casting lures at breaking fish, he'll adjust tactics to match what's working.
New Jersey inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll likely be working with everything from live bunker and clams to soft plastics and topwater plugs depending on what species are cooperating. When the Stripers are schooled up, expect to chunk bait in the current or work the structure with bucktails. Bluefish often mean fast action with metal lures or poppers when they're busting bait on the surface. Captain Michael's got the electronics to find the fish and the local knowledge to know which tide phases produce best at each spot. The tackle is sized right for the target species - heavy enough to handle big Bass and Blues but not so heavy that you lose the feel of smaller Weakfish or Sea Bass. Most techniques involve either anchoring up and fishing bait or drifting and covering water until you locate active fish.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely explosive when they hit. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when schools of Bass follow bunker and other baitfish along the coast. You might hook into anything from schoolies in the low 20-inch range up to keeper-sized fish pushing 30+ inches. What makes Stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the ocean when you follow the slot limits.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to your day. These aggressive predators attack lures with reckless abandon and fight dirty with sharp teeth and attitude. When Blues are feeding, the action is non-stop chaos with fish busting bait everywhere you look. They range from smaller "snapper" Blues perfect for kids to catch up to hefty 5-8 pound choppers that'll test your drag. Summer into early fall is prime time when they're thick along the New Jersey coast. Fair warning - watch those teeth and bring a wire leader.
White Weakfish might be the most underrated species you'll encounter. These beautiful silver fish are incredibly light biters that require finesse and attention to detail. They're most active during slack tide periods in deeper water, often relating to structure or drop-offs. Weakfish have incredibly soft mouths that earned them their name, so steady pressure without horsing them is key. When you find them, they often travel in schools, making for fantastic multiple hookups.
Little Tunny add some serious speed to your trip. These smaller members of the tuna family are built for one thing - going fast in straight lines. When albies show up in late summer and fall, they create some of the most visual and exciting fishing New Jersey has to offer. You'll see them busting bait on the surface, often mixed with birds diving on the same schools. Small metal lures or tiny soft plastics work best, but you need to cast quickly before the school disappears.
Black Sea Bass round out your target list as the bottom dwellers with personality. These fish live around structure and have curious nature that makes them fun to catch. They're excellent table fare and available most of the season in New Jersey waters. Sea Bass hit a variety of baits from squid strips to small jigs, and they often surprise you with their size. The regulations change seasonally, so Captain Michael stays current on size and bag limits.
This private charter setup with MoonDog Fishing gives you exactly what serious anglers want - personalized attention, flexible timing, and access to Captain Michael's years of local knowledge. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed plenty of room to fish and individual coaching when needed. The 4-6 hour window lets you customize your trip length based on conditions and how the bite develops. New Jersey's inshore fishery is world-class, and having a captain who lives and breathes these waters makes all the difference between a good day and an outstanding one. Don't wait around hoping for open dates during prime season - the best fishing windows fill up fast with repeat customers who know what Captain Michael delivers.
Captain Michael's inshore fishing boat is built for serious anglers who want to target the best species New Jersey waters have to offer. This motorboat features a clean, functional layout that keeps everything within reach while you're working the flats for striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish. The comfortable seating lets you fish hard all day without wearing yourself out, whether you're casting flies or working light tackle rigs. Equipped with GPS navigation and a quality fish finder, this vessel puts you right on top of the action. The boat handles beautifully in shallow water and gives you the mobility to chase schools as they move with the tides. Perfect for small groups of up to 4 anglers who want personalized attention and maximum fishing time on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom-dwellers that love structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we regularly see keeper-sized fish up to 6+ pounds. They're most active from late spring through summer when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight and the fact that males turn bright blue during spawning season with a distinctive hump on their heads. They're hands-down some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, white, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: use a two-hook rig with fresh squid or clam, and keep it right on the bottom. They're not shy but they won't chase bait far from structure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll attack anything that moves. These chunky fighters typically weigh 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They school up in shallow bays, around jetties, and surf zones during their summer stay here. Prime time is late spring through early fall when they're feeding on bunker and spearing. Guests love the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's often fish after fish until they move on. Smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids, while the bigger choppers give adults a real workout. They're great eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Watch your fingers - these guys will bite anything, including the angler who caught them.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or false albacore, are pure adrenaline on the water. These torpedo-shaped fish average 10-12 pounds and are built for speed with their metallic blue backs and distinctive fingerprint spots. You'll find them in schools near the surface around jetties, inlets, and sandbars, especially when baitfish are thick. Best fishing is late summer through fall when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What makes them special? They fight like fish twice their size - screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is red and rich, more like tuna than typical game fish. Local tip: when trolling, use small feathers or spoons at high speed. Once you hook up, clear the other lines fast because their buddies will follow.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our New Jersey waters. These silvery fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen monsters pushing 50+. They love structure - rocks, jetties, drop-offs - and feed heavily during moving water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're chasing bunker schools. What makes them special? They fight hard on light tackle and taste amazing fresh. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving on baitfish, get your lines in fast. Those stripers are feeding below the chaos, and you've got maybe 10 minutes before they move on.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are actually part of the croaker family, despite the name. These sleek, silver-bodied fish average 7-8 pounds but can hit impressive sizes up to 20+ pounds. You'll find them around structure in 20-120 feet of water, especially near jetties and wrecks. They're most active during late spring through early fall when water temps are right. What guests love about them is the solid fight they put up - don't let the "weak" name fool you. They're also excellent table fare with mild, white meat. Pro tip: use squid as bait and let it drift naturally near the bottom. These fish can be picky, so avoid jerky movements and let them take the bait before setting the hook.
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