Premium Wreck Fishing Adventures Off Belmar Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target ling, flounder, cod, pollock, seabass, porgies, and blackfish offshoreAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included in trip packageSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
When you're talking serious bottom fishing off the Jersey Shore, few spots deliver like the wrecks scattered along Belmar's offshore waters. This isn't your typical pier fishing—we're heading out to productive structure where the fish stack up thick during prime seasons. Nearfall Fishing Charters runs a tight ship with quality gear, fresh bait, and all the local knowledge you need to put fish in the cooler. With space for just six anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without the crowds you'd find on bigger party boats.
We'll motor out to some of the most productive wreck sites along the New Jersey coast, where decades of sunken ships and artificial reefs create the perfect habitat for bottom dwellers. These structures act like underwater magnets, drawing baitfish and the predators that feed on them. The captain knows exactly where to drop anchor based on current conditions, tide, and seasonal patterns—spots that have been producing fish for years. You'll be fishing in anywhere from 60 to 120 feet of water, depending on which wrecks are firing that day. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle designed specifically for wreck fishing. We're talking heavy sinkers to get down fast, circle hooks to reduce gut-hooking, and leader material that can handle the sharp edges and structure below.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait down to the structure and keeping it there despite strong currents. We'll rig you up with high-low rigs, fish finder rigs, or simple dropper loops depending on what species we're targeting and how the fish are biting. The key is using enough weight to maintain bottom contact—usually 8 to 16 ounces depending on drift and depth. Fresh clams, squid, and sea worms make up the bulk of our bait selection, though sometimes live or fresh-dead baitfish can trigger aggressive strikes from bigger fish. The tackle we provide is built for this type of fishing: conventional reels with smooth drags, medium-heavy to heavy rods with sensitive tips to feel those subtle bottom bites, and plenty of backup gear in case the wreck claims a rig or two. Don't worry if you've never fished structure before—the crew will show you how to work the edges, when to let your bait drift, and how to fight fish around the wreck without getting hung up.
South American Silver Porgy might sound exotic, but these hard-fighting fish are becoming more common in our waters and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find on the wrecks. They school up tight around structure and aren't shy about hitting baited hooks. These silvery fighters typically run 1 to 3 pounds and put up a scrappy battle that belies their size. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb into their comfort zone. What makes them special is their willingness to bite throughout the day—when other species shut down, porgies often keep the action going.
Atlantic Cod represent the holy grail of Northeast wreck fishing, and Belmar's offshore structure holds some quality fish during their peak season from late fall through early spring. These bronze-colored bottom dwellers can range from keeper-sized fish around 22 inches up to genuine trophies pushing 20 pounds or more. Cod are opportunistic feeders that love fresh clams and sea worms fished tight to the bottom. They're also notorious for their subtle bite—often feeling like you're just picking up a piece of kelp until the fish starts moving. Landing a quality cod is something every wreck angler dreams about.
Tautog, locally called blackfish, are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world. These crushing machines have pharyngeal teeth designed to crack open crabs, mussels, and clams with ease—which means they can straighten hooks and snap leaders if you're not prepared. Prime tautog season runs from April through May and again from October through December when they move in close to feed around the structure. A 5-pound tog is a nice fish, while anything over 8 pounds is trophy territory. They require patience and the right technique: short drops with green crabs or clams, quick hook sets, and immediate pressure to pull them away from the wreck.
Black Sea Bass are probably the most reliable producers on these wreck trips, with excellent populations and liberal bag limits during their open seasons. These feisty bottom dwellers are aggressive feeders that hit squid, clams, and small baitfish with authority. Spring and fall typically offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before spawning or preparing for winter. Sea bass are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby.
Winter Flounder fishing around the wrecks can be outstanding during their spring run from March through May. These flatfish move in from deeper water to spawn and feed heavily on marine worms and small crabs. Door-mat flounder—fish over 20 inches—are less common than they used to be, but the wrecks still produce some quality fish for anglers who know how to target them. The key is using light tackle, small hooks, and presenting bait right on the bottom where flounder feed. They're masters of camouflage and excellent table fare, making them a prized catch for serious bottom fishermen.
This top-rated wreck fishing experience books up fast, especially during prime seasons when the fish are most active. With only six spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and room to fish comfortably. All gear, bait, and licenses are included, so you can focus on what matters most—putting fish in the box. The captain's local knowledge an
Our fully equipped motorboat is built for serious offshore wreck fishing in Belmar waters. With space for 6 anglers, this vessel comes loaded with everything you need to target Ling, Flounder, Cod, Pollock, Seabass, Porgies, and Blackfish around the local wrecks. The fish finder helps locate the hotspots while GPS and radar keep us on course even when visibility drops. Stay comfortable with an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, ice box, and toilet during those long fishing sessions. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats and marine services. Whether you're dropping lines on structure or working the bottom around shipwrecks, this boat handles the offshore conditions while you focus on landing fish. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are included, so just bring your appetite for some quality bottom fishing action in New Jersey waters.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter Flounder are the flatfish that'll test your patience but reward you with some of the best eating around. They typically run 10-12 inches but can stretch to 20+ and several pounds when you find the right spot. Look for them on sandy bottom near structure, in 20-60 feet of water around our local wrecks and edges. Despite their name, spring is actually prime time here—March through May when they're feeding heavily after spawning. What makes them special is that sweet, delicate white meat that's prized by chefs everywhere. They're sight feeders that take their time, so expect lots of nibbles before the real bite. Key tip: use big sea worms or clams on a sensitive rod. When you feel those light taps, give them time—they'll mouth the bait several times before committing.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the prize catch that brings people back to these wrecks. They average 2-4 feet and can push 20+ pounds, with that unmistakable barbel under their chin and white lateral line. You'll find them hugging bottom structure around our offshore wrecks, anywhere from 60-200 feet deep. Winter through early spring is peak season when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special is the fight they put up and that sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They'll hit clams, squid strips, and even jigs when they're feeding. Here's the key: use fresh clam bait on a high-low rig with enough weight to stay on bottom. These fish are spooky, so keep noise down and let your bait sit still.
Diplodus ArgenteusThese small, silver fish with the distinctive black spot at their tail base are bait stealers that'll keep you busy on the wrecks. Most run 6-8 inches and 1-3 pounds, though you might find bigger ones in deeper water. They hang around rocky areas and wrecks in 50 feet or less, preferring some current to keep them active. Spring through fall is prime time when they school up and get aggressive. Guests love them because they're quick, tricky, and actually pretty tasty despite being bony. They're fast swimmers that'll nibble your bait before committing, so stay alert. Pro tip: use size 8-10 hooks with squid—it stays on better than other baits. Add some crushed clams and shrimp as chum to bring the whole school to you.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are reliable wreck fish that'll keep your rod bent throughout the trip. Most run 1-4 pounds with a few pushing 6+, sporting that chunky grouper build and spiny dorsal fin. They love hanging around our wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn—that's when you'll find them stacked up on structure. What guests really enjoy is their scrappy fight and excellent table fare; firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters and will hit squid, clams, or bucktails. The trick is using a sensitive rod to feel their subtle bite, then setting the hook quick. Fish right on the structure—they rarely venture far from cover.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are tough customers that live around the wrecks and rocky structure we fish. They average 1-3 pounds but can hit 10+ if you're lucky, with thick lips and powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. These guys are homebodies that stick tight to structure—wrecks, rocks, jetties—anywhere they can find crabs and mussels to eat. Spring and fall are your best shots when they're most active, especially April through May and September through November. Anglers love the challenge because they're smart, strong fighters that test your skills and patience. They're also fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. My advice: use green crabs with legs removed, fish right on the structure, and keep your bait moving just slightly. They'll mouth it first, so wait for that solid pull before setting the hook.
Belmar, NJ