5.0(1 Reviews)Barnegat Light Inshore Fishing at Its Best
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting flounder, bluefish, and striped bassLight tackle provided with option for personal fly fishing gearSmall group capacity of three guests with flexible scheduling
Want to spend your weekend doing something that actually matters? Captain Al's 4-hour inshore charters out of Barnegat Light put you right where the fish are feeding. This isn't some crowded party boat experience—you're talking about a max of 3 anglers working the productive bays, coves, and flats that make this stretch of Jersey coast a magnet for serious fishermen. Whether you're dialing in your light tackle game or bringing your fly rod to sight-cast some stripers, this half-day trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back every season.
This charter runs exactly how you'd want it to—no rushing, no crowds, just quality time targeting fish in waters that Captain Al knows like the back of his hand. You'll launch from Barnegat Light and head to wherever the bite is happening that day, whether that's working the deeper channels for striped bass or sliding into shallow flats where flounder are staged up. The boat's rigged for light tackle work, but if you're a fly fisherman, bring your 8 or 9-weight and get ready for some sight fishing that'll test your casting skills. Group fishing license is handled, so all you need to worry about is bringing a cooler with drinks, some snacks, sun protection, and layers that match the weather. Start times are flexible because good fishing doesn't always happen on a schedule.
Captain Al runs his charters with light spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the species you're targeting—think 15 to 20-pound test that gives you the backbone to handle a good striper but still lets you feel every head shake from a scrappy bluefish. You'll be working everything from soft plastics bounced along the bottom for flounder to topwater plugs when the blues are busting bait on the surface. Fly fishermen get the real treat here, especially when conditions line up for sight-casting to cruising stripers in skinny water. You'll want a floating line with a 12-foot leader tapered down to 12-pound tippet, and bring a variety of patterns from Clouser minnows to crab flies depending on what's moving through the area. The key is staying ready to switch techniques as conditions change—that's what separates a good day from a great one.
"Captain Al delivered one of the most enjoyable fishing trips I've ever had on—or off—Long Beach Island. I showed up early, and he was prepped and ready to head out. From the start, his calm and flexible approach made the day easygoing, even with a bit of wind. Despite the breeze, we were fishing in no time, and I quickly reached my limit on bluefish. We kept going with catch-and-release and ended up landing nearly three times the limit. There were plenty of fluke in the mix too, although I chose not to keep any. Captain Al made the experience even better with great conversation about fishing, conservation, classic cars, and even scotch and cigars. It was clear he's not only a skilled guide but also incredibly well-rounded. I was genuinely impressed on my first trip and am already looking forward to many more." - Daniel
Little Tunny are the speedsters of the inshore game, and when they show up in Barnegat's waters during late summer and early fall, you're in for some serious arm-burning action. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin tuna typically run 10 to 20 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They'll smash topwater lures and strip line off your reel faster than you can believe. The key is keeping your drag smooth and letting them run when they want to—try to muscle one early and you'll be retying your leader. When conditions are right, you'll see them busting bait balls on the surface, and that's when the real fun starts.
Southern Flounder are the flatfish that keep things interesting along the sandy bottom structure around Barnegat Light. These ambush predators lay buried in the sand waiting for baitfish to swim overhead, then explode upward in a cloud of silt and fury. Summer and early fall are prime time, when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawning migration. A good doormat flounder—anything over 20 inches—will give you a surprising fight on light tackle, bulldogging toward the bottom and using that flat body like a dinner plate to create maximum resistance. They're also some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and the waters around Barnegat Light see both resident fish and migrating schools depending on the season. Spring and fall migrations bring the largest concentrations, but resident stripers provide consistent action through the summer months. These fish are smart, strong, and will test every aspect of your fishing skills. A 30-inch striper on light tackle is a completely different animal than the schoolies—they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tail to maximum advantage. The variety of techniques that work on stripers keeps things interesting: topwater at dawn, live bait during the day, and soft plastics when they're feeding on bottom.
Atlantic Bonito show up during their seasonal migrations and bring pure speed to the equation. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for one thing: going fast. When bonito are around, usually in late summer and fall, they'll often be found with little tunny in mixed schools attacking bait. They're incredibly fun on light spinning gear or fly tackle, making blistering runs that will have you wondering if your reel is about to explode. The challenge with bonito is getting them to commit to your lure when they're in feeding mode—they can be picky despite their aggressive nature.
Sea Bass are the reliable players in this fishery, providing steady action when conditions keep other species scattered. These bottom-
This restored 2001 Kencraft center console runs strong with a reliable 200 HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. The 22-footer got a full makeover in 2016 and shows it - clean lines, solid deck space for casting, and room for up to 4 anglers to work the water comfortably. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate those holding areas where flounder, blues, and stripers like to hang out. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot summer sessions. Perfect setup for light tackle fishing or fly fishing the flats and back bays around Barnegat Light. The center console design gives everyone clear casting lanes whether you're working plugs for bass or dropping bait for flounder. She's built for Jersey waters and ready to put you on fish.
Sarda SardaThese silver bullets are built for speed, hitting 40 mph when chasing baitfish in large schools. Most bonito run 5-12 pounds with torpedo-shaped bodies and distinct black stripes along their backs. They're pelagic fish that cruise mid-water column in nearshore areas during summer and fall migrations. What makes them exciting is their aggressive surface feeding - schools will blast through baitfish with dorsal fins cutting the water like mini sharks. They'll take almost any lure when feeding, making them great for beginners and fun on light tackle. While they're not great eating in our waters (too oily), they put up a fantastic scrap. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Quick tip: once you find them, throw anything shiny and retrieve it fast - they'll hit metal spoons, small poppers, or flies with enthusiasm.
Euthynnus AlletteratusFalse albacore are torpedo-shaped speedsters that pack a serious punch on light tackle. These smaller tuna relatives average 10-12 pounds but fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in schools around jetties, inlets, and nearshore waters during fall migration when they're chasing baitfish. They prefer surface waters and make a lot of noise when feeding - listen for the commotion and look for diving birds. What makes them special is the incredible fight they put up, peeling drag and making long runs that'll test your skills. The meat is dark red and has a strong flavor, similar to yellowfin. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast with small lures or flies - they're aggressive feeders but can disappear quickly once spooked.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark-colored fish with big mouths full of sharp teeth that love hanging around hard bottom structure. They typically run 1-2 pounds and about a foot long, though larger ones push 4-5 pounds. You'll find them near jetties, wrecks, and rocky areas where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring through fall provides excellent fishing when they move into shallower waters to feed and spawn. What makes them popular is they're aggressive biters and absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They travel in schools, so finding one usually means more are nearby. Since they're not farm-raised, wild sea bass commands premium prices at market. My favorite approach: drop a bucktail jig tipped with squid or clam right to the bottom near structure and work it slowly.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of camouflage are flat, oval-shaped fish that hide in sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though some reach keeper size at 20+ pounds. They're perfect for our shallow bay fishing since they hang out in 2-10 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What guests love is the challenge of sight fishing for them on the flats, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Both eyes sit on one side of their head, and they can change color to match the bottom. My go-to technique: drift slowly and bounce a bucktail jig with squid or minnow along the bottom - feel for that subtle tap.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, with those distinctive dark stripes running down silver sides. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though they can grow much larger. These structure-loving fish cruise shorelines, jetties, and drop-offs from spring through fall during their epic coastal migration. They're incredibly popular because they fight hard, grow big, and taste fantastic - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. You'll find them feeding early morning and evening when they push baitfish to the surface. They're not particularly fast but are powerful swimmers that'll test your drag. Best local tip: watch for bird activity over schools of baitfish - that's where you'll find hungry stripers. Live eels and bunker work great, but they'll hit well-presented lures too.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Al delivered one of the most enjoyable fishing trips I've ever had on—or off—Long Beach Island. I showed up early, and he ...
Barnegat Light