Half Day Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple local speciesLight tackle techniques include bottom fishing, jigging, and drift fishingAccommodates up to five guests with free cancellation policy
Looking for a solid morning on the water without breaking the bank? This 4-hour inshore trip with On The Rocks Sportfishing hits all the right notes. Starting at 7 AM when the fish are most active, you'll get prime fishing time before the afternoon crowds and boat traffic pick up. At $650 for up to 5 people, it's one of the best values around for a top-rated charter experience. Plus, with free cancellation up to 3 days out, you can book with confidence knowing your plans stay flexible.
This isn't your typical party boat scene – you're getting a personalized charter experience with room for just 5 anglers. The captain knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using proven local hotspots. We're talking productive reefs, structure-rich areas, and seasonal wreck sites where the fish stack up. The morning start time is key here – you'll be fishing during that sweet spot when many species are feeding aggressively before the sun gets too high. The boat runs clean and comfortable, with plenty of deck space to work your rods without bumping elbows. Weather conditions are usually calmer in the morning too, making for a more enjoyable ride and better fishing conditions overall.
We keep things simple but effective with light tackle gear that lets you feel every bite and fight. You'll be working with spinning reels and conventional setups depending on what we're targeting. The techniques change based on conditions and what's biting – some days we're bouncing bottom rigs for black sea bass and tautog around structure, other times we're jigging vertically over wrecks or drifting with live bait for stripers and blues. When the fish are suspended, we'll switch to casting lures or working the water column with different presentations. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, so you're always fishing the most productive method. All gear and tackle are included, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites you like to fish with.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These fish put up an incredible fight, making long runs and using their body weight to test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, when they're feeding heavily during migration periods. You'll find them around structure, following baitfish, and often feeding in schools. The smaller "schoolies" are fun on light tackle, while the bigger fish – we're talking 28 inches and up – will give you a workout you won't forget.
Tautog, or "tog" as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the reef. These fish live around rocky structure and wrecks, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. They're not flashy fighters, but they're strong and stubborn, pulling straight down toward their rocky homes. Tog fishing is all about precision – you need to get your bait right in the structure where they live. Fall through early winter is when they really turn on, and a cooler full of these tasty bottom dwellers makes for excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can be tricky to hook since they often grab bait and just sit there, so you need to give them time to fully commit. Summer into fall is prime flounder season, and they're absolutely delicious – some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. The bigger "doormat" flounder are real prizes, and even smaller fish are fun to catch and great for dinner.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that make inshore fishing exciting. When they're feeding, you know it – they'll hit lures hard, fight like crazy, and often travel in schools that can keep your rods bent for extended periods. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Spring through fall sees good bluefish action, and they're excellent smoked or grilled fresh. The smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for light tackle fun.
Black Sea Bass are consistent producers around structure and wrecks. These fish are curious and often approach in groups, so when you find them, you can usually put several in the boat. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Sea bass fishing is often productive year-round in deeper water, and they're a customer favorite because they're relatively easy to catch and absolutely delicious to eat.
This half-day charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing time, experienced guidance, and a chance at some of the area's best inshore species. The 7 AM start puts you ahead of the crowds and into prime fishing conditions, while the 4-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. At $130 per person for groups of 5, it's hard to find better value for a world-class charter experience. The free cancellation policy means you can book early to secure your preferred date without worrying about weather or schedule changes. These morning trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to reserve your spot on the water.
This 31-foot Jupiter center console from 1999 is your ticket to productive inshore waters. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this fishing machine up to 40 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast and back to the dock with a full cooler. Built for serious anglers, she handles up to 5 fishermen comfortably while you work the reefs and wrecks for striped bass, black seabass, and bluefish. The fish finder keeps you on the schools while GPS navigation marks your productive spots for next time. Radar helps when morning fog rolls in during those early 7 AM departures. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. Whether you're bottom fishing for tautog, jigging for bass, or drift fishing over structure, this center console gives you the speed and fishability to make the most of your time on the water. Perfect setup for light tackle fishing with enough deck space to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love hanging around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky areas in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but those deeper water males can push 8+ pounds and show off bright blue colors during spawning season. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Guests enjoy the steady action and solid fights these fish provide, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit both live bait and jigs readily. Here's a tip: once you hook one, keep your line tight and get them up quick - they'll wrap you around structure in a heartbeat if you give them slack line to work with.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth that travel in schools and feed like there's no tomorrow. They typically run 3-15 pounds and are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and forked tails. You'll find them in open water, surf, and around bait schools from late spring through fall - they're warm-water fish that migrate with the seasons. What makes them exciting is their fierce strikes and strong runs, plus when they hit a school of baitfish, it's pure chaos on the surface. They're great eating when fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Pro tip: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Also, look for diving birds; they'll lead you right to feeding blues.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped ambush predators are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms to surprise their prey. Most flounder we catch run 15-18 inches and about 5 pounds, though bigger ones over 20 inches show up regularly. They're found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries year-round, with cooler months being especially productive. What guests love is the unique challenge of targeting a fish that literally lies flat on the bottom - plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate, sweet meat. The trick is drift fishing with light tackle and live bait like bull minnows or shrimp. Keep your rig simple with a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jig head, and work it slow along the bottom where they're waiting.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our inshore trips - these silver-sided fighters with their distinctive dark stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though we see some pushing 50+. They love structure like jetties, drop-offs, and moving water near shorelines. Spring through fall migration periods are prime time, especially dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively in cooler surface waters. What makes them special? They're powerful swimmers that put up a solid fight, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away - let them take it for a second or two. They're picky eaters and will often mouth the bait before committing to the bite.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are tough customers that live around rocky structure - think jetties, boulder fields, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. These chunky fish average 1-3 pounds but can hit 10+ pounds if you're lucky. Spring through early fall is your best shot, especially when they're feeding during daylight hours. What's cool about tog fishing is the challenge - they've got crusher jaws built for eating crabs and mussels, so they fight hard and dirty around structure. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the table. Here's the key: use green crabs with legs and claws removed, and don't leave your bait down more than 5 minutes. If nothing happens, reel up and rebait - fresh crab scent is everything with these fish.
Point Pleasant Beach