5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day NJ Inshore: Blues, Bonito & Mackerel
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday inshore trolling for bluefish, mackerel, and bonitoExperienced crew adjusts techniques to maximize fishing successProfessional fish cleaning and preparation service included
If you're looking to get on some serious fish without burning your whole day, this half-day inshore charter with Prime Time II Sportfishing is exactly what you need. Captain Steve and his crew know these New Jersey waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and bonito that'll have your drag screaming. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip – when the bite slows down, these guys switch up tactics to keep you hooked up. You'll be back at the dock by noon with a cooler full of fresh fillets, ready to fire up the grill for lunch.
This top-rated morning charter starts early when the fish are most active and the waters are calm. You'll head out from New Jersey's coast with up to 5 other anglers, making it a perfect size group where everyone gets plenty of action without feeling crowded. The Prime Time II is set up specifically for inshore trolling, and Captain Steve's got decades of experience reading these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time dropping a line in saltwater, the crew adjusts their approach to match your skill level. The boat's equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. What really sets this charter apart is the flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, they're not afraid to move around and find where the fish are biting.
The main game plan revolves around trolling, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and locate active schools of pelagic species like bonito and Spanish mackerel. The crew runs a spread of lures at different depths and speeds, targeting the thermoclines where baitfish congregate. They'll typically start with smaller spoons and tube lures for Spanish mackerel, then switch to larger offerings when the bluefish show up. The trolling setup includes downriggers and planer boards to keep lures in the strike zone while covering maximum water. When fish are located, the captain might switch to live bait or jigging depending on what's working best that day. All tackle is provided, including circle hooks for easier releases and better fish survival. The crew handles all the technical stuff – your job is just to hang on when that rod tip goes down.
"We had an amazing time aboard the Prime Time II with Captain Steve and mate Jerry. They were both welcoming and extremely knowledgeable. The ride out to sea was smooth, and we caught plenty of fish. As first-time sea fishers, Steve and Jerry made the experience unforgettable and thrilling, especially for our boys. Jerry even filleted our catch, so we could enjoy a delicious lunch at home. I highly recommend this trip – it's an experience you won't regret. Thank you, Captain Steve and mate Jerry!" - John
"Steve and Tim, thank you both for an amazing trip! The four hours we spent together were not only enjoyable but also educational and productive. I highly recommend Captain Steve and Tim for an unforgettable experience with friends and family. Thanks again, guys!" - Jay
"We were originally scheduled for a trolling trip in the Atlantic, but with the conditions a bit rough, the Captain suggested we head to the Delaware Bay instead. We definitely didn't regret it! We had an awesome time, caught four sharks, and they put up an incredible fight. The kids had an absolute blast!" - Douglas
Pacific Bonito are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on this charter, and they're absolutely built for speed. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 3-8 pounds in New Jersey waters and fight way above their weight class. Bonito are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they travel in schools following baitfish migrations. What makes them so exciting to catch is their blistering runs – they'll strip line off your reel like you wouldn't believe. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for searing or making into sashimi.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, and they'll test your reflexes when they hit your lure. These fish typically range from 1-3 pounds in local waters, but don't let their size fool you – they're incredibly aggressive and acrobatic fighters. They show up in good numbers during summer months when water temperatures climb, and they're known for their lightning-fast strikes on small spoons and jigs. Spanish mackerel have some of the sharpest teeth in the ocean, so the crew uses wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Their white, flaky meat is fantastic grilled or blackened.
Bluefish are the bruisers of this trip, and when a school moves through, the action gets absolutely wild. These voracious predators can range from 2-pound "snappers" all the way up to 10+ pound "slammers" that'll really put a bend in your rod. Blues are known for their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll attack lures with reckless abandon and fight hard all the way to the boat. They're present in New Jersey waters from spring through late fall, with peak action typically during summer months. Bluefish have incredibly sharp teeth and powerful jaws, so the crew always uses a net when bringing them aboard. The meat is oily and rich, perfect for smoking or grilling with strong seasonings.
This customer favorite charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when all three target species are most active. The combination of experienced crew, quality equipment, and productive fishing grounds makes this one of the best values for inshore fishing in New Jersey. You're getting professional fish cleaning service included, which means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about the mes
This restored 35-foot Maine Coaster Downeast cruiser is your ticket to productive inshore waters off New Jersey's coast. Built for serious fishing, she's powered by a reliable 450HP Cummins that gets you to the fish at a smooth 18 knots. The spacious cabin comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate those productive trolling lanes where bluefish, bonito, and Spanish mackerel cruise. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus there's a head for convenience during longer runs. The experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, adjusting tactics when needed to keep lines tight. After a morning of steady action, you'll head back to the dock with your catch cleaned and ready to take home. Perfect setup for targeting aggressive inshore species that make New Jersey waters so productive.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - aggressive, hard-hitting, and they never back down from a fight. These blue-green predators typically run 2-10 pounds here in Jersey, with some bruisers pushing 15-20. They show up mid-June and stick around through October, feeding in everything from shallow bays to 30 feet offshore. What makes them special is their famous "bluefish blitz" - when schools go into feeding frenzies that churn the water white. They'll hit just about anything: spoons, poppers, cut bait, even bare hooks sometimes. The meat's great when fresh, especially the smaller "cocktail blues." Just watch those teeth when handling them - they'll bite anything that moves. Best tip: look for diving birds and nervous baitfish on the surface.
Sarda LineolataPacific Bonito are fast, hard-fighting fish that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. These tuna-shaped speedsters typically run 5-15 pounds and travel in active schools, constantly hunting for baitfish near the surface. You'll find them from close to shore out to 100 miles offshore, often following bird activity where they're feeding. Best fishing runs June through November when water temps warm up. They hit trolled spoons and feathers hard, plus live anchovies if you can get them. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they don't quit easy. The meat's decent eating when fresh, though not as prized as their bigger tuna cousins. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast because they spook easily and move on quick.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter, hitting speeds that'll surprise you. These silvery rockets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in large numbers near the surface. They love our warm coastal waters from late spring through fall, cruising over sandy bottoms and around structure. What guests love is their willingness to bite and the solid fight they put up on light tackle. The meat's excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect for the grill. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash shiny spoons, small jigs, and live bait like sardines or shrimp. Best part is they're not picky eaters. Local trick: when trolling, watch for birds diving - that's where you'll find schools tearing up baitfish on top.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an amazing time aboard the Prime Time II with Captain Steve and mate Jerry. They were both welcoming and extremely knowledg...
I booked Captain Steve’s 4-hour morning trip for four teen boys who wanted to try fishing, and it was an unforgettable experience....
Steve and Tim, thank you both for an amazing trip! The four hours we spent together were not only enjoyable but also educational a...
Steve and Tim, thanks for an incredible day on the water! My family had an absolute blast trolling for bonito and bluefish. Everyo...
We were originally scheduled for a trolling trip in the Atlantic, but with the conditions a bit rough, the Captain suggested we he...
New Jersey