Ocean Bottom Fishing in South Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target big South Jersey Fluke on artificial structures and shipwrecksSmall group fishing limited to 4 guests with customizable hoursMultiple species opportunities including Triggerfish, Bluefish, and Striped Bass
Looking for some serious action on the water? This Ocean Bottom Fishing trip with Reel Altercation Sport Fishing puts you right where the big fish hang out – around South Jersey's artificial structures. We're talking sunken ships, concrete drops, and those old subway cars that have become fish magnets over the years. With just 4 spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows with a crowd.
Captain and crew know these South Jersey waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on structure that holds fish year-round. The boat heads out to proven spots where artificial reefs create the perfect environment for bottom dwellers and cruising gamefish alike. You'll be fishing in depths that range from 40 to 80 feet, depending on conditions and where the fish are biting best that day. The small group size means everyone gets prime fishing real estate along the rail, and the captain can adjust the drift or anchor up based on what's working. Expect to use heavier tackle suited for ocean fishing – we're not talking about your freshwater setup here. The crew provides guidance on technique, but they also give experienced anglers the freedom to work their favorite rigs and baits.
This is classic ocean bottom fishing at its finest. You'll be dropping rigs down to structure using weights heavy enough to get through the current and stay put where the fish live. High-low rigs, fish finder rigs, and bucktails tipped with bait are the go-to setups depending on what's biting. The crew stocks plenty of squid, clams, and bunker – the holy trinity of bottom fishing baits that South Jersey fish can't resist. When you're fishing around wrecks and artificial structure, precision matters. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to position the boat perfectly, whether that means anchoring uptide of a wreck or making controlled drifts along structure lines. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and your sinker bouncing off the bottom – it's a skill that separates the meat fishermen from the guys going home empty-handed.
Bluefish are the bread and butter of South Jersey ocean fishing, and these structures hold them in good numbers during their peak seasons. Spring and fall see the biggest runs, with fish ranging from cocktail blues around 2-3 pounds up to chopper blues that can hit 10-15 pounds. Blues are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder – they'll take chunks of bunker, fresh squid, or even artificial lures dropped to the bottom. What makes bluefish exciting is their unpredictability. One minute you're picking at small ones, the next minute a school of gators moves in and it's game on. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, so handling them properly is part of the experience.
Striped Bass around South Jersey's artificial structure are typically schoolie-sized fish in the 18-28 inch range, though larger fish do show up especially during spring and fall migrations. Stripers are more finicky than blues – they want fresh bait presented naturally, and they often feed in short windows around tide changes. When you hook into a striper, even a smaller one, you know it immediately. They make strong runs and use their body weight to fight, especially around structure where they try to wrap your line. Fall fishing for stripers can be world-class when the fish are feeding heavily before heading south, and the artificial reefs concentrate them in fishable numbers.
Grey Triggerfish are the wild card species that makes South Jersey bottom fishing special. These fish show up during warmer months and are known for being incredibly smart and difficult to hook. Triggers have small mouths but powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll steal your bait without getting hooked more often than not. When you do connect with a triggerfish, you're in for a fight that's all torque and power. They grow to 3-5 pounds in our waters and are considered excellent table fare. Many anglers target triggers specifically because they're challenging to catch and rewarding when you figure out their game.
Ocean bottom fishing in South Jersey offers some of the most consistent action you'll find along the East Coast, and this trip puts you on the proven spots with a crew that knows how to put fish in the box. The 4-person limit means you're not fighting for space or attention, and the customized hours let you work around your schedule instead of being locked into a standard departure time. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with fillets or just want to bend some rods on quality fish, this bottom fishing adventure delivers the goods. The artificial structures off South Jersey have been producing fish for decades, and they're only getting better as marine growth and fish populations continue to build around them. Don't wait until peak season to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially for small group trips like this one.
Hit the waters off South Jersey aboard our fully restored 25ft Sea Hunt center console – your ticket to prime Fluke fishing over artificial reefs and sunken wrecks. Twin Yamaha engines get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 40 knots to maximize your fishing time. With room for 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails while targeting structure-loving fish around old subway cars and concrete drops. The fish finder keeps you dialed into the action below, while GPS gets you back to productive spots. Onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer runs. Radar ensures safe navigation when fog rolls in off the Atlantic. Clean restroom onboard for comfort during extended trips. Whether you're dropping jigs for Fluke or working the water column for Stripers and Blues, this rig handles South Jersey's inshore grounds with ease.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in South Jersey waters from late spring through fall, usually running 3-12 pounds with occasional larger fish. These voracious predators love structure like our wrecks and artificial reefs where they hunt in schools for baitfish, squid, and anything they can catch. You'll find them anywhere from the surface down to about 40 feet, especially around moving water and drop-offs. What makes blues so popular is their hard fight - they'll make powerful runs and never give up easy. Plus, smaller blues make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, get it up fast because they often travel in schools, and once you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. Their razor-sharp teeth cut through light leaders, so bring wire or heavy fluorocarbon.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggers are tough, scrappy fighters that hang around structure in 30-100 feet of water. These guys average 12-17 inches but can reach over 20 inches and several pounds. You'll find them on wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas where they feed on crabs, urchins, and whatever they can crunch with those powerful teeth. Summer and early fall are prime time when water temps are warmest. What makes triggers fun to target is their aggressive attitude - they'll fight hard for their size and have serious personality. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's great grilled or fried. Here's the trick with triggers: they're notorious bait stealers, so use small chunks of squid or crab on a small hook. When you feel that distinctive pecking bite, don't set the hook right away - let them really take it, then reel fast to get them up before they dive back into the structure.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the ultimate structure fish - they love hanging around our wrecks, subway cars, and concrete drops in 20-60 feet of water. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds in our area, though we see some real cows pushing 40+ during peak season. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on bunker, herring, and crabs. What guests love about stripers is the combination of strong, sustained fights and excellent eating quality - that white, flaky meat is hard to beat. They're also smart fish that require some finesse, making each catch rewarding. During warmer months, work the deeper structures and edges where they find cooler water. My go-to tip: when fishing around structure, let your bait settle near the bottom but keep it moving slightly - stripers like their meals with some action.
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