5.0(3 Reviews)Private 4 Hour Inshore Fishing Charter in Belmar
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour inshore fishing charter for all skill levelsTarget Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Flounder, and Thresher SharkAll equipment provided with experienced captain guidance
Looking for a solid day on the water without the crowds? This private 4-hour inshore charter out of Belmar puts you right in the action with some of New Jersey's best coastal fishing. Captain Chris Johnson knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting anglers on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time. The beauty of a private charter is simple – it's your trip, your pace, and your shots at landing everything from keeper stripers to monster fluke. All your tackle and gear comes with the boat, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Your morning kicks off at Belmar Marina, where Captain Chris will get you situated with rods, tackle, and a quick rundown of what's biting. The inshore grounds off Belmar are legendary for a reason – you've got structure, drop-offs, and plenty of baitfish that draw in the predators. Depending on the season and what's running, Chris will adjust the game plan. Maybe you're drifting for fluke over sandy bottom, or working the rocks for sea bass, or setting up on stripers that are busting bait near the jetties. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and try different techniques without feeling rushed. This isn't a cattle boat situation – with the private setup, you get personalized instruction and plenty of elbow room to work your lines.
The inshore game here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Chris runs a well-equipped boat with everything from conventional reels for bottom fishing to spinning gear for working lures. When you're targeting fluke, you'll likely be drifting with bucktails tipped with squid or using live killifish on a three-way rig. Sea bass action typically means dropping jigs or bait rigs around structure – wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs where these fish love to hang out. For stripers, it could be anything from live-lining bunker to casting plugs and soft plastics, especially when you find them feeding on top. The boat carries a fish finder and GPS, so Chris can put you on productive bottom and mark spots that are holding fish. All bait, ice, and tackle are included, plus he'll clean and bag your catch at the end of the trip.
"Reel C Charters with Captain Chris Johnson was an absolute thrill! Captain Chris's expertise and dedication to ensuring a successful fishing trip made for an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day out on the water!" - Michael
"Highly recommend Reel C Charters with Captain Chris Johnson! Chris's knowledge of the area and his dedication to customer satisfaction ensure an exceptional fishing experience. We had a blast and can't wait to go out with them again!" - Sam
"Captain Chris and Reel C Charters delivered an exceptional fishing experience! Chris's passion for fishing and his dedication to providing a top-notch charter experience made for a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend booking with them!" - Cameron
Sea bass are the bread and butter of the inshore scene here, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish hit hard and fight well for their size. They're structure-oriented, so you'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they feed on crabs, worms, and small baitfish. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish often showing up in deeper water as things cool down. What makes sea bass so popular is their consistency – when you find them, you usually find a bunch, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and the waters off Belmar see solid runs during their spring and fall migrations. These fish can range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from live bunker to artificial lures, making them fun to target with different techniques. Spring fishing often means working the surf line and inlet areas as they move north, while fall brings the big girls chasing baitfish south. Landing a quality striper never gets old – they're strong fighters that make long runs and can test your drag system.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the kings of the flatfish world and a customer favorite for their size potential and table quality. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy bottom and wait for prey to swim by, then explode upward to grab their meal. The Belmar area offers prime fluke habitat with a mix of sand, structure, and current that these fish love. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with the biggest doormat-sized fish often caught during summer months. Fluke fishing requires patience and feel – you need to detect subtle bites and set the hook at the right moment, but landing a quality fluke is always worth the effort.
Thresher sharks represent the wild card in your inshore fishing adventure. These prehistoric predators are known for their incredibly long tail fins, which they use like whips to stun schools of baitfish. While not as common as the other species, when threshers show up in the inshore waters, it creates some of the most memorable fishing moments you'll ever experience. They typically appear during warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and hooking into one means you're in for a serious battle. Threshers are strong, fast, and acrobatic, often jumping completely out of the water during the fight. They're catch-and-release fish that provide pure adrenaline and bragging rights that last a lifetime.
A private 4-hour
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy fighters that pack a lot of personality into a small package. Most run 12-16 inches and about 2-3 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them around hard structure - wrecks, reefs, jetties, and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fishing really picks up from May through November when they're most active. Guests love sea bass because they're aggressive biters, great for beginners, and absolutely fantastic on the dinner table - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more below. The trick is staying right on the structure and keeping your bait moving. Drop down a squid strip or clam on a simple high-low rig, and bounce it off the bottom every few seconds. Sea bass are curious and competitive - that movement triggers strikes even when they're not actively feeding.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the bread and butter of Northeast fishing - those seven dark stripes running down silver sides make them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though giants over 50 exist. They love structure like jetties, drop-offs, and rocky bottom in 10-50 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action here in Belmar, especially when water temps hit 55-68°F. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and fight - they're strong swimmers that make long runs and know how to use current against you. They're also fantastic eating when prepared right. These fish are picky eaters, so live bait like bunker, eels, or bloodworms usually outperform artificials. My go-to tip: fish the tide changes, especially incoming tide at dawn or dusk. Stripers feed aggressively when baitfish get pushed around by moving water. Keep your bait near the bottom and be ready - they hit hard and fast.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the masters of disguise on our local sandy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and can change color instantly to match the seafloor. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure - wrecks, drop-offs, and channel edges in 20-80 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October, with September and October being prime time as they fatten up before heading offshore. What guests love is the surprise factor - one second you think you're snagged, then your rod comes alive with a strong, side-to-side fight. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare with sweet, white meat. The key is movement - they attack from below, so slowly drag your bait along the bottom. I always tell folks to use a lighter sinker than you think and let the current do the work. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they grab prey sideways and need time to turn it.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the ultimate prize catch off Belmar - these massive predators can hit 16+ feet and 500+ pounds, with that signature whip-like tail that's as long as their body. They cruise open ocean waters 20-40 miles offshore in depths up to 200 feet, preferring water temps around 60-70°F. Best hunting is late spring through fall when they follow baitfish closer to shore. What makes them special is watching one leap completely out of the water during the fight - they use that powerful tail to stun schools of mackerel and bluefish at 50mph. The battle can last hours with these apex predators. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working bait balls offshore, that's where threshers hunt. Use whole mackerel on heavy tackle and be patient - they have small mouths for their size, so give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Reel C Charters with Captain Chris Johnson was an absolute thrill! Captain Chris's expertise and dedication to ensuring a successf...
Highly recommend Reel C Charters with Captain Chris Johnson! Chris's knowledge of the area and his dedication to customer satisfac...
Captain Chris and Reel C Charters delivered an exceptional fishing experience! Chris's passion for fishing and his dedication to p...
Belmar, NJ