Expert Guided Inshore Bottom Fishing Adventures in New Jersey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and striped bass inshoreAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by captainSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests
New Jersey's inshore waters are packed with some of the East Coast's best bottom fishing action, and this trip puts you right in the thick of it. When you step aboard with Reel Sport Fishing Charters, you're signing up for a day where the fish are biting and the cooler's getting heavy. The Garden State's coastal waters hold serious populations of flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and stripers – and our captain knows exactly where to find them. You'll be fishing the productive structure and drop-offs that these fish call home, using proven techniques that consistently put meat in the box. With all your tackle and bait provided, you just need to show up ready to fish.
This top-rated charter targets the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. You'll be working New Jersey's inshore grounds where the bottom structure creates perfect holding spots for feeding fish. The captain will position the boat over productive reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where summer flounder lay in wait and sea bass stack up in good numbers. The vibe on board is relaxed but focused – this isn't a party boat atmosphere, it's serious fishing with a small group that gives everyone plenty of elbow room. With only 6 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of space to work your lines. The waters here are known for consistent action, especially when the captain puts you on the right spots during prime feeding times.
Bottom fishing in these waters is all about precision and patience. You'll be using conventional tackle with sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom in the current, typically running 3 to 8 ounces depending on conditions. The captain provides all the rigs – usually high-low rigs or fish finder setups that let your bait sit right where the fish are feeding. Fresh squid, clams, and strip baits are the go-to offerings that these species can't resist. The key is keeping your bait on or near the bottom where flounder, sea bass, and weakfish do most of their feeding. You'll feel the subtle taps and pulls that signal fish are investigating your offering, then set the hook when you feel that solid weight. The captain will coach you through reading the bottom, detecting bites, and working fish up from depth.
Summer flounder are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing, and these flatfish are masters of camouflage that ambush prey from sandy bottoms. They can reach impressive sizes – keepers start at 18 inches but fish over 5 pounds are caught regularly in these waters. Late spring through early fall offers the best action when they move inshore to feed. What makes flounder so exciting is their powerful runs once hooked and the way they fight sideways, using their flat profile to resist coming up. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare that makes the trip worthwhile even with just a few keeper fish.
Striped bass are the ultimate gamefish in these waters, known for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. These fish can range from schoolie size up to trophy specimens over 30 inches, and they're most active during spring and fall migrations. Stripers are opportunistic feeders that will hit bottom baits when they're holding near structure, and their powerful runs will test your drag system. The bass fishing here has a devoted following because these fish are both challenging to catch and excellent eating when kept within regulations.
Sea bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey bottom fishing, with healthy populations that provide consistent action. These chunky fish typically run 1 to 3 pounds and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior around rocky structure and wrecks. They're most active during warmer months and will often bite as fast as you can drop a line. Sea bass are prized by anglers because they bite readily, fight hard for their size, and are some of the best eating fish in these waters. When the sea bass are feeding, you can expect steady action that keeps the day interesting.
Spotted weakfish, also called sea trout, are making a strong comeback in New Jersey waters after years of strict management. These silvery fish are known for their delicate mouths and impressive runs when hooked. They typically range from 2 to 5 pounds and prefer sandy bottoms near structure where they hunt for crabs and small fish. Weakfish are exciting to target because they're strong fighters that require careful handling due to their soft mouths, and their populations have rebounded to levels that allow for some great fishing opportunities.
This world-class inshore fishing experience puts you on New Jersey's most productive bottom fishing grounds with a captain who knows how to put fish in the boat. Whether you're after keeper flounder for the dinner table, trophy stripers, or a mixed bag of everything that bites, this trip delivers the kind of consistent action that makes for memorable days on the water. The small group size means you get the attention you need to improve your fishing skills while enjoying some of the East Coast's best inshore fishing. Don't wait to secure your spot – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you'll want to be on the water when conditions are prime for that cooler-filling day you've been planning.
Get ready to hit New Jersey's productive inshore waters aboard this fully-equipped 6-passenger motorboat! This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful bottom fishing adventure - fish finder to locate those hiding spots, GPS and radar for precise navigation, plus VHF radio for safety. While you're waiting for Flounder, Sea Bass, Weakfish, and Striped Bass to bite, stay comfortable with air conditioning, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, or head up to the flybridge for a better view. The boat features a full kitchen, bed, shower, and toilet for longer trips, plus wheelchair accessibility so everyone can join the action. Your captain handles all the fishing gear and knows exactly where these fish like to hang out along New Jersey's bottom structure. Ice box keeps your catch fresh until you're back at the dock!
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for folks wanting steady action on our bottom fishing trips. These chunky, dark fish average around a foot long and 1-2 pounds, but we catch plenty of nice keepers up to 5-6 pounds. They live around hard structure - wrecks, reefs, and rock piles where they set up territories. Best fishing runs May through October when they're in our inshore waters feeding aggressively. Sea bass are scrappy fighters that'll dive straight for the bottom when hooked, and they're absolutely delicious - sweet, firm meat that's prized by restaurants. They're not picky eaters either, hitting squid, clams, and bucktails with equal enthusiasm. Pro tip: when you're jigging over structure, keep that bait moving just off the bottom. Sea bass are curious and aggressive - if one follows your jig up, chances are his buddies are right behind him.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or speckled trout, are one of our most popular light-tackle targets in the back bays and estuaries. They average 12-16 inches but can grow over 3 feet and 15+ pounds. Look for them in shallow grass beds and sandy bottoms, especially during warm months when they move into the shallows to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They're ambush predators with big canine teeth, making them exciting on light gear. The fishing heats up from late spring through early fall in water under 30 feet. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. One thing about weakfish: they have soft mouths, so don't horse them. When one hits your lure, keep steady pressure but let your drag work. Too much pressure and that hook will pull right out.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in New Jersey. These silver-sided fighters typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see plenty of schoolies and the occasional trophy over 50. They're structure-oriented fish, so we find them around jetties, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when massive schools move through our waters chasing bunker and herring. What guests love about stripers is their power - they'll make screaming runs and fight hard to the boat. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white flesh that's perfect on the grill. Local tip: when we're working live bunker around structure, let that bait swim naturally. Don't overthink it. The striper will find it, and when they hit, you'll know it. Just keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, also called fluke, are New Jersey's ultimate flatfish challenge. These "chameleons of the sea" can change color to match the bottom where they lay in wait for prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but big doormat females can hit 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy bottoms throughout our coastal waters, from shallow bays to deeper offshore structure. They're easiest to target September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes fluke special is their sideways bite - they grab bait and run before swallowing it. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky. Here's the key: when you feel that tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then reel tight and lift. Most missed fluke happen because anglers get excited and set too early.
Atlantic City