Inshore Bottom Fishing 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 six guests
New Jersey's inshore waters are some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast, and you're about to find out why. With Reel Sport Fishing Charters, you'll drop lines in spots that consistently produce keeper fish. This isn't just a day on the water – it's your chance to fill the cooler with summer flounder, striped bass, sea bass, and weakfish while learning from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or join a small group of like-minded fishermen ready to bend some rods.
Your day starts early when you meet the captain at the dock. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, you'll head out to proven bottom fishing spots where structure and current create perfect feeding zones for New Jersey's top gamefish. The captain provides all your fishing gear, bait, and tackle – you just need to show up ready to fish. Expect to anchor up over wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where fish congregate to feed. The productive waters off New Jersey's coast offer consistent action, whether you're targeting flatfish holding tight to sandy bottoms or rockfish relating to hard structure. Weather plays a big role in where you'll fish, but the captain knows backup spots that produce when Plan A gets blown out.
Bottom fishing in New Jersey's inshore waters is all about presenting bait right where the fish are feeding. You'll be using high-low rigs, fish finder rigs, and bucktails depending on what's biting. The captain will set you up with the right weight to hold bottom in the current, usually ranging from 4 to 8 ounces depending on depth and tide flow. Squid, clams, spearing, and bloodworms are go-to baits that produce consistently. The key is keeping your bait on or near the bottom where these fish do most of their feeding. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish bite, current, and your sinker bouncing on structure. Circle hooks are standard for most species, helping ensure good hooksets while reducing gut-hooked fish. The captain will coach you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are the bread and butter of New Jersey inshore fishing. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 19-inchers up to doormat specimens pushing 8 pounds or more. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing typically from June through September. Fluke are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and gravel bottoms, waiting to attack baitfish swimming overhead. What makes them exciting to catch is their aggressive strike and the fact that you never know if the next bite will be a throwback or a wall-hanger. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and New Jersey's inshore waters hold good populations of schoolie bass along with the occasional keeper. These fish are structure-oriented and can be found around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms where they feed on bunker, spearing, and crabs. Stripers are known for their hard fights and line-peeling runs. Even smaller schoolies provide great action on lighter tackle. The best fishing typically occurs during spring and fall migrations, though resident fish can be caught throughout the season. Landing a quality striper never gets old, whether it's your first or your hundredth.
Sea bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on the bottom. These chunky, aggressive fish live around structure and aren't shy about attacking your bait. They're open year-round in New Jersey waters, with peak action during warmer months. Sea bass typically range from 1 to 4 pounds, with bigger specimens always possible. They're curious fish that will often follow hooked fish to the surface, giving you a chance at doubling up. Their firm white meat makes them a top choice for the dinner table, and their willingness to bite makes them perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged.
Spotted weakfish, or sea trout, are making a comeback in New Jersey waters after years of rebuilding. These silvery gamefish are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights. They prefer sandy bottoms and grass beds where they feed on shrimp, worms, and small baitfish. Weakfish are most active during dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day in the right conditions. They're seasonal visitors to New Jersey waters, typically showing up in late spring and sticking around through fall. When you find them, they often travel in schools, so fast action is common. Their delicate flesh requires careful handling but rewards you with some of the best eating you'll find.
New Jersey's inshore bottom fishing delivers consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. With all gear provided and a knowledgeable captain at the helm, you can focus on what matters most – catching fish. The productive waters, diverse species, and relatively short runs to fishing grounds make this a top-rated choice for both locals and visiting anglers. Whether you're looking to put meat in the freezer, introduce kids to fishing, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends, this trip delivers. Fuel costs can affect pricing, but the value of a guided trip with local knowledge far outweighs going it alone. Don't wait – the fish are biting and spots fill up fast during peak season.
This fully-equipped motorboat is your ticket to New Jersey's best inshore bottom fishing grounds. With room for 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and stripers. The fish finder will help locate those productive bottom structures while GPS and radar keep you on course. Stay comfortable between bites with onboard AC, a full kitchen, and even a shower if you want to clean up after handling bait. The flybridge gives you great visibility of the water, and wheelchair accessibility means everyone can join the action. Your captain provides all the tackle and knows exactly where the fish are biting. Ice box and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold while you work the productive Jersey waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our most reliable bottom dwellers, typically running 1-3 pounds with those big mouths and jet-black coloring. They live around hard structure - wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 30-80 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're actively feeding and closer to shore. These fish are scrappy fighters for their size and will grab just about anything you drop down. Guests love them because they bite consistently and make some of the finest eating you'll find - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. My go-to trick is using a small bucktail with a squid strip trailer. Drop it to the bottom, then lift it up about two feet and bounce it. Sea bass can't resist that flutter.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish are silvery beauties covered in dark spots, typically running 12-16 inches but capable of reaching 3 feet. These ambush predators cruise seagrass beds and sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet, moving shallow in summer and deeper when it cools. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're actively hunting shrimp and small baitfish. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes on lures and the fact they're excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat. Fair warning though - they have soft mouths that earned them the "weakfish" name. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them. My local trick is using a slow retrieve with soft plastics on light jigs. Let them take it and run before setting the hook gently.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with those distinctive dark stripes. These powerful fish love structure - jetties, bridges, drop-offs, and moving water where baitfish get pushed around. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round in 15-50 feet. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag and make great eating with that sweet, flaky meat. What really gets guests excited is their aggressive strikes and the way they peel line when hooked. Here's a local secret: when fishing live bait around the inlet, hook your bunker or herring through the nose and let it swim naturally in the current. The stripers can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are one of New Jersey's most sought-after flatfish, averaging 15-20 inches but capable of reaching 26 pounds. These "chameleons of the sea" lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms, both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and near inlets. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. Guests love the challenge of detecting their subtle bites and the excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tap, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. They bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
Atlantic City