7 Hour Striped Bass Charter at Sandy Hook
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targeting striped bass in Sandy Hook watersPrivate boat accommodates up to six guests with experienced captainAll tackle and bait provided for sevenhour fishing adventure
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing charter that delivers consistent action and comfortable conditions, this 7-hour trip out of Leonardo State Marina hits all the marks. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, working both Sandy Hook Bay's protected flats and the Atlantic's edge to put you on fish. At $900 for up to 6 anglers, you're getting serious value for a full day of fishing some of New Jersey's most productive striper grounds. The 7:30 AM departure gives you prime time on the water when fish are most active, and the captain adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's working and where the bite is happening.
This charter runs from May through December, covering the full spectrum of New Jersey's inshore season. You'll start the day in Sandy Hook Bay, where the shallow flats and deeper channels hold different species depending on tides and time of year. When conditions allow, the captain will take you out to the Atlantic side where structure and current breaks create feeding zones for striped bass, fluke, and sea bass. The boat is set up for comfort during those long fishing days, with enough space for your group to spread out and work different areas. Bring your own food and drinks - a cooler with lunch, beer, and plenty of ice is always a smart move for a 7-hour trip. Just remember, no hard liquor allowed on board. All your tackle and bait are covered, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging.
The captain switches between trolling and bottom fishing based on what's producing and where the fish are holding. Trolling lets you cover water efficiently, especially when chasing striped bass along Sandy Hook's famous structure and drop-offs. You'll typically pull umbrella rigs, bucktails, or spoons at varying depths to find the right zone. When it's time to get vertical, the bottom fishing setup targets fluke on the sandy flats and sea bass around hard structure. The crew handles most of the rigging and re-baiting, but they're also happy to show you the techniques if you want to learn. Having both approaches available means you're never stuck with just one method when fish preferences change throughout the day. The local knowledge really shows here - the captain knows which spots produce best on different tides and times of season.
Striped bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These fish run the Sandy Hook area heavily from spring through fall, with different size classes moving through at various times. Spring brings the spawning run with bigger fish, while summer and fall see consistent action from schoolies up to keeper-sized bass. What makes stripers so popular is their fight - they pull hard, make runs, and give you a real workout on medium tackle. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are Sandy Hook Bay specialists. These flatfish love the sandy bottom and current edges where baitfish get pushed around. Peak season runs June through September, with fish ranging from shorts you'll release to doormat-sized keepers that'll make your day. Fluke fishing requires patience - they often hit softly and need a different hookset than other species. But when you connect with a big one, that head-shaking fight and the challenge of getting them to the boat makes it worthwhile. They're also fantastic eating, which is why fluke fishing stays popular all summer long.
Sea bass round out the target species list and they're a customer favorite for several reasons. These fish are aggressive feeders around structure, so when you find them, the action can be fast and steady. They hit hard, fight well for their size, and are among the best-tasting fish in these waters. Black sea bass season typically runs late spring through early winter, with size and bag limits that let you keep a nice mess for dinner. They're perfect for newer anglers since they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques, but they're still fun enough that experienced fishermen target them specifically.
This 7-hour charter gives you the best shot at multiple species while covering the prime fishing areas around Sandy Hook. The $900 price point for up to 6 people makes it budget-friendly for groups, and the experienced captain's local knowledge means you're fishing the right spots at the right times. Don't forget to get your free New Jersey saltwater registry before the trip - it's required and easy to do online. A 20% cash tip for the crew is standard when they put you on fish and work hard to make your day successful. Book ahead during peak season since good charter dates fill up fast, and remember the 7-day cancellation policy if your plans change. Whether you're after trophy stripers, tasty fluke, or steady sea bass action, this charter delivers the complete Sandy Hook fishing experience.
Step aboard this reliable 28-foot Columbia Sea Skip cabin cruiser, your floating base camp for serious striped bass action in Sandy Hook's prime fishing waters. Powered by a robust 350HP MerCruiser engine, this boat cuts through choppy Atlantic swells at a steady 18 knots, getting you to productive fishing grounds fast while burning less fuel than bigger rigs. The spacious cabin keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable during weather changes, with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and storing gear. Built tough for Northeast waters, this proven workhorse handles everything from calm bay trolling runs to outside ocean structure fishing. The stable platform gives you solid footing when battling big bass, while the efficient layout keeps lines from tangling when multiple fish hit simultaneously. Whether you're working live bait around the rocks or trolling umbrella rigs in open water, this boat positions you perfectly for consistent action in Sandy Hook's legendary striped bass fishery.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets around Sandy Hook's rocky structure and wrecks. These dark, chunky fish average 1-2 pounds but can push 5+ pounds on good days. They love hard bottom near jetties and artificial reefs in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially May through October when they're most active. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding - they'll hit cut bait like squid or clams, plus bucktails and soft plastics. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky, which is why restaurants pay top dollar. My tip: when you feel that first tap, count to three before setting the hook. Sea bass like to mouth the bait first, and patience gets you more fish in the boat.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local waters, and Sandy Hook Bay is right in their migration highway. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see them from schoolies to 50+ pound cows. They love structure - jetties, drop-offs, and moving water where baitfish get pushed around. Spring and fall migrations bring the hottest action, but we catch them May through December. What makes stripers special is their incredible fight and that sweet, flaky meat. They're smart fish that can be picky about presentations. Pro tip: match your bait to what they're feeding on. If you see bunker schools, throw bunker. If it's sand eels, downsize your offerings. Reading the water makes all the difference with these fish.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the ultimate flatfish challenge in our waters. These masters of disguise lie buried in sandy bottom waiting to ambush baitfish, and they can change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat fluke over 5 pounds show up regularly in deeper waters off Sandy Hook. Peak season runs May through October, with September being prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore. They put up a solid fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. The key trick here is using a slow drift with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. Keep your rod tip up and feel for that subtle tick - fluke bites are often just a slight weight change.
Sandy Hook, NJ