Fall Striped Bass Fishing Charters New Jersey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour ocean fishing charter targets Striped Bass near New Jersey.Trolling and casting techniques used during autumn feeding frenzies.Small group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum.
When autumn rolls around and that crisp air starts hitting the water, something magical happens off the New Jersey coast. The stripers start feeding like there's no tomorrow, and that's when our 6-hour inshore fishing charter really shines. You'll join us on a targeted hunt for these legendary fighters, using a mix of trolling and the kind of fast-action casting that gets your heart pumping. We're talking about a proper fishing adventure here - just you, up to three buddies, and some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. Fair warning though: this trip runs on Mother Nature's schedule, so give us a ring before you head out to make sure conditions are dialed in.
This isn't your average day of fishing - we're hitting prime striper territory when these fish are at their hungriest. Our captain knows exactly where to find the action, whether that's working the productive drop-offs or cruising until we spot those diving birds that signal a feeding blitz below. The whole experience runs about six hours, giving us plenty of time to cover water and put you on fish. You'll be fishing alongside a small group of just four anglers max, which means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to work. The boat's set up with quality gear and all the tackle you'll need, though seasoned anglers are welcome to bring their own rods if they've got favorites. We keep things relaxed but focused - this is about putting fish in the boat while having a blast doing it.
We start most trips pulling lures behind the boat, which is a proven way to cover ground and locate active schools of stripers. Trolling lets us work different depths and areas efficiently, and it's often how we find where the fish are staging. But here's where things get really exciting - when we spot birds working the surface, that means baitfish are getting hammered below. That's our cue to cut the engine and break out the casting gear. Throwing plugs, jigs, and soft baits into a feeding frenzy is about as good as fishing gets. The fish are aggressive, the action is fast, and you'll feel that electric energy of predators on the hunt. Our tackle selection covers everything from surface poppers that create explosive strikes to weighted jigs that get down to fish holding deeper in the water column.
Striped Bass are the main event here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag and your arms. Fall is prime time because they're fattening up for their southern migration, making them aggressive feeders. You'll find them ranging from schoolie-size fish around 20 inches up to legitimate cows pushing 40+ pounds. The bigger ones are smart and strong - they'll make long runs and use their weight to try shaking the hook. What makes stripers special is their willingness to hit topwater lures, creating those heart-stopping surface explosions that keep anglers coming back season after season.
Atlantic Cod might seem like an odd target for an inshore trip, but New Jersey's waters hold some real quality fish, especially as water temperatures start dropping. These bottom dwellers are excellent table fare and provide a nice change of pace from the striper action. They're structure-oriented fish that like wrecks and rocky bottom, and they'll hit both jigs and baited rigs. Cod fights are different from stripers - more of a heavy, head-shaking battle than blazing runs, but landing a good-sized cod is always satisfying.
Tautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are the ultimate test of your bottom-fishing skills. These crafty fish live around structure and have a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They're not the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolute table fare gold. Tautog season peaks in fall when they're feeding heavily before winter, and catching them requires patience and feel. When you do connect, they fight with surprising strength for their size, using rocks and structure to try breaking you off.
Bluefish are the ocean's buzz saws - aggressive, fast, and always ready to eat. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blues will hit just about any lure you throw at them, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They're also excellent when smoked or grilled fresh, though their oily meat is definitely an acquired taste. What makes bluefish fishing exciting is their speed and the way they'll often hit lures right at the boat, sometimes following hooked fish up from the depths.
Fall fishing in New Jersey doesn't last forever, and the best action happens when conditions line up just right. This charter gives you access to some of the region's most productive striper fishing, guided by someone who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or just want to experience what New Jersey fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. Remember to call ahead since weather can shut things down - but when conditions are right, you'll understand why autumn is the season serious striper fishermen live for. Grab your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing that makes New Jersey famous among East Coast anglers.
Get ready to chase stripers aboard our restored 1995 Maritime 20' bay boat! This classic vessel got a complete makeover in 2020 and runs smooth with a reliable 90HP Yamaha. Perfect for up to 4 anglers looking to hit New Jersey's inshore waters where the real action happens. When those birds start diving and the bass are feeding, you'll appreciate having our wireless trolling motor for stealthy positioning, plus GPS and fish finder to locate the hotspots. We'll spend most of the day trolling, but once we find those feeding frenzies, it's all about casting and jigging into the chaos. The boat handles beautifully in these waters, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a keeper striper or just enjoying the ride. Weather plays a big part in these trips, so we'll keep you posted on conditions. This setup has put plenty of anglers on fish over the years.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are bottom dwellers that hang around rocky and sandy areas, typically 50-200 feet deep off our coast. Most run 2-4 feet long and weigh up to 25 pounds, though some monsters can hit 80+ pounds. They're slow swimmers with that telltale barbel under their chin and mottled coloring. Winter through early spring is prime time when they move closer to shore. Cod are prized for their flaky, delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're not flashy fighters, but they're steady pullers that test your patience. Pro tip: use fresh clam or squid strips on the bottom, and be ready to move if you don't get bites in 20 minutes.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll attack anything that moves, making them perfect for action-packed trips. They typically run 2-10 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find schools roaming our beaches, bays, and offshore waters from spring through fall, often feeding in spectacular surface blitzes. They're fast swimmers that love chasing baitfish in shallow water. What's great about bluefish? Non-stop action when you find them, plus smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to catch. The meat's oily but tasty when fresh. Key tip: use wire leaders - those teeth will slice through mono in seconds, and always keep your fingers away from their mouths.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our New Jersey waters, especially during fall migration when they're feeding heavily before heading south. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 70+ pounds and stretch 5 feet long. You'll find them around structure - jetties, drop-offs, and sandy bars - usually within yards of shore in moving water. They love temps between 55-68°F, making autumn prime time. What makes stripers special? They're strong fighters with that distinctive sweet, flaky meat. Plus, watching them crash baitfish under diving birds never gets old. My tip: when you see bird activity, get there fast but stay quiet - these fish spook easily in shallow water.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish, as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the reef. These chunky wrasse average 1-3 pounds but can push 15+ pounds and live 30+ years around our jetties and wrecks. They're homebodies that rarely stray from rocky structure, using those crushing jaws to crack open crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Fall is prime season when they're feeding hard before winter. What makes tautog fishing addictive? They're sneaky biters and tough fighters that'll test your tackle against the rocks. Plus, they're excellent table fare. My secret: crush up green crab shells and let the pieces drift around your fishing spot - it triggers a feeding response like nothing else.
Atlantic City