5.0(1 Reviews)New Jersey Bottom Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Atlantic Cod and Black Sea Bass on productive wrecks.Captain Timothy uses GPS data for optimal fishing locations.All tackle and fresh bait included for up to six guests.
Ready to drop lines on some of New Jersey's most productive bottom structure? Captain Timothy's got you covered with a proven approach that puts fish in the cooler trip after trip. This inshore bottom fishing adventure targets the prime wrecks and reefs scattered across the New Jersey Bight, where hungry Atlantic Cod, chunky Black Sea Bass, and feisty Tautog make their living. Whether you're brand new to the sport or you've been working Jersey waters for years, this charter delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back. With flexible 4-hour and 6-hour options, you can tailor your day to match your schedule and stamina.
Your day starts aboard a well-equipped 29-foot vessel that's built for New Jersey's coastal conditions. Captain Timothy keeps his guest list tight at six anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with tangled lines every five minutes. The boat comes loaded with specialized bottom-fishing gear that's matched to the depth and structure you'll be working. Fresh bait is part of the package, and Tim knows which offerings work best on each spot. The captain runs an extensive GPS database of productive numbers – wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom that consistently hold fish. You'll spend your time anchored up over structure, feeling for that telltale thump of a quality fish picking up your bait. The rhythm is relaxed but focused, with plenty of time to reset rigs, chat with fellow anglers, and enjoy the steady action these spots provide.
Bottom fishing might sound straightforward, but there's definitely technique involved when you're working New Jersey's varied structure. Captain Timothy provides conventional tackle rigged with high-low rigs and fish-finder setups, depending on what's working best that day. You'll be using circle hooks to improve your hookup ratio and reduce gut-hooked fish, plus enough weight to keep your bait tight to the bottom in the current. The key is feeling the difference between a fish pickup and your sinker bouncing over rocks or debris. Tim will walk beginners through reading their rod tip and setting the hook properly. Experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to let them work their own style while offering tips on local techniques that produce. Bait selection rotates based on target species and seasonal patterns – expect everything from sea worms and clams to fresh cut bait that matches what these bottom-dwellers are feeding on naturally.
"Tim and Jack were excellent. We chose the 7 AM slot to get some of the early morning fish before it got too warm. The 4 hour boat trip included 3 different fishing experiences. We started off doing some bottom fishing for black sea bass, followed by trolling for bluefish, and ended with fluke fishing. It was a very successful fishing day. At the end, Tim filleted all the fish for us. We cooked the seabass and bluefish that night with lemon, garlic and herbs. Delicious! Highly recommended!" - Daniel
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey bottom fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters typically run 1-3 pounds in local waters, with occasional bruisers pushing 4-5 pounds over deeper wrecks. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, using every piece of structure to try breaking you off. Sea bass are most active during spring through fall, with peak action in late spring when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them such a favorite is their willingness to bite consistently throughout the day, plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Their firm, white meat is perfect for everything from simple pan-frying to more elaborate preparations.
Atlantic Cod represent the premium target for many bottom fishing enthusiasts working New Jersey waters. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 2-3 pounders up to genuine 10-15 pound slabs that provide serious rod-bending entertainment. Cod prefer cooler water, so they're typically most active during fall, winter, and early spring when water temperatures drop. They're structure-oriented fish that relate closely to wrecks and rocky bottom, often holding in large schools when conditions are right. The fight is more methodical than explosive – a steady, powerful pull that tests your drag system and arm strength. Fresh cod is hard to beat at the table, with flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked preparations.
Tautog, locally called "blackfish," are the bulldogs of New Jersey bottom fishing. These fish might not win any beauty contests with their mottled brown coloration and blunt heads, but they make up for looks with pure attitude. Tautog are structure specialists that live tight to wrecks, pilings, and rocky bottom, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. They typically range from 2-6 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 8-10 pounds in deeper water. Fall and early winter provide peak tautog action when they feed heavily before winter. The challenge with blackfish is their incredible ability to wrap you up in structure – they'll dart straight back to their hole the moment they feel the hook. Success requires heavy tackle, quick reflexes, and the willingness to horse them away from cover.
Grey Triggerfish add an exotic element to New Jersey bottom fishing, representing the northernmost edge of their range during warmer months. These unusual-looking fish feature compressed bodies, buck teeth, and an attitude that's much bigger than their typical 1-2 pound size. Triggers are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers multiple opportunities throughout the day. They prefer warmer water, so late spring through early fall provides the best chances. What makes triggerfish exciting is their unpredictable nature – they might ignore your bait completely or attack it aggressively. Their fight is different from other bottom species, featuring quick direction changes and a tendency to use their flat profile to leverage against the current
Our 29-foot center console is built for serious bottom fishing off the New Jersey coast. This 2006 hull was completely restored in 2022 and runs smooth with twin 225HP Honda engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 45 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. We've got all the essentials covered - GPS and fish finder to locate productive wrecks and reefs, radar for those foggy Atlantic mornings, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning over structure. There's even a head on board for longer trips. Captain Timothy knows these waters inside and out and uses years of GPS data to put you on Atlantic cod, black sea bass, and other bottom dwellers that call the New Jersey Bight home. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler, this boat is set up right for consistent action on the bottom.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the prize catch of our winter trips, running 15-30 pounds with some reaching 40-plus. These bottom-dwellers have that distinctive barbel under their chin and love deep wrecks and rocky areas in 80-200 feet. Best fishing is December through March when they move into our waters from up north. The fight isn't flashy but they're strong, steady pullers. What really gets people excited is the meat - firm, white, and flaky. Perfect for fish and chips. We target them with heavy jigs, strip baits, and whole squid on stout tackle. Key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't rush it. Cod will use their weight against you, so take your time working them up from the depths. Fresh clam strips on the hook never hurt either.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are our bread-and-butter species, running 1-3 pounds with some reaching 5-6 pounds around deeper structure. These chunky fish with their big mouths love wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-120 feet. Prime season is May through October when they're shallow and aggressive. They put up a scrappy fight and the fillets are excellent - firm, mild, and perfect for any recipe. Sea bass are curious fish that'll hit just about anything, making them great for beginners. We fish them with squid strips, bucktails, and bottom rigs. Pro tip: when the bite slows down, try bouncing a white bucktail jig near the structure. Something about that flutter triggers them to strike. Keep a tight drag - they'll dive for cover fast once hooked.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish average 12-17 inches but can reach 24 inches and 13 pounds. These tough-skinned fish hang around wrecks and reefs in 60-180 feet of water, using their sharp teeth to crush crabs, sea urchins, and shellfish. They're active spring through fall when water temps are warmer. What makes them fun to target is their curious nature - they'll investigate any bait that hits the bottom. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. These fish are notorious bait thieves, so here's the trick: use a chunk of squid about an inch wide and keep your line tight once it hits bottom. They'll nibble before committing, so when you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook fast and reel quickly to keep them from diving back into structure.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are perfect starter fish that most anglers catch while targeting other species. These silver-scaled fish run 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds on average, though they can reach 18 inches. You'll find them around rocks, pilings, and structure from May through October when they migrate inshore. They feed on the bottom, crushing mollusks and worms with powerful jaws. What guests love is the consistent action - scup are aggressive biters and great for keeping kids busy. The meat is surprisingly good eating too. Best setup is medium tackle with squid, clam, or worms on a two-hook rig. Pro tip: once your bait hits bottom, lift it up a foot or two and jig it slowly. Scup will often grab it on the drop.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish," are the bulldogs of the wreck - thick, powerful fish that average 2-4 pounds but can hit 15-plus pounds around deep structure. They live in rocky areas, jetties, and wrecks year-round but bite best in spring and fall. What makes them challenging is their habitat - they hug tight to structure where you'll lose tackle. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with sweet white meat. Tautog are territorial and aggressive once you find them. Green crabs are the gold standard for bait. Here's my secret: break off the crab's legs and claws, then crush them to create a scent trail before baiting your hook with the body. Fish right on the structure and set the hook hard when you feel that thump.
5.0 out of 5.0Tim and Jack were excellent. We chose the 7 AM slot to get some of the early morning fish before it got too warm. The 4 hour boa...
New Jersey