Belmar Striped Bass Charter - Up to 6 Anglers
Looking for a solid day chasing stripers off the Jersey coast? This 7-hour Belmar fishing charter with Side Job Sportfishing puts you right where the action is. You'll have two prime options - working the productive waters of Raritan Bay or heading offshore into the deeper Atlantic waters. Either way, you're targeting one of the East Coast's most prized gamefish with a captain who knows these waters inside and out. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without crowding each other.
What to Expect on the Water
This charter is all about striped bass, plain and simple. Your captain will make the call based on current conditions, recent reports, and where the fish have been showing up. Raritan Bay offers excellent structure fishing around bridges, channels, and drop-offs where stripers love to ambush baitfish. The ocean option opens up deeper water opportunities, often with larger fish and different presentation techniques. You'll spend a full 7 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and adapt to what the fish want. The boat is set up specifically for striper fishing, with quality electronics to mark fish and bait, plus all the deck space you need to fight these powerful fish properly. Weather and sea conditions will influence the final destination, but your captain's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive areas available.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Striper fishing around Belmar involves several proven techniques depending on conditions and location. In Raritan Bay, you'll often be drifting live or cut bait near structure, using circle hooks and fish finder rigs to get baits down to where the stripers are holding. Bunker chunks, clams, and eels are go-to baits that produce consistently. Ocean fishing might involve trolling with umbrella rigs, tube-and-worm combinations, or working live bunker schools when they're around. Your captain will have the right tackle for the conditions - typically medium-heavy spinning or conventional setups that can handle 20-40 pound stripers without being overkill for smaller schoolies. The electronics package includes fish finders and GPS to locate productive bottom structure and mark schools of baitfish. Don't worry about bringing gear unless you have personal favorites - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and fresh bait.
Top Catches This Season
Striped bass are the undisputed kings of New Jersey inshore fishing, and Belmar sits right in the heart of prime striper country. These fish are built for power - thick shoulders, strong tails, and an attitude that makes every hookup a battle. You'll find schoolie bass in the 18-28 inch range that are perfect for learning techniques and staying busy, but the real excitement comes from the bigger fish. Keeper-sized stripers (28+ inches in New Jersey) put up serious fights, often making multiple runs and testing your drag system. The best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with peak fishing often in May-June and again in September-October when the fish are feeding heavily during migration periods. What makes stripers so appealing is their willingness to hit a variety of baits and their habit of feeding in schools - when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. These fish are also excellent table fare when kept within regulations, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. The Belmar area consistently produces fish in the 10-30 pound range, with occasional bigger fish that will test your skills and equipment.
Time to Book Your Spot
A dedicated 7-hour striper charter with a knowledgeable local captain is exactly what serious anglers need to consistently catch fish in New Jersey waters. The 6-person limit means you'll get personal attention and coaching, plus plenty of space to fish comfortably. Whether you're new to striper fishing or a seasoned angler looking to learn local techniques, this trip delivers the focused experience you want. The captain's commitment to finding fish and putting you on productive water makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. Belmar's location gives you access to both bay and ocean fishing options, so you're not locked into one type of fishing regardless of conditions. Don't wait too long during peak season - the best striped bass fishing dates fill up quickly, especially for small-group charters like this one. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of serious striper fishing off one of New Jersey's top fishing ports.