New Jersey Inshore Fishing Charter | 6-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesFamilyfriendly trip accommodating children and beginner anglersSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Looking to put some fresh fish on the dinner table while having a blast with the family? Side Job Sportfishing's 6-hour New Jersey inshore charter is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper fishing trip that's perfect for kids and beginners, but still delivers the action that seasoned anglers crave. With a small group of just 6 people max, you'll get the personal attention and fishing instruction that makes all the difference between going home empty-handed or with a cooler full of fillets.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. When you step aboard with Side Job Sportfishing, you're getting a top-rated charter that focuses on putting you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. The 6-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to hit multiple spots along New Jersey's productive inshore waters, from structure-rich bottom areas where the sea bass hang out to the sandy flats where fluke love to ambush baitfish. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not shy about sharing local knowledge that'll make you a better angler. Expect to move around a bit as we follow the bite - one hour you might be dropping rigs on a wreck for sea bass, the next you're drifting over sandy bottom targeting summer flounder. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, so even if you're a complete beginner, you'll have everything needed to get into fish.
We keep things simple but effective out there. Most of the fishing happens with conventional bottom rigs - think high-low setups with sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom in the current. For the fluke, we'll often switch to bucktails or fluke rigs tipped with squid, strip baits, or Gulp artificials that drive these flatfish crazy. The beauty of inshore fishing is that you don't need to be a casting champion or master complex techniques. Drop your rig down, feel for the bottom, and keep your bait in the strike zone. The crew will walk you through reading your rod tip for bites, setting the hook properly, and fighting fish without losing them at the boat. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. We've got a solid fish box with ice to keep your catch fresh, plus all the nets and gaffs needed to boat your fish safely.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush passing prey. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and the fact that a keeper-sized fluke (18+ inches) provides some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. They're most active during moving tides, especially around structure edges and drop-offs. The bigger fish, what we call "doormat" fluke, can stretch over 25 inches and provide a real fight on light tackle.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of the bottom fishing world around here. These chunky, aggressive fish live around wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom structure, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky. They hit hard and fight like fish twice their size, making them perfect for kids and beginners who want constant action. Sea bass are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. During their peak season from late spring through fall, it's not uncommon to catch limits of these scrappy fighters.
Scup, also known as porgy, might not win any beauty contests, but they're one of the most underrated fish in New Jersey waters. These silver-sided baitfish thieves are notorious for their quick, subtle bites that can frustrate beginners, but once you learn to detect their light taps, you'll appreciate their abundance and excellent eating quality. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Their small mouths require smaller hooks, but that makes them perfect for light tackle fishing.
Tautog, or blackfish, are the bulldozers of the inshore world. These powerful, dark-colored fish live around structure and are famous for their crushing bite and bulldogging fight. They're smart fish with excellent eyesight, often requiring finesse and patience to fool. But when you hook into a keeper tautog (16+ inches), you know you've got something special - both for the fight and the dinner table. Their white, flaky meat is considered by many to be the best eating fish in local waters. Fall is prime time for tautog as they feed heavily before winter.
Bottom line: this 6-hour charter with Side Job Sportfishing gives you everything you need for a world-class day of inshore fishing without breaking the bank or dealing with crowded conditions. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, want a relaxing day catching dinner, or just need to get your fishing fix, this trip delivers. The crew's experience shows in their fish-finding ability and willingness to put in the extra effort to make sure everyone has a great time. New Jersey's inshore waters are some of the most productive on the East Coast, and there's no better way to experience them than with a customer favorite charter operation that knows how to put clients on fish. Don't wait for the perfect weather or the perfect tide - book your trip today and get ready to fill the cooler with some of the finest eating fish that swim in these waters.
Our 450 HP motorboat gets you to the fishing grounds fast, so you can spend more time with lines in the water targeting Scup, Black Seabass, Tautog, and Fluke along New Jersey's productive inshore waters. The boat sleeps up to 6 anglers comfortably with air conditioning, a full kitchen, shower, and head onboard. Your catch stays fresh in our ice box and refrigerator while the fish finder helps locate schools below. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're over productive spots, and GPS navigation plus radar ensure we find fish in any conditions. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on the bite. Whether you're bringing kids for their first fishing trip or you're new to these waters yourself, this setup gives you everything needed for a successful day filling the cooler with dinner.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are bread-and-butter fish for our Jersey trips, running 12-18 inches on average with some real nice keepers pushing 3-4 pounds. These dark, chunky fish love structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet of water. Prime time is late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily inshore. What makes them popular with guests is their willingness to bite, solid fight, and outstanding table quality. They're perfect for kids and beginners since they're not too finicky about bait presentation. Males develop a distinctive hump during spawning season and can turn bright blue. You'll usually find schools of them, so steady action is common once we locate fish. They hit squid, clams, and small jigs readily. Local tip: use circle hooks on a simple high-low rig, and don't overthink it - these fish are aggressive feeders that will often hook themselves.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are silver-sided fighters that show up in good numbers from May through October when the water warms up. These medium-sized fish typically run 8-14 inches and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're bottom feeders that love working around rocky areas, pilings, and structure where they crush shellfish with their powerful jaws. Scup are great for families since they bite readily and are pretty forgiving for new anglers. The meat is excellent - firm and sweet when prepared right. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and steady. During summer, look for them in 15-40 feet of water around any hard structure. Here's a local trick: use small hooks with pieces of squid or clam, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle. Light line gets more bites, and these fish are stronger than they look.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets here in Jersey waters. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though we see some nice 4-6 pounders around the wrecks and deeper structure. They love hanging around hard bottom - jetties, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks are prime spots. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love about sea bass is they're aggressive biters, great eating, and perfect for beginners since they're fairly easy to catch. They put up a decent scrap too, especially the bigger ones. These fish travel in schools, so once you find them, you can usually fill the cooler. My go-to setup is a simple high-low rig with squid or clam, but here's the trick - use small hooks since they have relatively small mouths for their body size.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are master ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for bait to swim by. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can grow much larger, with females reaching impressive sizes. They're most active from late spring through fall when they move inshore to feed. What makes fluke fishing so rewarding is their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish, making strong runs when hooked. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, drop-offs, and channel edges in 20-80 feet of water. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and work it slow along the bottom with short hops. They often hit on the drop, so stay alert when your jig falls.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of New Jersey waters. These thick-bodied fish average 2-4 pounds but can reach impressive sizes around our deeper wrecks and rocky structure. They're homebodies that rarely venture far from their rocky lairs - jetties, boulder fields, and artificial reefs. Fall and early winter are prime time when they feed heavily before cold weather sets in. What makes tog special is their incredible table fare and the challenge they present. They're notorious bait stealers with crushing jaws that can crack open crabs and mussels. The fight is more about power than speed - they'll try to get back to the rocks and break you off. Green crabs are the go-to bait, but here's the secret: crack the shell slightly to release scent, and don't hesitate to set the hook hard when you feel that first tap. These fish require quick reflexes and heavy tackle.
Belmar, NJ