5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip in New Jersey
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesComfortable boat accommodates up to six guests maximumAll fishing gear and expert guidance included
Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these Neptune City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour inshore adventure aboard the Smokin Reel gives you plenty of time to work the productive waters off New Jersey's coast without committing to a full day. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your logbook, this extended half-day trip hits that sweet spot. You'll launch from 301 W Concourse and spend your morning targeting everything from hefty stripers to tasty summer flounder, all while learning the local techniques that make these waters so productive.
The Smokin Reel comfortably handles up to six anglers, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow fighting for rail space. Captain Robbie keeps things relaxed but focused – he'll have you rigged up and fishing within minutes of clearing the inlet. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can show up empty-handed if you want. These inshore waters offer incredible variety, and that's what makes this trip special. One minute you might be bouncing bucktails for fluke in 20 feet of water, the next you could be live-lining bunker for stripers along a rocky drop-off. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly, which means you're always fishing smart, not just fishing hard. Expect to cover different bottom types and structures throughout the trip – sandy flats where flounder cruise, rocky areas that hold sea bass, and current edges where blues and stripers hunt baitfish.
This isn't a one-trick-pony kind of trip. Captain Robbie runs a mixed bag approach that keeps things interesting and productive. You'll likely start with bottom fishing using conventional rods loaded with circle hooks – perfect for sea bass and scup around structure. The captain stocks plenty of clams, squid, and fresh bait to keep the fish interested. When the fluke bite is on, you'll switch to drift fishing with bucktail jigs tipped with gulp or fresh bait, working the sandy bottom in a systematic pattern. For stripers and blues, expect to throw everything from topwater plugs during dawn hours to live eels if conditions call for it. The tackle is sized right for the fish you're targeting – medium-heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle anything from 2-pound scup to 30-pound stripers. Captain Robbie's not just going to hand you a rod and point – he'll show you how to work your baits, read your rod tip, and set the hook properly. These techniques work because they match what the fish are doing naturally in these productive New Jersey waters.
"We caught some huge fish. The crew was very very good" - Thomas
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially from late spring through early fall. These chunky fighters love structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom where they can ambush crabs and small fish. They're not the fastest fish in the ocean, but they make up for it with pure bulldog strength, diving straight down when hooked. Most range from 2 to 5 pounds, but keeper-sized fish over the 15-inch minimum put up a solid fight on appropriate tackle. What makes sea bass so popular is they're cooperative biters when you find them, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate inshore challenge. These flat predators can grow massive – anything over 5 pounds is a nice fish, and 10-pounders are true trophies. They're ambush hunters that bury in sand waiting for baitfish, which means presentation is everything. A properly worked bucktail bouncing just off bottom drives them crazy, but you've got to stay alert because fluke are notorious for their subtle bite. The fight isn't about speed or jumping – it's that side-to-side pulling power as they use their flat body like a dinner plate in the current. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with bigger fish typically showing up in deeper water as temperatures drop.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing. These silver-sided fighters can show up anywhere from 2 pounds to over 40, and each one fights like it's got something to prove. Stripers are smart, which makes them challenging – they'll follow structure, work current edges, and chase bait balls with tactical precision. During spring and fall migrations, you might hook into fish that have traveled hundreds of miles along the coast. What makes stripers special is their willingness to hit everything from tiny jigs to large plugs, depending on what they're feeding on. The bigger ones are pure power – long, sustained runs that'll test your drag and your patience.
Bluefish earn their reputation as aggressive fighters the moment you hook one. These toothy predators hunt in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating feeding frenzies when they push bait to the surface. Blues range from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids to chopper blues over 10 pounds that'll straighten hooks if you're not prepared. They're found throughout the warmer months, often mixed with other species around bait schools. What anglers love about bluefish is their attitude – they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Just watch your fingers around those razor-sharp teeth.
Scup, also called porgy, might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for size with numbers and eating quality. These silver-sided panfish are excellent for beginners because they bite readily and fight proportionally hard for their size. Most range from 1 to
Meet the Smokin Reel, your fishing headquarters for chasing bass and flounder in Neptune City waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you target Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder along New Jersey's productive inshore grounds. The boat features everything serious fishermen need: GPS to mark hot spots, fish finder to locate schools, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to structure. Between fishing sessions, grab cold drinks from the onboard refrigerator or take a break in the cabin area. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water while scanning for feeding birds and bait schools. With a full kitchen, bed, and toilet aboard, longer fishing days stay comfortable. Captain Robbie runs a tight ship with all gear provided, making this the perfect platform for both rookie anglers learning the ropes and seasoned fishermen looking to boat quality catches in New Jersey's rich coastal waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, reliable fighters that hang around structure - think wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds and sport that distinctive hump on their heads during spawning season. They're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat that makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they move inshore. These fish are actually all born female and change to male as they grow - pretty wild biology. Here's my go-to trick: use a two-hook rig with squid or clam, but add a small piece of sea worm to one hook. That combo seems to trigger more strikes than bait alone.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight - they're built for speed with sharp, triangular teeth and typically run 2-10 pounds around here. These blue-green fighters show up in our waters from late spring through fall, following schools of baitfish like menhaden and bunker. You'll find them anywhere from shallow bays to deeper offshore waters, often creating feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes" where the water looks like it's boiling. They're fantastic table fare when fresh - the smaller "cocktail blues" are especially sweet. My tip: when you see birds diving and the water churning white, get your line in fast. Use wire leaders since those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are silver-scaled bottom dwellers that might be small but they're scrappy fighters and fantastic eating. Most run 8-12 inches and up to 2 pounds, with strong jaws built for crushing shells and small crabs. You'll find them around rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings from late spring through early fall - they head offshore when water temps drop. While they're not huge, scup are perfect for families and new anglers since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. The meat is sweet and firm, great pan-fried whole. They also make excellent live bait for striped bass. Here's my trick: use small hooks with pieces of clam or squid, and fish right on the bottom near structure. When you hook one, there's usually more around, so drop your line back down quickly.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the king of our inshore waters - powerful fish with those distinctive dark horizontal stripes that can range from schoolie-sized 20 inchers up to real cows pushing 30-40 pounds. They love structure like bridges, jetties, and drop-offs, plus they're always chasing bait in rips and current edges. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, though we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and strength - they'll test your drag and make long runs. Plus they're excellent eating, especially the smaller fish. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and aggressive when feeding. My local tip: look for birds working the water and watch for nervous baitfish on the surface - that's where the bass will be hunting.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the masters of camouflage - flatfish that lie on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side, perfectly blending in until prey swims by. They're ambush predators that can grow quite large, with most catches running 15-20 inches, though we see some real doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds. Best action is from May through October in depths from 10-60 feet over sand and mud bottoms. What makes them special is that surprise strike when you think you've got a snag - then suddenly your rod bends and line starts peeling. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. My trick: use a slow drift with a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and keep that bait moving just off bottom. Fluke can't resist that fluttering action.
5.0 out of 5.0We caught some huge fish. The crew was very very good
Neptune City, NJ