5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Bass & Flounder Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain Robbie provides all gear and expert guidanceComfortable boat accommodates up to six guests maximum
Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these Neptune City waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard the Smokin Reel for this 6-hour extended half day adventure, you're getting access to his decades of local knowledge. Departing from 301 W Concourse, you'll spend quality time targeting the best inshore species New Jersey has to offer – from chunky Black Sea Bass to hefty Summer Flounder. With room for up to six anglers, this isn't one of those crowded cattle boat operations where you're fighting for rail space. Instead, you get personalized attention whether you're a complete rookie or you've been working these waters for years.
Six hours gives Captain Robbie real flexibility to work different spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting. You'll start the morning hitting productive structure where Black Sea Bass love to hang out, then potentially move to sandy bottom areas where Summer Flounder ambush baitfish. The beauty of this extended trip is there's no rush – if the bite is hot at one location, you can stay and capitalize. If it slows down, there's plenty of time to relocate and try different presentations. The Smokin Reel is set up for comfort during these longer sessions, with enough space for everyone to fish effectively without getting tangled up. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels matched to the target species, to a full selection of jigs, bucktails, and live bait when conditions call for it.
Captain Robbie runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what's showing up on the fish finder. For Black Sea Bass, you'll typically be working jigs and soft plastics around structure in 20 to 40 feet of water. The key is getting your bait down quickly and working it right along the bottom where these fish feed. When targeting Summer Flounder, it's often about dragging bucktails tipped with Gulp or strip baits across sandy areas, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap of a fluke mouthing your offering. Striped Bass fishing might involve live lining bunker or working topwater plugs if they're busting bait on the surface. Bluefish are aggressive feeders that will hit just about anything when they're around – metal jigs, spoons, or chunk baits work great. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you have favorite rods or lures, feel free to bring them along. He's always interested in seeing what's working for other local anglers.
"We caught some huge fish. The crew was very very good" - Thomas
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey inshore fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish live around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom areas. They're curious and aggressive, often hitting jigs on the drop or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight – they use that broad body and strong tail to dive straight for structure when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from keeper size around 15 inches up to genuine door mats pushing 20 inches or better. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to traditional fish and chips.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate inshore prize fish. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury in sandy bottom and attack baitfish from below with lightning speed. What makes them so exciting is you never know when you might hook into a real doormat – fish over 5 pounds are always possible, and 8 to 10 pound fish show up every season. They're also incredibly smart, often following your bait for long distances before committing. The fight is unique too, with powerful runs and that distinctive head-shaking that can throw hooks if you're not careful. Best fishing typically runs from May through October, with larger fish often moving in during late summer and early fall.
Striped Bass are the apex predator in these waters, and when they're around, everything else takes a back seat. These fish can range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to genuine cows pushing 40 inches or more. What makes them special is their intelligence and the variety of ways you can target them. Some days they're crushing topwater plugs in shallow water, other times they're deep and you need to work live baits or heavy jigs. Their fight is legendary – strong initial runs followed by determined head-shaking and bulldogging toward structure. Spring and fall see the best action as fish migrate along the coast, though resident fish can provide action throughout the warmer months.
Bluefish might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression and hard fights. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They hit lures and baits with authority, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. What's exciting about blues is their unpredictability – they might show up anywhere from shallow water to deeper structure, and they're always ready to feed. Peak action typically occurs during spring and fall migrations, though scattered fish can be found throughout the summer months. Just remember to bring a rag or gloves when handling them – those teeth are razor sharp.
Scup, also known as porgy, are often overlooked but provide consistent action and excellent eating. These smaller members of the sea bream family are curious and aggressive, readily hitting small jigs, pieces of clam, or squid. While they typically run smaller than the other target species, usually in the 8 to 12 inch range, they make up for size with numbers. When you find a school of scup, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm
The Smokin Reel is your floating home base for chasing bass, flounder, and whatever else is biting in New Jersey's inshore waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles six anglers comfortably while you work the productive fishing grounds around Neptune City. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Robbie position you quietly over structure without spooking the fish, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Between fishing spots, you'll appreciate the onboard kitchen for snacks, a real toilet instead of a bucket, and even a bed if someone needs to rest. The flybridge gives you great visibility when spotting baitfish or working top-water lures. GPS keeps you on the most productive spots, and the refrigerator ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during the full six hours on the water. Whether you're casting for stripers or dropping down for sea bass, this boat has everything needed for a productive day of inshore fishing.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are one of our most reliable catches, especially around wrecks and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. These chunky fighters usually run 1-4 pounds, with their distinctive black coloring and white-edged fins. They're homebodies that stick close to structure - old pilings, jetties, and artificial reefs are prime spots. Late spring through early fall is your best bet when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them special is they're scrappy fighters pound-for-pound and absolutely delicious table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local secret: when you hook one, don't be surprised if you get doubles or triples - they school tight. Use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or clam, and keep your bait right on the structure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight - they're not called choppers for nothing. These silvery-blue fish typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, though we occasionally hook into 15+ pounders. They school up and feed voraciously on bunker, anchovies, and pretty much anything that moves. You'll find them from the surf zone out to about 50 feet, often following baitfish along structure like jetties and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the 60s-70s. They're fantastic eating when bled and iced right away - the meat is rich and flaky. One tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get your lures in there fast. Bluefish blitzes don't last long, but the action is intense.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are scrappy little fighters that often surprise first-time anglers with their strength. These silver-sided fish typically run 1-2 pounds but make up for size with attitude. They hang around hard bottom, wrecks, and pilings in 20-60 feet, using their strong jaws to crunch clams and crabs. May through September is prime time when they move inshore from deeper water. Guests love them because they're easy to catch, fight harder than expected, and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect fried or baked. They're also great live bait for bigger fish. Pro tip: use small hooks with clam or squid pieces, and don't be gentle on the hookset. Their mouths are tough, so give it a good pop when you feel that tap.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the king of our inshore waters, with those distinctive black stripes running down silver sides. These powerful fish range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to 40+ pound cows. They're structure-oriented, hanging around jetties, bridges, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them all season. What makes stripers special is their strength - they'll make long runs and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. They're also smart, so you need to vary your approach. Here's what works: focus on moving water during tide changes, and don't overlook live eels at night - it's deadly when nothing else works.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to strike. These "doormat" flatfish can reach 8+ pounds, though most run 2-5 pounds. They love sandy areas near structure in 15-40 feet - think channel edges, inlet mouths, and drop-offs where current brings baitfish. Peak season runs May through October when they're inshore feeding heavily. What guests love is the surprise factor - one second you're drifting quietly, next you've got a big fluke hammering your bait. The meat is premium table fare, sweet and firm. My go-to technique: drift live killies or squid strips on a bucktail jig, bouncing it just off bottom. Keep moving until you find them - they're usually stacked up in specific spots.
5.0 out of 5.0We caught some huge fish. The crew was very very good
Neptune City, NJ