Full Day Fishing Trip in New Jersey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore fishing adventure targeting bass and flounderExpert Captain Robbie provides all gear and guidance aboard Smokin ReelComfortable boat accommodates up to six guests from Neptune City
Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these Neptune City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this epic 8-hour inshore adventure. Departing from 301 W Concourse, you'll climb aboard the Smokin Reel for a day that's all about bent rods and coolers full of quality fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this trip delivers the goods. We're talking Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder – all species that know how to put up a fight and taste even better on the dinner plate.
The Smokin Reel comfortably handles up to six anglers, which means you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions. Captain Robbie keeps things organized and focused, moving between productive spots based on tides, bait activity, and what's been biting. You'll start the day with a briefing on safety and techniques, then head out to structure where these Jersey inshore species love to hang out. The boat's equipped with quality electronics, so finding fish isn't left to guesswork. Expect to fish a variety of depths and structures throughout the day, from shallow flats where flounder cruise to deeper ledges where sea bass stack up. The captain provides all tackle and knows exactly what rigs and baits work best in these waters, so you can focus on the fun part – catching fish.
This isn't a one-trick-pony operation. Captain Robbie switches up tactics based on conditions and what's feeding. You might start the morning bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait for sea bass and scup around structure, then transition to drifting for flounder over sandy bottoms using bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. When the stripers are active, expect to throw plugs or work live eels near drop-offs and current breaks. Bluefish often show up in feeding frenzies, and when they do, you'll be casting metals or working topwater plugs while the action is hot. All gear is provided, from rods and reels matched to the fishing style to tackle boxes stocked with proven local favorites. The captain handles net duties and fish handling, plus he's always ready to retie rigs or adjust your setup when conditions change.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky fighters hang around rocky structure and wrecks, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional larger specimens pushing 4-5 pounds. They're aggressive biters that hit fresh clams, squid, and sea worms with authority. Best action usually happens during slack tide periods when they're actively feeding, and they're legal to keep during open seasons with a 15-inch minimum size. Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate inshore prize fish. These flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush baitfish. They can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you're drifting baits along the bottom, feeling for that subtle tap-tap-tap bite that signals a fluke is mouthing your offering. Striped Bass are the apex predator in these waters, with schoolie-sized fish providing consistent action and occasional larger fish adding real excitement. They're structure-oriented but also cruise open water when chasing bait schools. Bluefish bring the chaos factor – when they're feeding, it's fast and furious action with hard strikes and screaming drags. Scup, or porgy, round out the mixed bag with their aggressive biting and excellent table fare, often providing steady action when other species are finicky.
Captain Robbie's reputation is built on consistency and fish knowledge. He's not just dropping lines and hoping for the best – he's reading water conditions, watching electronics, and positioning the boat where fish want to be. The variety keeps things interesting too. You might be fighting a feisty bluefish one minute and carefully working a flounder to the boat the next. The learning factor is huge, especially for newer anglers. You'll pick up techniques for reading your rod tip, setting the hook properly, and handling different species. Experienced fishermen appreciate the captain's local knowledge and willingness to try different spots when the bite slows down. The 8-hour timeframe gives you real fishing time without feeling rushed, and Neptune City's location puts you close to productive inshore structure without burning hours running to fishing grounds.
Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of New Jersey inshore fishing. These bottom-dwellers love structure – rocks, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush crabs and small baitfish. They're most active during spring through fall, with peak action often happening during moving tides. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and the way they fight, diving straight down and using their broad bodies to pull drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that works great grilled or fried. Summer Flounder are the thinking angler's fish. These flatfish require finesse and patience, but landing a quality fluke is one of the most satisfying catches in these waters. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with the largest fish often caught during summer months. The challenge is in the presentation – keeping baits moving naturally along the bottom while detecting subtle bites. Striped Bass are simply iconic. These silver-sided fighters can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deep water, following bait schools and feeding aggressively during dawn and dusk periods. They're available most of the year in
The Smokin Reel is built for serious fishing in Neptune City's productive waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you target bass, flounder, and bluefish along New Jersey's coast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom features where fish hold. GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots efficiently, and the flybridge gives Captain Robbie a commanding view of the water. Between fishing spots, grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or use the full kitchen and head. The comfortable bed means you can rest during longer runs to distant grounds. Whether you're jigging for sea bass or drifting for summer flounder, this boat has the space and amenities to keep your group fishing hard all day without the cramped quarters of smaller charter boats.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable catches around Neptune City's wrecks and rocky bottom. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some nice 6-8 pounders on deeper structure. They love hanging around anything with vertical relief - wrecks, jetties, and rock piles in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love about them is they're great eating fish with sweet, firm meat, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. The bigger males get bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. Here's my trick: use a high-low rig with squid or sea worms, and bounce it right on the bottom near structure. They'll grab it and head straight back to cover.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter off Neptune City. Blues typically run 3-15 pounds here, with their razor-sharp teeth and fierce appetite making every hookup a battle. They're voracious predators that travel in schools, often creating feeding frenzies when they hit baitfish. You'll find them from spring through fall in our local waters, usually near structure or chasing bait in open water. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll pull drag and jump when hooked. Plus, smaller blues make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. My tip: use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono in seconds. When you see birds diving, cast toward the action - that's where the blues are feeding.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are those silvery, deep-bodied fish that seem to show up everywhere around here. They typically run 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, with occasional bigger ones pushing 3-4 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom in 15-60 feet of water during warmer months from May through October. They head offshore and south when it gets cold. What's great about scup is they're easy to catch, making them perfect for kids and beginners, plus they're surprisingly good eating despite being underrated. They're also excellent live bait for stripers. The key is they're bottom feeders with strong jaws for crushing shells. My tip: use small hooks with pieces of squid, clam, or sea worms on a simple high-low rig. They'll often bite while you're targeting other species.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, with those distinctive black stripes making them unmistakable. Most run 20-40 pounds here, though we see smaller schoolies and occasional cows over 40. They're structure-oriented fish that love bridges, jetties, and drop-offs, but also cruise open water chasing bait. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, though they're catchable year-round. What makes them special is they're powerful fighters that make long runs, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. These fish are smart and can be finicky about bait presentation. They move with the tides and temperature changes, so timing matters. My secret: early morning and late evening are prime time. Use live eels or bunker around structure, and don't rush the fight - let them tire themselves out.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for bait to swim by. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 8 pounds - we call the big ones "doormats." You'll find them on sand and mud bottoms from shallow bays to deeper offshore waters, especially near current breaks and structure edges. Peak season runs May through October, with fall being particularly hot when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. Guests love them because they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, and landing a big fluke is always memorable. The fight isn't flashy but they're strong. My go-to technique: drift live minnows or spearing near the bottom on a bucktail jig. Let it bounce and flutter - that movement triggers their strike instinct.
Neptune City, NJ