Full Day Fishing Trip in New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesExpert captain provides gear and guidance for all skill levelsComfortable boat accommodates up to six guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of New Jersey's best inshore species, Captain Robbie Siciliano's full-day charter out of Neptune City delivers exactly what serious anglers want. This 8-hour adventure aboard the Smokin Reel takes you to productive waters where Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder are actively feeding. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in saltwater fishing, this trip gives you the time and guidance to really dial in your technique and put some quality fish in the cooler.
Captain Robbie runs a tight ship that accommodates up to six anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowds. The Smokin Reel is set up for comfort during those long days when the fish are biting and you don't want to head in early. Departing from 301 W Concourse in Neptune City, you'll be hitting proven spots along the New Jersey coast where these target species consistently show up. The 8-hour window gives you plenty of flexibility to move around if one area isn't producing, and Captain Robbie knows these waters well enough to put you on fish when conditions are right. All your gear is provided, but if you've got a lucky rod or preferred tackle setup, bring it along. The boat's equipped with everything from light spinning gear for flounder to heavier setups when the stripers are running thick.
This inshore fishery demands versatility, and Captain Robbie switches up techniques based on what's biting and where you're fishing. For Black Sea Bass around structure, you'll be dropping jigs and bait rigs to the bottom, working that perfect bounce to trigger strikes from fish holding tight to rocks and wrecks. When targeting Summer Flounder, it's all about drifting with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing, keeping that bait just off the bottom where these flatfish are ambushing prey. Striped Bass fishing varies with the season - sometimes you're casting plugs and soft plastics to breaking fish, other times you're trolling or live-lining bunker when the big girls are cruising deeper water. Bluefish and Scup often show up as bonus catches, with blues hitting just about anything that moves and scup providing steady action on lighter tackle. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts throughout the day, so you're learning multiple approaches while maximizing your chances at different species.
Black Sea Bass remain the bread and butter of New Jersey inshore fishing, with these chunky bottom dwellers providing consistent action from late spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. Most fish run 2-4 pounds, but keeper-sized bass in the 15-18 inch range are common, and you'll occasionally hook into a real doormat pushing 20+ inches. Summer Flounder fishing peaks during the warmer months when these flatfish move into shallower waters to feed. Fluke are masters of camouflage and ambush predators, making each hookup exciting since you never know if you've got a throwback or a genuine doormat until it comes to the surface. Striped Bass provide the real trophy potential, especially during spring and fall migrations when schools of big fish push through local waters. These fish are built for power and endurance, testing your drag system and fighting skills on every hookup.
Bluefish are the ultimate opportunistic predators in these waters, showing up whenever baitfish are around and hitting lures with reckless abandon. They're excellent eating when iced immediately and bleed properly, plus they provide fast action that keeps everyone engaged. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, with occasional larger specimens during peak summer months. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make them exciting to catch, though you'll want to be careful handling them at boatside.
Black Sea Bass are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottoms, wrecks, and artificial reefs throughout the area. They're curious and competitive, often traveling in schools that make for hot action once you locate them. Peak season runs from May through October, with the largest fish typically caught in deeper water during summer months. These bass are prized for their excellent table fare and willingness to bite a variety of baits and lures.
Summer Flounder represent the ultimate flatfish challenge, requiring patience and technique to consistently catch legal-sized fish. They're most active from May through September, when water temperatures reach optimal feeding ranges. Fluke can grow quite large in New Jersey waters, with fish over 8 pounds caught regularly during peak season. Their ability to completely flatten against the bottom and change color makes them nearly invisible until they strike.
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish of the Atlantic coast, combining size, strength, and fighting ability in one package. Spring and fall migrations bring the largest concentrations through local waters, though resident fish provide action throughout the summer months. These bass can range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-20 inches up to true cows exceeding 40 pounds. They're intelligent fish that require varying presentations depending on conditions and forage availability.
Scup, also known as porgy, are often underestimated but provide excellent light-tackle action and superb table fare. These fish are abundant in local waters from spring through fall, with the largest specimens typically caught during summer months. They're structure-oriented like sea bass but often feed higher in the water column, making them perfect targets when other species are being finicky.
Captain Robbie's full-day charters offer the perfect combination of productive fishing and professional guidance that keeps both novice and experienced anglers coming back. The 8-hour format gives you real time to learn the water
The Smokin Reel is your floating command center for targeting bass, flounder, and everything biting in Neptune City waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles six anglers comfortably while you work the inshore grounds for Black Sea Bass, Stripers, and Summer Flounder. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on structure, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom dwellers. Between fishing spots, relax in the cabin with a cold drink from the onboard fridge, or grab some food from the galley. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and bait activity. With GPS navigation, a private head, and even sleeping quarters for longer adventures, this boat has everything needed for a productive day chasing New Jersey's best gamefish in comfort.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for anglers who want steady action and great table fare. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds, with occasional larger males pushing 6-8 pounds. They love structure - wrecks, reefs, jetties, and rocky bottom in 15-80 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Bass are curious fish that'll investigate anything near their home turf, making them fairly cooperative. They put up a solid fight for their size and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it up about two feet. Bass often grab baits on the way down after you lift and drop.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything when they're in feeding mode. These silver-sided fighters typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, though we see some pushing 15+ pounds during peak season. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! You'll find them schooling in open water and around structure from late spring through fall. Blues love to chase baitfish to the surface, creating those feeding frenzies that get everyone's heart pumping. They fight hard with long runs and are excellent eating when bled and iced right away. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get your lines in fast - that's a bluefish blitz happening.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgies, are underrated fish that provide non-stop action, especially for kids and beginners. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds around here. They're bottom feeders that hang around structure, rocks, and pilings in 15-50 feet of water from May through September. While they're not huge fighters, scup make up for it with sheer numbers - you can catch dozens on a good day. They're also surprisingly good eating with sweet, firm meat once you get past the bones. Many anglers use them as live bait for stripers too. The trick with scup is using smaller hooks and lighter tackle - they have small mouths but will bite all day long on clam, squid, or marine worms.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - powerful, smart, and absolutely beautiful fish. Most stripers we catch range 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, but 20-40 pounders show up regularly during migration periods. They're structure-oriented fish that patrol rocky areas, jetties, channels, and drop-offs throughout the water column. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding during migration. Stripers are intelligent fighters that use their bulk and stamina to test your drag system. They're also fantastic eating with firm, flaky white meat. The key to consistent striper success is matching your presentation to what they're feeding on. Watch for bird activity and baitfish - where you see nervous water and diving birds, you'll find feeding stripers underneath.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate flatfish challenge that keeps anglers coming back. These "left-eyed" fish can grow quite large - we regularly see 3-8 pounders with doormat-sized fish over 10 pounds mixed in. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud bottoms in 10-60 feet, waiting to attack passing baitfish. Best fishing runs May through October, with peak action in summer months. Fluke are tricky - they'll mouth your bait and drop it if they feel resistance. The fight is more about their size and dead weight than speed. They're prized for their sweet, white meat that's perfect for dinner. Key tip: when you feel that tap-tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then come tight.
Neptune City, NJ