5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Trip in New Jersey
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing adventure targeting bass and flounderExpert Captain Robbie guides up to six guestsAll fishing gear and techniques included aboard Smokin Reel
Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these Neptune City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish during this top-rated 4-hour inshore adventure. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience, the Smokin Reel delivers consistent action targeting Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder. With room for up to six anglers, this intimate charter gives everyone plenty of elbow room and personal attention from one of New Jersey's most knowledgeable captains.
Departing from 301 W Concourse in Neptune City, you'll be fishing the productive inshore waters that make this stretch of the Jersey coast a customer favorite among serious anglers. Captain Robbie runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's built for comfort and fishing efficiency. The half-day format is perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to get their fish on without committing to a full day. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler. The captain's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right time, maximizing your chances of bringing home dinner.
Inshore fishing in Neptune City waters calls for a mix of bottom fishing and drift techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Captain Robbie will have you dropping lines on productive structure, working the edges of channels, and targeting sandy bottoms where flounder love to bury up. The gear is sized right for the species you're after - medium action rods that can handle a feisty striper but won't overpower a scrappy scup. Expect to work with both natural baits like squid, clams, and sandworms, plus some artificials when the fish are aggressive. The captain reads the water conditions, tide, and fish activity to adjust tactics throughout the trip, teaching you the techniques that consistently produce results in these waters.
"Best Father's Day ever! Clean boat, very personable, knowledgeable and just fun guys to spend the day with! Capt. Robbie knew the exact spot to catch what we were looking for and made sure we caught a ton! Can't say enough good things about this crew. No need to go anywhere else, I will definitely be back." - Richard
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love the rocky structure and wrecks off Neptune City, where they school up in impressive numbers from late spring through fall. Sea bass hit hard and fight dirty, using every rock and crevice to try to break you off. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but bigger specimens over 5 pounds show up regularly. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the inshore waters, and when they're feeding, the action gets wild fast. These aggressive predators travel in schools and absolutely demolish bait when they're on the hunt. Jersey blues typically run 2-8 pounds during the summer months, with larger "chopper" blues showing up during the fall migration. They'll hit everything from metal jigs to cut bait, and their sharp teeth and powerful runs make every hookup exciting. Fresh bluefish is outstanding when prepared properly - the key is getting them on ice quickly.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate inshore challenge. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying in sandy bottoms and ambushing prey with lightning-fast strikes. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique - you'll be drifting over productive bottoms, working your bait just right to trigger strikes from these finicky feeders. Jersey waters produce some world-class doormat fluke, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon during peak season from May through September. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Neptune City's inshore waters host excellent populations of schoolie stripers and the occasional keeper. These fish are incredibly smart and can be challenging to pattern, but when you connect with a good striper, you'll understand why they're called "America's fish." Schoolies typically run 18-24 inches, providing great sport on appropriate tackle. Stripers are available year-round in New Jersey waters, with peak action during the spring and fall migrations.
Scup, also known as porgy, might be smaller than the other target species, but don't underestimate these scrappy fighters. They're abundant in local waters, especially around structure and rocky areas, making them perfect for keeping kids busy and rods bent. Scup are excellent eating despite their size, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish cakes or whole preparation. They're also great bait for larger predators, so even the smaller ones serve a purpose on the boat.
This renowned half-day charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season when all five target species are active and feeding aggressively. Captain Robbie's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with the Smokin Reel's comfort and his expert guidance, makes this one of the best fishing values on the Jersey coast. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate event, or just want to get away from the dock with some serious fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques while still getting you back to the dock with time to spare. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Neptune City is quickly becoming a
The Smokin Reel is your ticket to productive fishing in Neptune City's prime inshore waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you target black sea bass, striped bass, fluke, and blues. The boat features a fish finder to locate structure where the fish hang out, plus GPS to hit all the hot spots Captain Robbie knows. A wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth for spooky fish. Between fishing spots, relax on the flybridge or grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge. The boat also has a head, galley, and sleeping area for longer days on the water. Whether you're jigging for sea bass or drifting for fluke, this setup gives you everything needed for a solid half-day of fishing the New Jersey coast.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets, especially around wrecks and rocky bottom in 30-80 feet of water. They're chunky fish that usually run 1-4 pounds, with the occasional trophy over 8. These guys are homebodies - they love structure like old pilings, jetties, and artificial reefs. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore. What guests love is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll put up a decent scrap on medium tackle but won't break the surface much. Here's something interesting: they're all born female and change to males as they grow. My go-to tip is to use a two-hook rig with squid or clam strips, and don't be afraid to bounce bottom - that's where they live and feed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that'll give you a solid fight once hooked. These silvery-blue predators typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones show up occasionally. They're voracious hunters with razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water and around structure from late spring through fall. They migrate through our area following the food, making summer and early fall prime time. What makes them popular is their strong runs and the fact they're excellent eating when prepared fresh - just bleed them right away. The meat's rich and flaky. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's likely a bluefish blitz. Get your lures in there fast because they'll hit almost anything moving when they're feeding like that.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy, are underrated fish that show up in good numbers around structure from late spring through fall. They're silvery, deep-bodied fish that average 8-12 inches and make for great table fare. You'll find them near rocks, pilings, and wrecks where they root around for crabs, worms, and shellfish with their strong jaws. They migrate inshore when water warms and head south when it cools. What's nice about scup is they're willing biters - perfect for beginners or when other fish are finicky. They're also excellent bait for bigger stripers. The meat is sweet and firm, similar to their porgy cousins. They're not flashy fighters but stay busy on light tackle. Best technique is bottom fishing with small hooks and pieces of clam, squid, or marine worms. Keep your bait right on the bottom and you'll usually pick up a few while targeting other species.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local waters - powerful fish with distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. They range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to real cows over 30 pounds. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring and fall migration periods are magic, but we catch them consistently through summer too. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality - firm, flaky meat with great flavor. They're smart fish that can be picky, but when conditions align, the action gets hot. They prefer moving water and feed heavily during dawn and dusk. Here's my local secret: watch for diving birds and nervous baitfish at the surface. When you find the bait, the stripers won't be far behind. Live eels are deadly at night.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to pass overhead. These "door mats" average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 5 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom. You'll find them on sandy flats, around structure edges, and near drop-offs in 10-40 feet. Late spring through early fall is best, with the warmer months producing the most action. Guests love the challenge because they're picky biters and fight hard once hooked. Plus, they're outstanding eating - firm, sweet white meat. The key is patience and keeping your bait moving slightly along the bottom. My best advice: use a fluke rig with a long leader, live minnows or strips of squid, and drift slowly over likely spots. Set the hook hard when you feel that tap.
5.0 out of 5.0Best Father’s Day ever! Clean boat, very personable, knowledgeable and just fun guys to spend the day with! Capt. Robbie knew the ...
Neptune City, NJ