NJ Offshore Fishing: Private Morning Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target ling, seabass, and fluke on wrecks and reefsEighthour morning charter accommodates up to 8 passengersDesigned for experienced and seaworthy anglers only
Ready to hit New Jersey's most productive fishing grounds? This 8-hour private morning charter gets you out to the wrecks, rocks, and reefs where the big fish hang out. We're talking serious offshore action targeting Ling (Cusk), Black Sea Bass, and Summer Flounder on structure that holds fish year after year. At $1280 for up to 8 anglers, you're looking at $160 per person for a full day of world-class fishing – that's hard to beat for private charter rates. Captain Tagged Fish runs a tight ship and knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – we're talking about a private charter designed for serious anglers who can handle themselves on the water. The morning departure gets you to the fishing grounds while the bite is hot, and 8 hours gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots. We'll start by checking the wrecks where Ling like to hold tight to structure, then move to rocky bottom areas for Sea Bass before finishing up on sandy flats where Fluke cruise for baitfish. The crew emphasizes this trip is geared toward experienced and seaworthy anglers, so come prepared for real offshore conditions. Weather can change fast out there, and you'll need your sea legs under you. The boat can handle up to 15 people total, so if you've got a bigger group, additional guests join for just $160 each. No meals are included, so pack your own lunch and plenty of water – you'll work up an appetite fighting fish all day.
Fishing the wrecks requires heavy tackle and know-how. We're talking conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound braid, heavy sinkers to get down fast in the current, and circle hooks that'll hold when a big Ling decides to make a run back to the wreck. The captain provides all the tackle you need, but experienced anglers often bring their own rods – 6-7 foot heavy action conventional setups work best. When we're on the wrecks, it's all about getting your bait down quick and keeping it just off the bottom. Ling love clams, squid, and fish chunks, while Sea Bass go crazy for sea worms and small jigs tipped with squid strips. For Fluke fishing, we'll switch to lighter tackle and drift the sandy bottom with bucktails and gulp baits or live killies when we can get them. The key to success is reading the bottom structure on the fish finder and positioning the boat so your bait drifts naturally with the current. These fish didn't get big by being stupid – they know when something doesn't look right.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke as every Jersey angler calls them, are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and gravel, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The bigger "doormat" Fluke – anything over 5 pounds – are smart and picky, which makes landing one that much more satisfying. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically caught in deeper water during summer months. What makes Fluke fishing so addictive is the fight – they pull hard with that flat body profile, and you never know if you've got a 2-pounder or a 10-pound doormat until you see color. Plus, they're outstanding table fare when prepared right.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than Fluke, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fighters in New Jersey waters. These chunky fish live around structure – wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs – where they feed on crabs, worms, and small fish. They're curious by nature and will often grab your bait as soon as it hits bottom. Sea Bass are also incredibly tasty, with firm white meat that's perfect for frying or grilling. The regulations change yearly, so always check current size and bag limits, but when they're in season, you can usually keep a decent number. They school up tight around structure, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more nearby. The bigger "humpback" Sea Bass – those 3-4 pounders with the prominent hump behind their head – are the ones every angler wants to catch.
This seasonal weekend morning trip books up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the bite is consistent. At $160 per angler for 8 hours of private charter fishing, you're getting top-rated access to New Jersey's best offshore grounds without the crowd of a party boat. The crew knows where to find fish and will put you on them, but they expect you to be able to handle yourself once the action starts. Bring your A-game, pack smart for a day offshore, and get ready for some of the best wreck and reef fishing the Garden State has to offer. Contact Tagged Fish to check availability and secure your dates – the calendar fills up quick when word gets out about good fishing.
Step aboard our well-maintained 50 ft Carman Downeast Cabin Cruiser and get ready to hit New Jersey's productive offshore waters. This 1998 vessel is built for serious fishing, equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting ling, seabass, and fluke around the wrecks and reefs. The fish finder will help us locate schools while GPS and radar keep us on course and safe in any conditions. You'll appreciate the onboard icebox for keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour trip. With a comfortable cabin, toilet facilities, and room for up to 8 anglers, this boat handles offshore conditions with ease. Our experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, taking you to the best spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're working jigs around structure or drifting bait over the reefs, this charter boat gives you the platform you need for a productive day on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our wreck fishing trips. These chunky, gray-to-black fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some real bruisers over 8 pounds around the deeper structure. They love hanging tight to wrecks, rocks, and reefs in 40-120 feet of water, especially during late spring through summer when they move inshore. What anglers love about sea bass is their scrappy fight - they'll pull hard right to the bottom - plus they're fantastic on the table. The males turn bright blue during spawn and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. Best technique is dropping squid or clam strips on a high-low rig right to the bottom. Pro tip: once you hook one, get it up fast before it ducks back into the wreck and cuts you off. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are one of New Jersey's most prized flatfish. These masters of disguise can change color to match the bottom, making them tough to spot but rewarding to catch. Most run 15-20 inches, though we see some real doormat-sized fish pushing 26 pounds. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms around our wrecks and reefs, usually in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes fluke special is their aggressive strike and excellent table fare - they're hands down one of the best eating fish we target. Here's the trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and work it with a slow lift-and-drop motion. They bite sideways, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Highlands, NJ