Private Bottom Fishing Trips in Highlands NJ
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7-hour private bottom fishing charter accommodates up to 6 anglersTarget seabass, fluke, porgy, triggerfish along New Jersey coastAll fishing gear included with experienced Captain Jerry guiding
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? Captain Jerry's private bottom fishing charters out of Highlands offer exactly what serious anglers want—productive waters, experienced guidance, and the flexibility to fish your way. These 7-hour trips launch at 7 AM and run from mid-June through October, giving you access to some of the most consistent bottom fishing along the Jersey coast. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails and put together a respectable cooler full of keeper fish.
Captain Jerry designs each trip around current conditions and seasonal patterns, mixing nearshore structure with offshore grounds to maximize your hookups. The 7-hour window gives you real fishing time—not just a quick run to the closest spots. You'll work a variety of bottom types, from rocky structure holding blackfish to sandy patches where fluke ambush baitfish. Jerry's been running these waters for years and knows exactly where to set up based on tide, weather, and what's been biting lately. The boat comes loaded with quality tackle, rods, and terminal gear, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. Just pack your own food and drinks, and prepare for a full day of steady action.
Bottom fishing here means working traditional high-low rigs, bank sinkers, and bucktails depending on current and depth. You'll be fishing anywhere from 20 to 80 feet of water, adjusting weight and presentation as conditions change. Jerry stocks the boat with fresh clams, squid, and sea worms—the proven baits that consistently produce along this stretch of coast. When the fluke are active, you'll also work bucktails tipped with Gulp or fresh strips, covering more ground with a jigging presentation. The key is reading the bottom finder, staying tight to structure, and keeping fresh bait in the water. Jerry handles the navigation and positioning, so you can concentrate on detecting bites and setting the hook when fish pick up your offering.
Summer flounder remain the premier target for most anglers booking these trips. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish, crabs, and worms to drift within striking distance. Fluke season runs through September, with the best action typically happening during moving tides when baitfish are active. A keeper summer flounder—18 inches minimum—puts up a strong fight and makes excellent table fare. The larger "doormat" fluke over 5 pounds are what every angler hopes to hook, and the diverse bottom structure off Highlands consistently produces these trophy-class fish throughout the summer months.
Scup, commonly called porgy, provide steady action when you locate active schools. These smaller fish are aggressive biters that often save the day when other species are finicky. They typically run 8 to 14 inches and hit clam strips, sea worms, and small pieces of squid. While individual fish aren't huge, scup school heavily and can provide nonstop action once you dial in the right depth and bait presentation. They're also outstanding eating—firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or simple pan-frying.
Black sea bass represent the prize catch for many bottom fishermen. These chunky, hard-fighting fish inhabit rocky structure and artificial reefs where they feed on crabs, small fish, and marine worms. Sea bass are curious and aggressive, often hitting baits within minutes of anchoring over productive structure. The 12.5-inch minimum size ensures you're keeping mature fish, and a good sea bass in the 2 to 4-pound range provides excellent sport on medium tackle. Their firm, flaky meat is considered among the best-eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite trip after trip.
Captain Jerry's private bottom fishing trips book up quickly during peak season, especially weekends and holidays when working anglers want to get on the water. The 6-angler capacity makes these charters perfect for family groups, friends, or small fishing clubs looking for a dedicated day of fishing without strangers on board. Free cancellation with 3 days' notice gives you flexibility for weather, but remember that deposits are non-refundable once you commit. With consistent fishing from June through October and Jerry's local knowledge guiding every trip, you're looking at one of the most reliable bottom fishing experiences available along the central Jersey coast. Book early to secure your preferred dates and get ready for a genuine day of fishing where the focus stays on putting quality fish in the cooler.
Step aboard this 38' Topaz and get ready for serious bottom fishing off the New Jersey coast. This roomy motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with its wide beam and spacious cockpit that keeps you protected from whatever weather rolls in. The air conditioning keeps things comfortable during those hot summer days, while the full kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox mean you can stay out longer chasing seabass, fluke, and triggerfish without worrying about food and drinks. The private bathroom is a game-changer for all-day trips. Captain Jerry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with powerful engines cutting down travel time, you'll spend more hours with lines in the water. The fish finder and GPS help locate the best spots, while the radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. Whether you're targeting porgy in summer or blackfish in fall, this boat has everything you need for productive bottom fishing along the Jersey shore.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are crowd favorites around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom from late spring through summer. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 5-6 pounds in deeper water. These chunky fighters love structure and will hammer squid strips or bucktails without much coaxing. What's cool is the big males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a pronounced hump. They fight hard until they hit the surface, then give up - but that initial run is solid. The meat is firm and flaky, making them a top table fish. Best trick I've learned is using a two-hook rig with squid on both hooks. They school up tight, so once you find them, you can load the cooler pretty quick.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy, are one of our most reliable catches from late spring through early fall. These silver-scaled fighters average 12-16 inches and love hanging around rocky structure, wrecks, and pilings where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. They're perfect for families since they bite readily and put up a scrappy fight for their size. What really draws people back is how good they taste - firm, sweet meat that's worth the trip alone. Plus, they make killer live bait for stripers. My go-to setup is squid or clam on a small circle hook with just enough weight to stay down. Pro tip: when you find one scup, there's usually a whole school underneath, so drop right back down for doubles and triples.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our waters. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can grow over 26 pounds. They lay on sandy bottoms with both eyes on the left side, perfectly camouflaged as ambush predators. We find them nearshore and offshore throughout our season, but September through November is prime time when they're most active. What makes fluke special is their sideways bite and strong fight once hooked. They're also table fare champions. Here's the key: when you feel that tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it a second, then lift steady. They bite sideways, so patience pays off with these crafty bottom dwellers.
Highlands, NJ