Private Bottom Fishing Trips in Highlands NJ
If you're looking for a solid day of bottom fishing off the New Jersey coast, Captain Jerry's got you covered. This 7-hour private charter targets the productive waters around Highlands, where the mix of nearshore structure and deeper offshore drops consistently holds fish throughout the summer and fall. You'll be fishing from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and put together a cooler full of keeper fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to avoid the crowded party boats and fish at their own pace.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Jerry runs a no-nonsense operation that focuses on putting fish in the boat. The 7-hour window gives you real flexibility to chase the bite wherever it's happening that day. Some mornings you'll start on the nearshore wrecks and rockpiles in 40-60 feet of water, while other days call for a run to the deeper structure in 80-120 feet where the bigger fish tend to hold. The beauty of a private charter is adapting to conditions and what's biting best. Jerry's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find productive bottom throughout the season. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, so you just need to bring drinks, snacks, and maybe a cooler with ice if you want to take your catch home. The season runs from June 18th through October 1st, covering the prime months when bottom species are most active and feeding heavily.
Bottom Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing off Highlands is all about reading the structure and presenting baits where fish expect to find them. You'll be working with conventional tackle - typically 6-7 foot rods paired with reels loaded with 30-50 pound braid, depending on the depth and current. The standard rig is a high-low setup with circle hooks, though Jerry will switch to different presentations based on what's working. Squid, clams, and sea worms are the go-to baits, with fresh bunker chunks coming into play when targeting bigger sea bass and blackfish. The key is getting your weight right for the current and keeping steady contact with the bottom. Jerry will position the boat over wrecks, reefs, and ledges where fish congregate, using his electronics to mark schools and structure. Expect to drift these spots methodically, working every piece of productive bottom. When the current's running hard, you might need 8-12 ounces to stay down, but lighter weights work better when conditions are more favorable.
Target Species You'll Hook
Summer flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the bread and butter of this fishery from June through September. These flatfish can range anywhere from schoolie keeper size around 19 inches up to doormat fluke pushing 5-8 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom near structure, waiting to grab unsuspecting baitfish swimming by. What makes fluke so popular with anglers is their fight - they pull hard and shake their heads violently when hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare. The best fluke action typically happens during the moving tides when these fish are most actively feeding.
Black sea bass are another customer favorite, especially during the summer months when they're concentrated on the nearshore wrecks and rocky bottom. These chunky fish average 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds on a good day. Sea bass are aggressive feeders that will hit just about any bait dropped in front of them, making them perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers busy. They have a distinctive appearance with their mottled coloring and spiny dorsal fins, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The bonus with sea bass is they often school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the perfect action fish when you want steady bites and full coolers. These silver-sided fish rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Scup are particularly active from July through early fall, and they're excellent for introducing new anglers to bottom fishing since they bite aggressively and fight well for their size. They school heavily around structure and will often compete with each other for baits, leading to double and triple hookups. While they're smaller than fluke or sea bass, scup are underrated table fare when prepared properly.
Time to Book Your Spot
This type of private bottom fishing experience books up quickly during peak season, especially for weekend trips. The flexibility to fish your own schedule, combined with Captain Jerry's local knowledge and years of experience, makes this a top-rated charter option along the New Jersey coast. You get the full 7 hours to work different spots, techniques, and target whatever species are biting best that day. The free cancellation policy with 3 days notice takes the pressure off planning around weather, though keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to put together a memorable trip with friends or a family wanting to introduce kids to offshore fishing, this charter delivers consistent action and plenty of opportunities to learn from one of the area's most experienced captains.