Barnegat Reef and Wreck Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 6hour charter targeting wrecks and reefs near Barnegat InletBottom fishing for seasonal species including blackfish, fluke, and seabassAccommodates up to 3 anglers with trip extension options available
When you're looking for consistent action and variety in New Jersey waters, nothing beats hitting the wrecks and reefs around Barnegat Inlet. This 6-hour private charter takes you and up to two fishing buddies out to some of the most productive bottom fishing grounds along the Jersey coast. We're talking about structures that have been holding fish for decades – artificial reefs, historic wrecks, and natural rock piles that create perfect habitat for everything from keeper fluke to trophy blackfish. With Tommyboy Fishing Charters, you'll fish waters up to 15 miles offshore where the Atlantic opens up and the fish pile up on structure like clockwork.
This trip is all about covering water and finding active fish on productive bottom structure. We'll start the day by checking conditions and picking our spots based on what's been biting lately. The beauty of wreck and reef fishing is that these underwater structures act like fish magnets – they provide cover, food sources, and ambush points that attract multiple species throughout the season. You'll be fishing in 30 to 80 feet of water most of the day, working around artificial reefs, old shipwrecks, and rocky bottom that creates perfect habitat. The scenery doesn't hurt either – on clear days you'll see the New York and New Jersey skylines in the distance while you're working the drift. This is a private charter, so it's just your group and the captain, which means more personalized attention and better chances at staying on the bite when we find active fish.
Wreck and reef fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll be using conventional bottom rigs with circle hooks, sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom in the current, and fresh bait that matches what the fish are feeding on. Depending on the season and target species, we'll fish everything from hi-lo rigs for porgies and sea bass to single-hook rigs for fluke and blackfish. The key is getting your bait down to the fish and keeping it in the strike zone around the structure. We'll anchor up on productive spots when conditions allow, or work the drift when the current is moving. You'll learn how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom contact, how to set the hook properly with circle hooks, and when to give fish room to run versus when to put pressure on them around structure. The boat carries all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, so just bring yourself and get ready to learn some tricks that'll make you a better bottom fisherman.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of this fishery from late spring through early fall. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie buried in sand near structure, waiting to nail unsuspecting baitfish. Fluke are fighters – they'll make long runs and use their flat bodies to leverage against the current. What makes them special around Barnegat is the size potential – we see plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 18 to 24-inch range, with doormat fluke over 5 pounds showing up regularly around the deeper wrecks. Best action typically happens from May through September, with the bigger fish moving in during the heat of summer. They're also excellent table fare, which is why so many anglers target them specifically.
Giant Seabass, more commonly called black sea bass around here, are year-round residents on most reef and wreck structure. These chunky fish are aggressive biters that will hit everything from clams to squid to bucktails. What's great about sea bass is their reliability – when you find them, they're usually in numbers and willing to bite. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. The regulations change seasonally, but when they're open, it's not uncommon to box your limit pretty quickly on productive structure. They range from shorts around 8 inches up to jumbo fish pushing 4 pounds, and they fight harder than their size suggests.
Scup, or porgies, are the action fish of the wreck and reef scene. These silver-sided fighters might be smaller than fluke or sea bass, but they make up for it in numbers and fight. Porgies are aggressive biters that will often double up on hi-lo rigs, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. They show up in huge schools around structure from late spring through fall, and while many are throwbacks, the keepers make excellent eating. They're also great bait stealers, so you'll learn to fish efficiently and set the hook quickly when porgy fishing gets hot.
Tautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world. These bottom-huggers live right in the structure and are notorious for testing your tackle and technique. Blackfish are seasonal around Barnegat, with the best action happening in spring and fall when water temperatures are right. They're bait-pickers that require patience and finesse – you'll need to learn to detect subtle bites and set the hook at just the right moment. Once hooked, they'll immediately head for the rocks and try to cut you off. Landing a good blackfish around heavy structure is one of the most satisfying catches you can make, and they're phenomenal table fare that's worth every bit of effort.
If you're ready to experience some of the best wreck and reef fishing the Jersey coast has to offer, this charter delivers everything you're looking for. Six hours on the water gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots, learn new techniques, and hopefully put together a mixed bag of quality bottom fish. The private boat setup means you're not fighting crowds or dealing with other anglers – it's just your group, the captain, and productive fishing grounds that have been producing for years. You can even extend the trip if the bite is hot and you want to stay
This 26' Pursuit center console cuts through Atlantic waters with twin 200 HP Suzuki engines, hitting 35 knots to reach prime wreck sites fast. Built tough for both shallow bay runs and open ocean fishing, she's equipped with everything you need for serious bottom fishing around Barnegat's productive reefs and wrecks. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access while the fish finder helps locate those structure-hugging blackfish and sea bass. GPS and radar keep you on target even when visibility drops, and the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this boat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably on those 6-hour wreck runs up to 15 miles out. Whether you're dropping for fluke on the sandy bottoms or working jigs around structure for triggerfish and ling, this reliable fishing platform gets you there safely and brings you back with a full cooler.
Stereolepis GigasGiant Seabass are West Coast legends that don't naturally occur in our New Jersey waters. These bronze-colored giants can reach over 500 pounds and live 70+ years, making them true ocean dinosaurs. You'd find them around California's kelp forests and rocky structure in 30-130 feet of water. They're ambush predators with massive mouths and surprising speed despite their size. Summer brings them to shallower water, while winter sends them deep. The few anglers who encounter them describe an incredible fight - like hooking a small car with fins. Unfortunately, they're protected in California waters due to overfishing, though they can be legally targeted in Baja Mexico. If you ever get the chance, heavy tackle with 20/0 hooks and big chunks of fish or squid work best.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or Porgies as we call them locally, are silver-sided bottom feeders with serious attitudes and sharp dorsal spines. They average 8-12 inches and make excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. You'll find schools of them around our wrecks and reefs from May through October, picking at mussels and crabs with their strong crushing teeth. When the water cools, they head south and offshore. What guests love about Scup is the steady action - they're cooperative biters that keep rods bent when other fish are finicky. They also make prime live bait for bigger game like striped bass. Here's the key: use small hooks with pieces of squid or clam, and keep your bait tight to structure. Once you find a school, work them fast because they'll clean you out of bait in no time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of disguise that live flat on the bottom with both eyes on their left side. These ambush predators can change colors like chameleons to blend with sand and structure. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some real doormat-sized fish pushing 5+ pounds around our wrecks and reefs. They're active hunters that'll chase down baitfish when they're not lying in wait. Best fishing happens September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they're smart, fight hard, and make excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, give them a few seconds to turn the bait before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways and need time to position it properly.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, known as Blackfish around here, are the bulldogs of the wreck world. These chunky, dark-colored fighters live tight to structure and use powerful jaws to crush crabs, mussels, and barnacles. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but we see fish pushing 8+ pounds around our deeper wrecks. What makes them challenging is their habitat - they live so close to rocks and steel that they'll wrap you up in a heartbeat. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before winter. Guests love them because every fish is a battle, and the meat is firm and tasty. My go-to technique is fresh green crab on a small hook, positioned just inches off the structure. When you feel that distinctive tap, set the hook immediately and muscle them away from cover fast - hesitate and they'll bury you in the wreck.
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