Belmar Fishing Charter Scenic
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour charter targets sea bass, swordfish, and flounder offshoreAccommodates groups up to 5 guests with trolling and chumming techniquesScenic coastal waters combined with relaxed fishing experience
Picture this: you're watching the sun come up over the Jersey Shore at 6 AM, coffee in hand, ready to spend the next eight hours chasing some of the best fishing action the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. XTC Sportfishing's private Belmar charter gives you and up to four buddies the perfect blend of serious angling and laid-back coastal vibes. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish while you soak up those stunning ocean views that make Belmar such a special fishing destination.
This isn't your typical rush-around fishing trip. You've got eight solid hours to work the grounds, which means plenty of time to dial in your technique and really enjoy the experience. The pace is relaxed but productive – think of it as the perfect mix of action and leisure that keeps everyone happy, whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just wants to catch some fish and have a good time. Your captain will move between spots based on what's biting, always keeping an eye on both the fish finder and the horizon. The boat handles beautifully in these waters, and there's something special about being out there with just your group, no crowds, no rush. Pack your own food and drinks – yeah, that includes beer if you want it – because you're going to work up an appetite pulling in fish and breathing that salt air. Don't forget your New Jersey fishing license, and remember that a 15% tip for the crew is standard practice when they put you on the good stuff.
Your captain runs a tight ship when it comes to fishing techniques, switching between trolling and chumming depending on what the fish are telling him. Trolling lets you cover serious ground while you're looking for active schools, and it's perfect for picking up those roaming stripers and blues that patrol these waters. When the fish finder lights up or you hit a productive area, that's when the chumming comes into play. Nothing gets sea bass and flounder fired up like a good chum slick, and your captain knows exactly how to set it up for maximum effectiveness. The gear is top-notch and well-maintained – we're talking quality rods and reels that can handle whatever you hook into, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. The boat's electronics are dialed in perfectly, with GPS that marks every productive spot and sonar that shows you exactly what's happening below. Your captain reads the water like a book, watching for birds working, current breaks, and temperature changes that signal where the fish are holding.
Bluefish are absolute fighters and one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on this trip. These aggressive predators hit hard and pull even harder, making them a favorite among anglers who love that initial strike and the bend in the rod that follows. Blues typically run from 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional double-digit fish that'll really test your drag system. They're most active during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily, but summer fishing can be phenomenal when you find the right schools. What makes bluefish so exciting is their willingness to hit just about anything – they're not picky eaters, and once you find them, the action can be non-stop.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of Belmar's bottom fishing scene, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love structure and will pile up on wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in numbers that'll keep your arms busy. Most fish run 1 to 3 pounds, but the bigger ones – we're talking 4 to 6 pounders – are real trophies that fight way above their weight class. Sea bass are most productive from late spring through early fall when they're in shallow water, and they respond beautifully to a well-presented chum line. They're also fantastic table fare, which is why so many anglers specifically target them for the dinner table.
Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be incredibly finicky about what they'll eat and how it's presented. But when you connect with a good one – anything over 3 pounds is a keeper, and the 5 to 8 pounders are the ones that make for legendary fish stories – you'll understand why so many anglers become obsessed with fluke fishing. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up in deeper water during the hottest months. The key is staying patient and working your bait properly along the bottom.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of the Atlantic Coast, and Belmar's waters see some fantastic runs during spring and fall migrations. These fish can range anywhere from schoolie size around 20 inches up to real cows pushing 30 pounds or more. Stripers are smart, which makes them challenging, but they're also incredibly rewarding to catch. They respond well to both trolling presentations and live bait fishing, and your captain knows exactly when and where to find them based on water temperature, baitfish movements, and seasonal patterns. The bigger fish tend to be more solitary and require more finesse, while the schoolies often travel in groups that can provide steady action once you locate them.
Here's the bottom line: this Belmar fishing charter delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing, scenic views, and a relaxed pace that lets you actually enjoy your time on the water. You're getting eight hours with a captain who knows these waters inside and out, fishing techniques that produce results, and the flexibility to adapt to whatever the ocean throws at you that day. The private boat setup means you're not dealing with crowds or rushing to keep up with someone else's schedule. Whether you're looking to put together a guys' trip, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from the dock-to-dock fishing scene, this charter hits the sweet
The XTC is a serious fishing machine built for Belmar's waters. This 44' Henriques hauls with twin 550 HP John Deere engines, getting you to the fish fast and back to dock smooth. Two seasoned captains with over 50 years on these waters know exactly where the sea bass, swordfish, and flounder are biting. The wide beam keeps things steady when you're fighting fish, and that oversized cockpit gives your group of 5 plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. The fighting chair handles the big ones while you stay comfortable. Onboard fridge keeps your drinks ice cold, plus there's an icebox for the catch and a bed if someone needs to rest between bites. Perfect setup for an 8-hour run mixing serious angling with cruising Belmar's scenic coastline.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable catches, especially around wrecks and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some nice 6-8 pounders on deeper structure. They're curious fish that hang tight to cover - jetties, artificial reefs, and sunken vessels are prime spots. Peak season runs May through October when they're up from their winter migration south. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll fight hard on the way up but tire once they hit the surface. My go-to rig is a simple two-hook bottom setup with squid or clam strips, but here's the key: once you find one, work that exact spot thoroughly because they school up tight.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up here from late spring through fall, running anywhere from 2-15 pounds with occasional larger ones. These blue-green predators hunt in schools and will hit just about anything when they're feeding - which is most of the time. You'll find them around bait schools in 20-80 feet of water, especially near structure or drop-offs. They're voracious feeders with razor-sharp teeth, so bring a wire leader and handle them carefully. Great table fare when bled and iced immediately - the meat is rich and flaky. Best fishing is during moving water on the incoming tide when they push baitfish against structure. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your line tight because where there's one bluefish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our coastal fishing, ranging from schoolie size up to trophy fish over 40 pounds. These silver-sided fighters with distinct black stripes love structure and moving water - you'll find them around jetties, bridges, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're following bait schools along our coast. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and fighting ability - they'll test your drag and make long runs. The meat is excellent with a clean, slightly sweet flavor. They prefer live bait like bunker or eels, but will crush lures when actively feeding. Here's what works: fish the edges during tide changes, especially dawn and dusk. Match your bait size to what they're eating - sometimes they want big baits, other times they're picky about smaller offerings.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or "fluke," are the chameleons of our local waters - they lie flat on sandy bottom and change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see some nice "doormat" fish over 5 pounds hiding in 15-60 feet of water. They're ambush predators that love edges where current meets structure - channel drops, reef edges, and inlet mouths are money spots. Best fishing happens May through September when they move inshore to feed. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know when that gentle tap is actually a trophy fish. The meat is outstanding - mild, white, and flaky. Use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and here's my trick: keep moving and cover water because fluke are scattered, not schooled like other species.
Newark