5.0(5 Reviews)Private Full-Day Sea Bass, Swordfish & Flounder Trip
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Full-day offshore charter targeting sea bass, swordfish, and flounderEight-hour trip departing 6 AM with trolling and chumming techniquesPrivate charter accommodates up to five guests with XTC Sportfishing
When you're looking for a serious fishing adventure off the Jersey coast, XTC Sportfishing delivers the goods. This private full-day charter out of Belmar gives you and up to four buddies exclusive access to some of the most productive waters along the New Jersey shoreline. Captain Scott and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're not happy unless your cooler is packed with keeper fish by the end of the day. At 6:00 AM sharp, you'll be heading out for eight solid hours of fishing action, targeting the species that make Belmar famous among serious anglers.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior trip – we're talking about a legitimate offshore fishing charter that puts you on the fish. The 6:00 AM departure gets you to the productive grounds while the bite is hot, and Captain Scott uses a combination of trolling and chumming techniques to locate the best action. You'll cover serious ground throughout the day, moving from spot to spot based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The boat accommodates up to five anglers comfortably, so whether it's a guys' trip or a family outing, everyone has room to fish without getting tangled up. Pack your own lunch, snacks, and drinks – beer is totally fine if that's your thing. Just remember to grab your New Jersey fishing license before you show up, because that's non-negotiable. The crew works hard all day to keep you on fish, so a 15% tip is the standard way to show your appreciation.
Captain Scott runs a mix of trolling spreads and chumming operations depending on what's working best for the conditions and target species. When we're hunting swordfish, expect to see umbrella rigs and parachute rigs working the deeper water columns, often with live or fresh dead baits. For sea bass, we'll anchor up over structure and get the chum slick going – that's when things get really exciting as the fish start competing for the next bait that goes down. The flounder action typically happens with bucktails and strips, working the sandy bottoms where these flatfish love to ambush prey. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, but don't be afraid to ask questions about technique – these guys love talking fishing and sharing what works. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites you prefer to fish with.
"What a great day of fishing with Captain Scott and First mate Joe! Put us on the fish all day! They were very helpful and a lot of fun! Me and the boys will be coming back!" - Michael. "Did a great job of putting us on fish. Dont even know how many blues , seabass and ling we caught but a lot" - John. "Nothing like fishing with captain Scott and 1st mate Joe 12 hour trip they stopped at nothing to make sure we caught fish what a great experience" - Michael.
Bluefish are the scrappiest fighters you'll encounter on this trip, and they show up in schools that can stretch for acres. These aggressive predators hit hard and fight harder, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Blues are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely non-stop. They're not picky eaters either – they'll crush everything from bunker chunks to metal jigs, and their razor-sharp teeth mean the crew will be cutting through leaders all day long.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of the offshore fishing scene around Belmar, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers pack serious fight into their stocky frames, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Sea bass hang around structure – wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs – where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. The prime season runs from late spring through fall, with the bigger keeper-sized fish (15 inches minimum) showing up consistently during summer months. When the chum gets them fired up, you'll see multiple hookups as these fish get competitive and aggressive.
Summer Flounder, better known as fluke, are the ultimate flatfish challenge and one of the most sought-after species along the Jersey coast. These masters of camouflage can grow to impressive sizes, with doormat fluke over five pounds being the holy grail for many anglers. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Fluke season typically runs from spring through early fall, with the bigger fish moving into deeper water as temperatures drop. The 18-inch minimum size limit means you need to find the better fish, not just any fluke, making each keeper that much more satisfying.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and when they're in the area, everything else takes a backseat. These powerful fish can grow to massive sizes and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll experience. Stripers are highly migratory, following baitfish along the coast during their spring and fall migrations. They're smart, strong, and incredibly popular among anglers for both their fighting ability and their reputation on the dinner table. Whether you're targeting schoolie bass for action or hunting for a trophy cow, these fish demand respect and reward skill.
This private charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season when the bite is hot and the weather is cooperating. With only five spots available and the flexibility to fish your own schedule, it's the perfect setup for serious anglers who want results without the crowds. Captain Scott and his crew have built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and the customer feedback speaks for itself. Remember that weather is the only acceptable reason
The XTC is a serious fishing machine built for serious anglers. This 44-footer cuts through Jersey waters with twin 550 HP John Deere engines, getting you to the offshore grounds fast and bringing you back with a cooler full of sea bass, swordfish, and flounder. Two seasoned captains with 50+ years between them know exactly where the fish are biting and when to make the move. The wide beam keeps you steady when fighting that trophy swordfish, while the fighting chair gives you the leverage you need. The cockpit is the largest in its class, so there's plenty of room for five anglers to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your lunch cold in the refrigerator. After 8 hours of trolling and chumming the productive waters off Belmar, you'll understand why this boat has such a solid reputation among local fishermen.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are hands-down one of the most reliable fish we target off Belmar. These chunky, dark-bodied bottom dwellers typically run 1-4 pounds, but the big males can push 6+ pounds in deeper water. They love hanging around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and structure in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They'll fight hard until they break the surface. My go-to tip: use a high-low rig with squid or clam strips, and don't be afraid to bounce bottom - that's where the keeper-sized fish are holding.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight and make great table fare when handled right. These blue-green predators typically run 2-10 pounds around here, though we occasionally hook into 15+ pounders. They're voracious hunters that travel in schools, often creating feeding frenzies when they hit bait pods. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they're actively feeding near the surface. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish are schooling. They'll hit both live bait and lures hard. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. They're also great for novice anglers since they're aggressive biters.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local waters, known for their distinctive dark stripes and powerful fights. These fish typically range from 20-40 pounds, with some giants pushing 50+ pounds during peak migration times. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and moving water where baitfish congregate. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action as massive schools move through our area chasing bunker and herring. What sets stripers apart is their strength - they'll make long runs and fight hard right to the boat. They're also prime eating fish with firm, flaky meat. Local secret: fish the early morning or evening bite with live eels or bunker around the inlet and nearby wrecks - that's when the big cows really feed.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate challenge fish that keeps anglers coming back. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds are what we're really after. They're found in 20-80 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and sandy edges. Peak season is late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding before their offshore migration. What makes them special is the fight - they pull sideways and dive hard for bottom. Plus, they're premium table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Key tip: drift with live minnows or strips on a bucktail jig, and always keep moving - flounder won't chase far, so cover water to find feeding fish.
5.0 out of 5.0What a great day of fishing with Captain Scott and First mate Joe! Put us on the fish all day! They were very helpful and a lot of...
Did a great job of putting us on fish. Dont even know how many blues , seabass and ling we caught but a lot
Nothing like fishing with captain Scott and 1st mate Joe 12 hour trip they stopped at nothing to make sure we caught fish what a g...
Newark