5.0(5 Reviews)Private Full-Day Sea Bass, Swordfish & Flounder
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fullday offshore charter targets sea bass, swordfish, and flounderEighthour trip uses trolling and chumming techniques offshorePrivate charter accommodates up to five guests with expert crew
Get ready for some serious action on the water with Captain Scott and First Mate Joe aboard XTC Sportfishing's top-rated charter out of Belmar, NJ. This full-day adventure kicks off at 6:00 AM sharp, giving you 8 solid hours to chase some of the best fish swimming off the Jersey coast. We're talking sea bass that fight like they're twice their size, powerful swordfish that'll test your drag, and flounder that know how to hide in the sandy bottom. With room for just 5 anglers, you're getting the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't touch. Pack your cooler with lunch and drinks—yes, beer's welcome—and don't forget that New Jersey fishing license because we're heading out whether you're ready or not.
This isn't your typical party boat experience where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Captain Scott runs a tight ship with a maximum of 5 guests, which means you've got plenty of room to work and the crew's full attention when the fish start biting. We'll be running offshore to hit the productive grounds where these species like to hang out, and the techniques vary based on what we're targeting. Some days we're trolling spreads to cover water and find active fish, other days we're anchored up and chumming to bring them right to the boat. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not shy about moving spots if the action slows down. Weather permitting, we fish—but Mother Nature calls the shots on cancellations. Pack smart with layers because it can be cooler on the water, and bring whatever food and drinks you want for the day since meals aren't provided.
The beauty of fishing with XTC Sportfishing is watching how Captain Scott and Joe adapt their approach based on conditions and target species. When we're after swordfish, expect to see some serious trolling setups with deep-diving lures and spreads designed to mimic the baitfish these apex predators hunt. For sea bass, we might anchor up over structure and drop chunks or jigs, sometimes mixing in some chumming to fire up the bite. Flounder fishing often means working the sandy bottom with bucktails, gulp baits, or live offerings—these flatfish are ambush predators that like to bury themselves and wait for an easy meal. The crew handles most of the rigging and technique adjustments, but they're happy to teach you the finer points if you're interested. All the tackle is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you've got favorites you like 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 aggressive bullies of the inshore waters, and when they're feeding, you'll know it. These toothy predators travel in schools and attack baitfish with a ferocity that's both impressive and a little terrifying. They're excellent table fare when handled properly—bleed them quick and keep them cold—and they fight hard right to the boat. Summer and fall are prime time for blues off Belmar, and they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to trolled spoons. Just watch your fingers around those razor-sharp teeth.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey offshore fishing, and for good reason. These bottom-dwelling bruisers might not look like speedsters, but they'll surprise you with how hard they pull when hooked. They love structure—wrecks, reefs, rocky bottom—and they're curious enough to investigate a well-presented bait or jig. Sea bass season typically runs from late spring through fall, with size and bag limits changing yearly, so the crew stays on top of current regulations. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to beer batter.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the masters of camouflage and the reason why patience is a virtue in fishing. These flatfish can grow impressive—the New Jersey state record is over 24 pounds—and they're ambush predators that require finesse to hook consistently. They typically hold near sandy or muddy bottom where they can blend in perfectly, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim within striking distance. The key to fluke fishing is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom, and Captain Scott knows exactly how to work these fish up. Spring through early fall offers the best fluke action, with larger fish typically caught in deeper water.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of East Coast fishing, and when conditions align off Belmar, these fish provide some of the most exciting action you'll find. Stripers are smart, strong, and can grow to impressive sizes—fish over 40 pounds aren't uncommon in New Jersey waters. They're also highly regulated with specific seasons and size limits, so the crew ensures everything is done by the book. These fish are notorious for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights, and they're equally comfortable in shallow water chasing bait or holding deep over structure. Fall migration typically provides the most consistent striper action as massive schools move south along the coast.
With only 5 spots available and Captain
The XTC is a serious fishing machine built for Belmar's challenging waters. This 44-foot Henriques sportfisher cuts through swells with twin 550 HP John Deere diesels, getting you to the productive sea bass and flounder grounds fast. Two seasoned captains with over 50 years on these waters know exactly where the fish are biting. The wide beam keeps you steady when fighting that trophy swordfish, while the oversized cockpit gives your group of 5 plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. The fighting chair is perfect for battling bigger fish, and when you need a break from the action, there's an onboard fridge and icebox to keep your drinks cold and lunch fresh. If someone needs to rest up between bites, there's even a comfortable bed below deck. This boat was designed by anglers for anglers - no fancy frills, just solid construction and the right equipment to put fish in the cooler.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love wrecks, rocks, and structure in 40-120 feet of water off Belmar. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 6-8 pounds around the deeper wrecks. They're dark gray to black with white-spotted fins, and the big males develop a distinctive hump during spawning season. These fish hit hard and dive straight for cover, making for exciting fights on medium tackle. Sea bass season runs May through December, with peak action in summer and fall. They're fantastic table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use a two-hook rig with squid or clam strips, and be ready to horse them up quick before they wrap you around the wreck.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up off Belmar from late spring through fall, typically running 3-15 pounds with some reaching 20+. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and will attack schools of baitfish in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. You'll find them in 20-80 feet of water around structure or chasing bait near the surface. They hit hard and fight strong until they break water. Blues are excellent eating when iced immediately - the smaller "cocktail blues" under 5 pounds have the best flavor. During summer months, look for diving birds marking feeding schools. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your fingers clear when unhooking - those teeth can do serious damage even on smaller fish.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local waters - powerful fish with distinctive black stripes running down silver sides. These migrants pass through Belmar waters during spring and fall runs, with fish ranging from 20-inch schoolies to 40+ pound cows. Look for them around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish congregate in 15-50 feet of water. They're strong fighters that make long runs and can be finicky about what they'll eat. Peak times are dawn and dusk when they feed near the surface. Stripers are excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The fall migration from October through December offers the best shot at trophy fish as they feed heavily before heading south. My go-to technique: live eels fished near bottom at first light - nothing beats it for big bass.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the "chameleons of the sea" - flatfish that can change color to match the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make this species special. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud in 15-60 feet, waiting to grab baitfish swimming overhead. Best fishing is May through September when they move inshore to feed. These fish are prized for their sweet, delicate white meat - some of the best eating in the ocean. They fight differently than other species, making long runs and headshaking near the surface. The trick with fluke is patience - they often grab bait and run before swallowing it. Count to five after feeling the hit, then set the hook. Drift with live minnows or strips near sandy bottom for best results.
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