Ready to hit the Jersey waters for some prime inshore action? Captain Michael's got you covered with this killer 4 to 6-hour trip that'll have you reeling in the best New Jersey has to offer. We're talking stripers, blues, weakfish, and more – all just a cast away from the Garden State's iconic coastline. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's perfect for getting in on the local bite. So grab your crew (up to 4 people) and let's get after it!
Picture this: You're cruising out of a New Jersey marina, the salt air in your face, and the anticipation building as Captain Michael points out the birds working bait on the surface. That's when you know you're in for a good day. This trip is all about versatility – one minute you might be casting lures for stripers around jetties, the next you could be drifting live bait for weakfish in the backwaters. The skipper knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a true local experience. No need to pack a lunch, but definitely bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're never too far from land, so it's smooth sailing even if you're prone to seasickness.
On this trip, you'll get to try out a bunch of different fishing methods. Depending on what's biting, you might start off chunking bunker for bluefish – there's nothing like the chaos when a school of blues crashes your bait. If the stripers are around, you could be tossing soft plastics or swimming plugs along the shoreline. Captain Michael's a pro at light tackle jigging too, which is deadly for sea bass and weakfish. He'll show you how to work the rod, when to set the hook, and how to play the fish. Don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's got all the gear you need and he'll walk you through every step. By the end of the day, you'll be fishing like a local.
Striped Bass: The undisputed king of the Jersey Shore. These bad boys can grow over 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They love to hang around structure, so expect to do some casting around jetties, bridges, and inlets. There's nothing like the thrill of a big striper smashing your topwater lure at dawn.
White Weakfish: Don't let the name fool you – these fish can pull! Also known as sea trout, weakfish are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they present to anglers. They're most active in the warmer months and love to hang out in deeper channels and around drop-offs. Light tackle is the way to go here, and if you hook into a big one, you're in for some serious fun.
Little Tunny: These speedsters, also called false albacore, might be on the smaller side for tuna, but they more than make up for it with their blistering runs. When they show up in late summer and fall, it's like the Indy 500 on the water. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the ticket here – be ready for your reel to scream when one of these rockets takes off with your lure.
Bluefish: The bullies of the ocean, bluefish are all attitude and sharp teeth. These guys will hit just about anything that moves and fight like crazy all the way to the boat. They show up in force during the summer months, often in big schools that can turn the water into a frenzy. Catching blues is a blast, and they're great for anglers who want non-stop action.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers are not only fun to catch but also make for some fantastic eating. You'll find them hanging around wrecks and reefs, usually in deeper water. Jigging is the go-to method here, and when you hit a school, it can be fish-after-fish action. The bigger ones, called "knuckleheads" by the locals, can put up a serious fight on light tackle.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. This trip gives you a taste of what makes Jersey fishing so special. You've got the backdrop of the shoreline, the chance to see some marine life (keep an eye out for dolphins!), and the opportunity to learn from a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting. You never know if you'll be battling a bull red or finessing a weakfish. It's this mix of action, scenery, and local knowledge that keeps folks coming back year after year.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a top-notch inshore fishing experience in New Jersey, this is it. Captain Michael's got the skills, the spots, and the setup to make your day on the water one for the books. Whether you're after your personal best striper or just want to bend a rod with some friends, this trip's got you covered. The boat's comfortable, the fishing's hot, and the memories you'll make are priceless. Don't wait around – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now and get ready for some real Jersey Shore fishing action!
Black sea bass are bottom-dwellers, usually 1-4 pounds but can reach 8. You'll find them around rocky structure and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. These fish put up a good scrap and are excellent eating - mild, white, flaky meat. To catch them, use a two-hook rig with squid or cut fish. Drop it to the bottom, then reel up a couple turns. When you feel the telltale tap-tap, set the hook fast. A medium-weight rod with 20-pound line works great. For the biggest fish, try deeper water with larger baits. Just watch out for their sharp spines when unhooking them!
Bluefish are aggressive predators, usually 3-10 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays and estuaries from spring through fall. They often hunt in schools, churning up the water in feeding frenzies. Blues are known for their sharp teeth and fierce fights - be careful handling them! They're fun to catch on light tackle, striking hard at topwater lures and cut bait. For the best action, look for birds diving or bait fish jumping. Cast metal lures or poppers into the fray and hang on. Blues make good eating when prepared right, with a rich, full flavor. Just bleed them quickly and get them on ice. A local tip: try fishing with wire leaders to prevent bite-offs.
Little tunny, also called false albacore, are small but mighty. Most weigh 10-12 pounds but can hit 20. You'll spot them near the surface in warm coastal waters, often around jetties and sandbars. Late summer and fall are prime times as they migrate south. These fish are prized for their blistering runs - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters out there. To hook one, try trolling with feathered jigs or casting small, flashy lures into feeding schools. Watch for birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface. When you see that, get ready for some serious action! Just be careful not to horse them in or your line might snap.
Striped bass are a real favorite around here. These powerful fish usually run 20-40 pounds but can get up to 70. You'll find them near structure along the coast - jetties, rocky areas, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Stripers put up an awesome fight and taste great too. For the best chance at landing one, try live bait like herring or eels early in the morning or at dusk. Cast near shoreline structure and let the bait drift naturally. Be ready for a strong hit - these fish don't mess around! Patience is key, but when you hook into a big striper, you'll see why so many anglers get hooked on chasing them.
White weakfish are an interesting catch, averaging 28 inches and 7-8 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, often near squid nests. They're lazy eaters, so we usually need to chum to get their attention. Spring through early fall is the best time to target them. Anglers love weakfish for their strong fight - don't let the name fool you! To boost your chances, use live squid as bait and fish near the bottom in 50-400 feet of water. Let your bait drift naturally and be ready for a subtle bite. Once hooked though, hold on tight. The meat has a unique sweet flavor that many folks really enjoy. Just be sure to clean them well before eating.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175