Elite Striped Bass Fishing | NJ's Top Guide

Published Date: September 18, 2025
Fishing

Highlands, NJ
$900 - $950 price range
Updated Date: September 28, 2025

Summary

Ready to level up your fishing game? This half-day trip in Highlands, NJ is designed for anglers looking to push their skills further. You'll be targeting trophy-sized striped bass, along with scup and tautog, using advanced techniques like trolling, live bait fishing, and vertical jigging. The captain's expertise will help fine-tune your approach, ensuring you get the most out of every cast. Expect to venture into deeper waters and make longer runs as you chase after the area's strongest fish. It's an ideal choice for seasoned anglers craving a challenge or those eager to step up their fishing abilities. With a focus on hands-on action and practical skill-building, you'll come away with new techniques to add to your angling arsenal. The trip accommodates up to 6 guests, perfect for a group of friends looking to test their mettle against some of New Jersey's most prized catches. Get ready for an action-packed day on the water that'll have you hooked on advanced fishing strategies.

Elite Striped Bass Fishing | NJ's Top Guide

Trophy Bass in Action

Striped bass caught while fishing in Highlands

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Advanced Fishing: Highlands' Hidden Hotspots

Ready to take your angling skills up a notch? Our half-day advanced fishing trip in Highlands, NJ is tailor-made for serious fishermen looking to land the big ones. We're talking striped bass, scup, tautog, and black sea bass – the heavy hitters of New Jersey waters. This isn't your average cast-and-wait excursion. We're going deep, we're going far, and we're using every trick in the book to put you on fish that'll make your arms ache and your fish stories legendary.

Trip Overview

Forget about beginner basics – this trip is all about leveling up your game. We'll zip out to the prime fishing grounds where the trophy-sized stripers and monster tautog hang out. You'll be hands-on from start to finish, whether we're trolling for bass, dropping live bait for scup, or jigging for tautog over rocky structure. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will school you on the finer points of advanced techniques. Expect a workout and expect results – we're after quality over quantity here, folks.

Top-Notch Techniques

We don't mess around with simple bottom fishing on this trip. You'll be diving into the good stuff: trolling with umbrella rigs for big stripers, finessing live eels for those wary bass, and mastering the art of vertical jigging in deep water. We'll show you how to read the water, work the tides, and present your bait just right to entice the pickiest of fish. Bring your A-game and be ready to learn – our captain's got tips and tricks that'll change the way you fish forever.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast fishing, stripers are the main event. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll test your drag and your biceps. We target them year-round, but fall and spring runs are prime time. Nothing beats the rush of a big cow bass smashing your lure and peeling line.

Scup (Porgy): Don't let their size fool you – scup are feisty little battlers that are a blast on light tackle. They school up in big numbers from spring to fall, offering fast action and tasty fillets. We'll show you how to finesse these silver-sided fighters using specialized rigs and bait presentation.

Tautog (Blackfish): Tautog are the bullies of the reef, all muscle and attitude. They hunker down in structure and pull like a freight train when hooked. Fall is prime tog season, and we know exactly which rocks and wrecks hold the biggest fish. Get ready for some serious rod-bending action.

Black Sea Bass: These aggressive feeders are a favorite for both their fight and their flavor. We target them around offshore wrecks and reefs, where the biggest ones lurk. Sea bass hit hard and fast, so stay on your toes. The satisfaction of pulling up a big knothead bass is hard to beat.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't no leisurely cruise, folks. We're covering serious ground to get to the hotspots where the big boys play. Expect longer runs, deeper drops, and more intense fishing action. We'll be working different techniques throughout the day, so versatility is key. One minute you might be finessing a jig, the next you could be battling a striper on the troll. Weather can change on a dime out here, so come prepared for anything. But don't worry – our boat's equipped with all the latest tech to keep us safe and on the fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Sure, the fishing's great, but it's the whole package that hooks our regulars. There's something special about being out on these waters, surrounded by the beauty of the Jersey coast, with the Manhattan skyline peeking over the horizon. Our trips are more than just fishing – they're a chance to disconnect, challenge yourself, and maybe learn a thing or two from fellow anglers. Plus, there's nothing like the camaraderie that builds when everyone's focused on the common goal of landing that monster fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're serious about upping your fishing game, this is the trip for you. We're talking world-class fishing grounds, expert guidance, and the chance to tangle with some seriously impressive fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your skills or an eager angler ready to graduate to the big leagues, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your schedule, and let's get out there and make some waves. Book now and get ready for a fishing experience that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you've fished Highlands this way, you'll never look at angling the same again.

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are scrappy fighters that hang out near structure in waters up to 120 feet deep. They're usually 1-4 pounds, but can reach 8. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms from late spring through summer. These fish are a blast to catch - they put up a good fight until they break the surface. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat. Use medium tackle with live bait or jigs, and fish near the bottom. Here's a local secret: target deeper water for bigger fish, especially the large males. Black sea bass are hermaphrodites, starting as females and changing to males as they grow. It's always fun explaining that one to guests! Whether you're after a good fight or a tasty dinner, these fish deliver on both counts.

Scup

Scup, also called porgy, are fun little fighters that usually run 8-18 inches. You'll find them near the coast from May to October, often hanging around rocks and pilings where they hunt for shellfish and worms. They're not huge, but they make up for it in numbers - you can catch a bunch when you find a school. Scup are great eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. To land them, use light tackle and small hooks baited with squid or clams. Fish near the bottom and you'll feel their quick, distinctive bite. Here's a local tip: if you're after bigger ones, try fishing deeper water with larger baits. Scup may not be glamorous, but they're reliable and tasty - perfect for a relaxed day on the water.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a prized catch in our waters, typically running 20-40 pounds but capable of hitting 70. These powerful swimmers put up a great fight. Look for them near structures like reefs and drop-offs, often within yards of shore. They love moving water and cooler temps between 55-68°F. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Stripers are structure-oriented, so target areas with good cover. They're not just fun to catch - their sweet, meaty flavor makes them excellent eating too. For best results, try live bait like herring or eels. The real secret? Fish early or late in the day when they're most active near the surface. Nothing beats the thrill of hooking into one of these hard-fighting beauties.

Tautog

Tautog, or blackfish, are tough customers that love structure. You'll find them around rocks, reefs, and wrecks, using their strong teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. They average 1-3 pounds but can hit close to 30. These fish put up a stubborn fight, often trying to dive back into their rocky lairs. Late spring through fall is prime time, with spawning peaking in June. Tautog are prized for their delicious white meat, making them popular with anglers and chefs alike. To catch them, use sturdy tackle and crab or clam baits. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Tautog like to mouth the bait first, so give them time to really take it. It's a challenge, but landing a big tautog is always rewarding.

About the Henriques

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yanmar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 19

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 315

Ready to take your fishing game up a notch? Our half-day advanced trip in Highlands, NJ is tailored for anglers looking to sharpen their skills and land some serious catches. We'll be targeting bass, scup, and tautog using advanced techniques like trolling, live bait fishing, and vertical jigging. Our experienced captain will guide you through these methods, helping you refine your approach and maximize your chances of hooking trophy-sized fish. This isn't your average leisurely outing - expect to venture into deeper waters and make longer runs as we search for the most challenging and rewarding spots. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic intermediate angler eager to learn, this trip offers the perfect blend of hands-on experience and expert instruction. With room for up to six guests, you can bring along your fishing buddies or make some new ones as you all push your angling abilities to the next level in the rich waters of New Jersey.

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