Get ready to take your striped bass fishing to the next level on this action-packed 6-hour private charter off the Jersey coast. We're not messing around here – this trip is for anglers who want to push their skills and go after the big boys. Whether you're looking to land that trophy striper you've been dreaming about or just want to dial in your technique, we've got you covered. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while showing you the ropes of advanced tactics like trolling, live bait fishing, and vertical jigging. This isn't your average day on the water – expect to run further out, fish deeper spots, and target the heavyweight stripers that give New Jersey its reputation as a striper fishing mecca.
Alright, let's break it down. This ain't no beginner's cruise – we're talking a full 6 hours of serious striped bass pursuit. You and up to five of your fishing buddies will have the boat to yourselves, so there's plenty of elbow room to work those rods. The captain's got one goal: to get you on the biggest, baddest stripers in the area. We'll be using all the tricks in the book – trolling umbrella rigs, chunking fresh bunker, and working those jigs deep where the lunkers lurk. Don't worry if you're not an expert with these methods yet; our skipper will school you on the finer points so you can maximize your chances of hooking up. Just be ready for some longer runs to the hot spots and be prepared to put in the work. This trip is all about quality over quantity, focusing on those trophy-sized fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear in your photos.
Listen up, because here's where the rubber meets the road. We're not just dunking bait and hoping for the best on this trip. You'll be getting hands-on with some serious striper tactics. First up, trolling – we're talking about dragging spreads of lures or bait behind the boat, covering water and tempting those big bass to strike. It's a game of patience and precision, adjusting your speed and depth until you find that sweet spot. Then there's live bait fishing, which is like candy to a striper. We'll show you how to hook up live bunker or eels for maximum effectiveness. And don't forget about vertical jigging – it's a workout, but man, when you feel that thump on the line as a cow striper slams your jig, it's all worth it. The captain will be right there, helping you fine-tune your presentations and reading the fish finder to put you on the mother lode. By the end of the day, you'll have a whole new arsenal of skills to take home with you.
Striped Bass: Let's start with the main event – the mighty striped bass. These bruisers are the reason anglers flock to New Jersey waters, and for good reason. Stripers in these parts can grow to over 50 pounds, and they fight like freight trains. They're ambush predators, so you might find them lurking around structure, waiting to pounce on baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times for trophy stripers, but we target them year-round. There's nothing quite like the rush of a big striper peeling line off your reel – it's addictive stuff.
Scup (Porgy): Don't sleep on the humble scup. These tasty little battlers might not be as glamorous as stripers, but they're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They school up in big numbers, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. Scup love structure and are suckers for clam or squid bait. They're most active in the warmer months and provide a great change of pace if the stripers are being stubborn.
Tautog (Blackfish): Tautog, or "tog" as the locals call 'em, are the bulldogs of the sea. These fish hang tight to structure and put up one heck of a fight for their size. They've got teeth like a pair of pliers and will test your skills as they try to wrap you up in the rocks. Catching tog is all about feeling the bite and setting the hook at just the right moment. They're most active in cooler waters, making them a great target in spring and fall.
Black Sea Bass: These guys are the Swiss Army knives of the fishing world – they're abundant, aggressive, and delicious. Black sea bass are structure-oriented fish, so we'll be dropping lines near wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms. They hit hard and fight all the way up, often in impressive numbers. The bigger ones, called "knotheads" by old-timers, can put up a serious tussle. Sea bass season typically runs from spring through fall, with some of the biggest fish showing up in the cooler months.
Alright, folks, here's the bottom line – if you're serious about upping your striper game and want to experience some of the best fishing New Jersey has to offer, this is the trip for you. We're talking about a full day of targeted, high-level angling that'll challenge you and potentially reward you with the catch of a lifetime. You'll walk away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully some epic fish stories to tell. The stripers are out there waiting, and the bite can turn on any day. Don't miss your chance to get in on the action. Grab your spot on the boat now, and let's go show those Jersey stripers who's boss. Trust me, once you've felt the power of a big bass on the line in these waters, you'll be hooked for life. Book your trip today and get ready for some real fishing!
Black sea bass are a blast to catch and one of the tastiest fish in our waters. These bottom-dwellers hang around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas in 60-150 feet of water. They're usually 1-3 pounds but can get up to 8. Look for their distinctive humpback and blue-black color. The bigger ones, often called "knuckleheads," put up a great fight. Sea bass season typically runs from spring through fall, with summer being prime time. They'll hit just about any bait, but squid and cut fish are top choices. For artificial lures, try bucktails or diamond jigs. Here's a local secret: if you're catching small ones, try moving to slightly deeper water for the bigger fish. When you find a good spot, you can often catch a bunch quickly. Sea bass are excellent eating too - their white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Just be sure to check current regulations, as size and bag limits can change.
Scup, also called porgy, are fun little fighters that school up in our waters from spring through fall. They're usually 8-14 inches long with a silvery, iridescent body. You'll find them near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 20-120 feet of water. They're bottom feeders, so fishing with small hooks and pieces of clam, squid, or sandworms works well. Use light tackle for the best sport - these guys punch above their weight class. Scup are great eating fish too, with sweet, flaky white meat. For the best action, look for them in the warmer months when they move inshore. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try downsizing your hooks and bait. Sometimes scup can be picky, but once you find them, you can often catch a bunch. They're a perfect species for introducing kids to saltwater fishing.
Striped bass are a popular game fish here in New Jersey, known for their size and fighting spirit. These powerful swimmers can reach 40-50 pounds, with distinctive dark stripes running along their sides. You'll find them near structures like jetties, rocky shorelines, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Stripers put up an exciting fight and make for great eating too. To improve your chances, try live bait like bunker or eels, or troll with swimming plugs. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to target them. Keep an eye out for birds working the water - that's a good sign stripers are feeding on bait fish below. When you hook one, be ready for some powerful runs. These fish will test your gear and your skills, but landing a big striper is always a thrill.
Tautog, or blackfish, are a favorite target for many Jersey anglers. These tough customers live around rocky structure and reefs, usually in 20-60 feet of water. They're stocky fish, typically 2-10 pounds, with thick rubbery lips and powerful teeth for crushing shellfish. Tautog fishing really picks up in the fall when water temps cool down. They're not speedsters, but they're strong fighters that like to dive for cover. That makes them a real challenge to land. Fresh crab is the top bait - green crabs or Asian crabs work great. You'll need sturdy gear to pull them away from the rocks. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish take the bait for a few seconds before reeling. Tautog are excellent eating too, with firm white meat. It's hard to beat fresh tautog fillets for dinner after a day on the water.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yanmar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 19
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 315