Premier 5-Hour Fishing Trip in Highlands, NJ

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Highlands, NJ
$850 - $1,050 price range

Summary

Ready for an afternoon of fishing in Highlands, NJ? This 5-hour trip takes you out on the local waters to target popular catches like Striped Bass, Flounder, Tautog, and Bluefish. No need to worry about gear or licenses – we've got you covered. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and we'll handle the rest. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience under your belt, you'll find plenty to enjoy. We'll even clean and bag your catch at no extra cost. It's a great way to spend time on the water and try your luck with some of New Jersey's best inshore fishing. The boat can accommodate up to 6 guests, so bring your friends or family along for the fun. Remember, a 15-20% tip for the mate isn't included, but it's appreciated for good service. Book your spot now and get ready for a fantastic day of fishing with Warden Sportfishing Charters.

Premier 5-Hour Fishing Trip in Highlands, NJ

Reeling in the Action

Reel time with Captain Sean

Where saltwater meets success

Bass fever hits the Jersey coast

Striped bass caught by a person in the Highlands

Sandy Hook Bay never disappoints

Reel in New Jersey's Best: 5-Hour Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to hit the water for some top-notch fishing action right here in Highlands, NJ? Our 5-hour afternoon trips are just the ticket for both newcomers and seasoned pros looking to land some of the Garden State's most prized catches. We've got everything you need for a stellar day on the water, so all you've gotta do is show up ready to have a blast.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising out of Highlands with the salt air in your face, rod in hand, and nothing but possibility ahead. We're talking a solid 5 hours of prime fishing time, targeting the local heavyweights like stripers, fluke, tog, and blues. Don't sweat the gear or licenses – we've got you covered from bow to stern. And when you land that trophy? We'll clean and bag your catch, no extra charge. Just bring your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or you're after that new personal best, this trip's got something for everyone. Oh, and a quick heads up – a 15-20% tip for the mate isn't included, but it's always appreciated for a job well done.

Fishing Know-How

Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on what's biting, we might be drifting live bait for stripers, jigging for fluke, or dropping down on structure for tog. We use a mix of light and medium tackle, perfect for the inshore waters we'll be fishing. You'll get hands-on with techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, and casting artificial lures. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's always ready to show you the ropes. And for you old salts out there, feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Just remember, in these waters, sometimes it's finesse over power. We'll help you dial in your approach to match what the fish are craving that day.

Top Catches This Season

Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be after on this trip. Each of these species brings its own challenge and excitement to the table.

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of NJ fishing, stripers are hard-fighting and can grow to impressive sizes. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can find them year-round. These bruisers love to hang around structure and will hit everything from live eels to topwater plugs. Landing a keeper striper is a real thrill – they're not called 'linesiders' for nothing!

Tautog (Blackfish): Tog fishing is all about precision and patience. These bucktoothed brawlers hunker down in rocky areas and put up a stubborn fight. Fall and early winter are peak seasons. Dropping a crab bait right on their nose and feeling that distinctive tap-tap before setting the hook – man, that never gets old.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder fishing is a game of sharp eyes and a soft touch. Late spring through summer is prime time. Drifting with bucktails or live bait can produce some real doormats. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh flounder fillets.

Bluefish: When the blues are running, hold onto your hats! These chompers are pure aggression with fins. They'll hit just about anything that moves and fight like crazy all the way to the boat. Summer and early fall are usually best. Catching blues is a blast, especially on light tackle – just watch those teeth!

Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a favorite for good reason. They're abundant, great eating, and put up a scrappy fight for their size. Late spring through fall is the time to target them. Dropping down with squid or clams near wrecks or reefs can lead to some fast action and full coolers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, I've been running these waters for years, and there's a reason folks keep booking trips with us. It's not just about the fish – though believe me, we put you on 'em. It's about that feeling you get when you're out here. The way the worries of the world just melt away once we leave the dock. It's seeing a kid's face light up when they reel in their first keeper, or watching a group of buddies rib each other over who caught the biggest fish of the day. And let's be real – there's something special about Highlands and the surrounding waters. The mix of bay, river, and ocean fishing all within reach means we can always find the hot bite, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Time to Book Your Spot

So what do you say? Ready to get out there and make some fishing memories? Whether you're looking to stock the freezer, chase that personal best, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Our 5-hour trips are the perfect balance of serious fishing and laid-back fun. Don't let another season slip by without wetting a line – the fish are waiting, and so are we. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that trophy catch. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are the rock stars of our reefs and wrecks. These tasty bottom-dwellers typically run 1-4 pounds, with some topping 8 pounds. You'll find them around structure in 60-120 foot depths. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love sea bass for their excellent table fare and the fun of bottom fishing. To catch more, use squid or cut bait on a dropper rig. Local tip: When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly - sea bass have small mouths and can steal bait easily.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the speedsters of our waters. These toothy predators average 2-10 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them busting bait near the surface, often in large schools. Summer and early fall are prime seasons as they chase baitfish inshore. Anglers love bluefish for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting spirit. To catch more, look for birds diving on bait - that's a good sign blues are feeding below. My local tip: Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp!

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are the chameleons of our local waters. These flat fish blend right into sandy or muddy bottoms, usually in depths under 30 feet. Most weigh 2-5 pounds, but some doormat-sized ones can hit 20 pounds. Spring and fall are best, as they move inshore to feed. Anglers enjoy sight-fishing for them in shallow water and their tasty fillets. To catch more flounder, use a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait on a jig head. My top tip: When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to fully swallow the bait before reeling.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are the heavy hitters of our local waters. These powerful fish typically range from 15-40 pounds, with some monsters topping 70 pounds. You'll find them cruising near structures like bridges, rocky shores, and sandbars. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate along the coast. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try live-lining bunker or tossing plugs at dawn or dusk when stripers feed most actively. My top tip: Look for birds diving on bait - that's a good sign stripers are blitzing below.

Tautog

Tautog, or blackfish, are the bullies of the ocean floor. These thick-bodied fish average 1-3 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in depths from 20-80 feet. Fall is prime tautog season when water temps cool. Anglers love the challenge of outsmarting these crafty fish, not to mention their delicious white meat. Green crabs are tautog candy - hook one through the back and drop it right on structure. Here's a local trick: When you feel a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let the tautog run with it for a few seconds before reeling tight.

About the Henriques

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yanmar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 19

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 315

Ready for a laid-back afternoon on the water? Our 5-hour fishing trip in Highlands, NJ is perfect for groups of up to 6 people looking to reel in some local favorites. We'll head out to prime inshore spots where you can try your luck catching Striped Bass, Flounder, Tautog, Bluefish, and more. Don't worry about gear or licenses - we've got you covered. Just bring along some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you fish. Whether you're a total beginner or have been fishing for years, our experienced crew will make sure you have a great time. At the end of the trip, we'll clean and bag your catch at no extra cost. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon on the scenic New Jersey waters with friends or family. Remember to bring some cash to tip the mate (15-20% is standard). Book your spot now and get ready for a relaxing day of fishing!

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