Extended Half Day Bass & Flounder Trip Neptune

Extended Half Day Fishing in Neptune City

Neptune City's inshore waters are pure gold for anglers who want variety and action without burning a whole day on the water. Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these New Jersey coastal waters like the back of his hand, and his 6-hour guided fishing adventure aboard the Smokin Reel delivers exactly what serious anglers and weekend warriors are looking for. Departing from 301 W Concourse, you'll target some of the region's most prized inshore species while getting the kind of personalized attention that only comes with a maximum of six guests per trip. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – it's fishing the way it should be done.

What to Expect on the Water

The Smokin Reel is built for comfort and fishing success, giving you plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without bumping elbows with other anglers. Captain Robbie brings decades of local knowledge to every trip, reading conditions and adjusting tactics based on what's working that day. You'll start the morning with a briefing on the day's game plan, then head out to productive spots where Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, Striped Bass, and Summer Flounder are actively feeding. The 6-hour window gives you real time to work different areas and techniques, so you're not rushed through spots that are producing fish. Whether you're a complete beginner learning to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, or an experienced angler wanting to dial in your inshore game, Captain Robbie adapts his approach to make sure everyone gets the most out of their time on the water.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

All your fishing gear is included, which means you'll be using tackle specifically chosen for Neptune City's inshore conditions and target species. Expect to work with a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – bottom fishing for sea bass and scup using traditional rigs with squid and clam baits, drift fishing for summer flounder with bucktails and strip baits, and casting lures or live bait for striped bass and bluefish when they're feeding aggressively near structure or in the surf. Captain Robbie switches up presentations throughout the day, teaching you how to read your rod tip, set hooks properly, and fight different species effectively. You'll learn the difference between fishing sandy bottom for fluke versus working rocky structure for sea bass, and how wind direction and tide timing affect where fish position themselves. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for smaller species to medium-heavy rods that can handle bigger stripers when they show up hungry.

Top Catches This Season

Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Neptune City inshore fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but keepers over 4 pounds show up regularly, especially around rocky structure and wrecks. They're aggressive biters that hit squid, clams, and small jigs hard, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Sea bass are typically most active from late spring through fall, with summer months producing the best numbers and size variety.

Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush feeding, requiring patience and the right presentation to fool consistently. Keeper-sized fluke start around 19 inches, but the real excitement comes from doormat-sized fish that can stretch over 25 inches and weigh 5-8 pounds. They're most active during moving tides when they position themselves along drop-offs and sand edges to ambush baitfish. Landing a nice fluke takes skill – they have soft mouths and love to throw hooks during the fight.

Striped Bass bring the power and excitement that inshore anglers crave. These silver-sided battlers can range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to keeper bass over 28 inches that will test your drag and fighting technique. Stripers are opportunistic feeders that respond to both live bait and artificial lures, often feeding in schools when conditions are right. They're most active during dawn, dusk, and moving tides, making them perfect targets for extended half-day trips that cover multiple feeding periods.

Bluefish are the aggressive predators that provide non-stop action when schools move through the area. These toothy fish hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Most blues in Neptune City waters run 2-5 pounds, but larger fish up to 10+ pounds show up during peak migration periods. They're perfect for beginners who want to feel their rod bend and experience what a real fish fight feels like. Blues will hit almost any bait or lure, making them reliable backup targets when other species are being finicky.

Scup, also known as porgy, might be the most underrated fish in these waters. They're aggressive biters that provide steady action, especially during summer months when they school up in large numbers around structure. While smaller than other target species, scup make excellent table fare and are perfect for teaching proper hook-setting and fish-handling techniques. They respond well to small baits fished on light tackle, making every fish feel bigger than it actually is.

Time to Book Your Spot

This extended half-day trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want serious fishing time without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Robbie's local expertise, quality gear, and small group approach make this a top-rated choice for both residents and visitors looking to experience Neptune City's best inshore fishing. The 6-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots, try different techniques, and adapt to changing conditions – exactly what it takes to have a successful day on the water. With only six spots available per trip, this charter fills up quickly during peak fishing seasons. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Neptune City's inshore waters