Full Day Bass Flounder Trip | Smokin Reel

Full Day Bass & Flounder Adventure

Captain Robbie Siciliano knows these New Jersey waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this action-packed 8-hour inshore trip. Launching from Neptune City's 301 W Concourse, you'll spend a full day targeting some of the most popular gamefish along the Jersey coast. The Smokin Reel can handle up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a first-timer who's never held a rod, Captain Robbie will have you casting like a pro and landing fish all day long.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get your sea legs before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives you real time to fish multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working. You'll start early to beat the crowds and make the most of prime feeding times when fish are actively hunting. Captain Robbie runs a relaxed but productive boat where the focus stays on putting fish in the cooler while making sure everyone has a great time. The Smokin Reel comes equipped with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can travel light. Don't worry about bringing lunch though - there's no meal service, so pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the long day. The inshore waters around Neptune City offer protection from big swells while still providing access to productive fishing grounds where multiple species hang out.

Techniques & Tackle

Inshore fishing here means working depths from 20 to 80 feet, targeting structure like wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. You'll spend time bottom fishing with circle hooks and sinkers, perfect for sea bass and flounder that hug the bottom looking for crabs and small fish. When the bluefish and stripers are running, Captain Robbie switches things up with live bait fishing or even some light tackle casting to feeding schools. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - one minute you're bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder, the next you're fighting a hard-pulling striper that grabbed your bait on the way down. Captain Robbie provides all the terminal tackle, from different weight sinkers to match the current to a selection of hooks sized for everything from scup to big bass. He'll show you how to feel the difference between a fish bite and your sinker bouncing on bottom, plus share local tricks like exactly where to drop your bait and how long to wait before checking it.

Top Catches This Season

Black sea bass are the bread and butter fish around Neptune City, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love rocky bottom and structure, making them relatively easy to target once you find their neighborhood. They hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull against your drag. Most keeper bass here run 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised when a 6-pounder grabs your bait and heads straight for the rocks. Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the prize catch for many anglers. These flatfish can grow huge in New Jersey waters, with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds always a possibility. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand and grab passing baitfish, so you need to keep your bait moving to trigger strikes. Striped bass are the ultimate inshore gamefish, known for their powerful runs and jumping ability. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools move through local waters chasing bunker and other baitfish. Bluefish earn their nickname "choppers" with razor-sharp teeth and aggressive feeding habits. When blues are blitzing on the surface, the action can be absolutely wild with multiple hookups and bent rods everywhere. Scup, also called porgy, are smaller but abundant fish that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. They're excellent table fare and perfect for kids or beginners to build confidence.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Captain Robbie's approach focuses on teaching rather than just catching. He takes time to explain what he's looking for on the fish finder, why certain spots produce better than others, and how weather conditions affect fish behavior. This educational element means you'll become a better angler while still enjoying plenty of action. The eight-hour format allows for real fishing rather than rushed trips where you barely get started before turning around. You'll have time to try different techniques, move between multiple spots, and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. The Smokin Reel's six-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded, and Captain Robbie knows how to manage the boat so everyone gets equal fishing time. Many guests appreciate the variety available on these inshore trips - you never know if the next fish will be a hefty sea bass, a doormat flounder, or a screaming striper. The relatively protected waters mean less travel time and more time with lines in the water, plus calmer conditions that make the trip enjoyable for all experience levels.

Plan Your Next Trip

This full-day adventure represents outstanding value for serious anglers who want maximum time on productive waters. Captain Robbie's local knowledge and patient teaching style make it ideal for mixed groups with different skill levels, while the variety of target species keeps things interesting all day long. The spring through fall seasons offer different opportunities as various species move through local waters, so there's always something biting. Book your spot aboard the Smokin Reel and get ready for eight hours of top-rated inshore fishing that showcases why Neptune City has become a customer favorite for New Jersey anglers. Just remember to bring food, drinks, and your fishing license - Captain Robbie will handle everything else to ensure you have the kind of day on the water that keeps you coming back for more.