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NJ Beginner Inshore Fishing | Smokin Reel Charters
- Published Date: September 26, 2025
- Fishing
- Neptune City, NJ
- $750 - $2,100 price range
Summary
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Inshore Catch of the Day
Beastly striped bass catch!
Monster striped bass strike!
Unreal striped bass catch!
Massive striped bass landed!
Halibut and flounder double-header in crystal clear waters!
Clear skies and deep sea adventures await at 301 W Concourse!
Powerful striped bass action on the Atlantic!
Massive striped bass on a crisp Atlantic day!
Fired-up striped bass bite!
Heavy striped bass haul!
Beastly striped bass catch!
Monster striped bass strike!
Unreal striped bass catch!
Massive striped bass landed!
Halibut and flounder double-header in crystal clear waters!
Clear skies and deep sea adventures await at 301 W Concourse!
Powerful striped bass action on the Atlantic!
Massive striped bass on a crisp Atlantic day!
Fired-up striped bass bite!
Heavy striped bass haul!
Beastly striped bass catch!
Monster striped bass strike!
Unreal striped bass catch!
Massive striped bass landed!
New Jersey's Best Beginner Inshore Adventure
Ready to wet a line but not sure where to start? Smokin Reel Charters has you covered with their top-rated New Jersey inshore fishing trip. Perfect for first-timers and casual anglers alike, this 4 to 8 hour excursion gives you a taste of the Garden State's rich coastal waters without overwhelming you. You'll be targeting some of Jersey's most popular inshore species, including stripers, sea bass, and summer flounder, all while learning the ropes from a seasoned pro.
What to Expect on the Water
Climb aboard and leave your worries at the dock. Your captain's got everything handled, from rods and reels to bait and licenses. No need to sweat the small stuff – this trip is all about getting you hooked on fishing. With room for up to six guests, it's ideal for small groups or families looking to share the excitement of reeling in their first catch. And the best part? When you land a keeper, the crew will clean and package your fish, so you can focus on the fun and still bring home the fresh catch of the day.
Fishing 101: Jersey Style
Don't know a fluke from a flounder? No worries. Your guide will walk you through the basics, from baiting your hook to reading the water. You might start off drift fishing for fluke, feeling the gentle rock of the boat as you wait for that telltale tug on the line. Or maybe you'll drop lines near structure for black sea bass, learning how to detect those subtle bites. As the day goes on, you could find yourself casting lures for stripers, getting the hang of working a jig or plug. It's hands-on learning at its finest, and before you know it, you'll be swapping fish stories with the best of them.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bluefish: These aggressive fighters are a blast for beginners. Known for their strong runs and sharp teeth, blues can range from 2 to 20 pounds. They show up in force during the warmer months, often creating exciting topwater action. Anglers love them for their feisty nature and the way they make even novice fishermen feel like pros.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these bottom-dwellers put up a scrappy fight. Typically weighing 1 to 5 pounds, sea bass are abundant from spring through fall. They love structure, so you'll often target them around wrecks or reefs. Their firm, white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table, too.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): These flatfish are the perfect target for beginners. They're plentiful in the summer months, hence the name, and can be caught using simple techniques. Fluke have a unique way of taking the bait, often giving a distinctive tap-tap before committing. Landing a big one (they can reach up to 10 pounds or more) is always a thrill.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Jersey inshore fishing, stripers are prized for their size and fight. These fish can grow huge, with some topping 50 pounds. They're available year-round but are especially active in spring and fall. Catching your first striper is often a defining moment for new anglers – it's the kind of fish that keeps you coming back for more.
Scup (Porgy): These tasty panfish are abundant and easy to catch, making them ideal for novice anglers. Typically weighing under 2 pounds, scup are often caught while targeting other species. They're known for their light, delicate bite and make for excellent eating. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas and reefs from spring through fall.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the Jersey coast. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the Atlantic as you reel in your first keeper. Or how the salty breeze carries the promise of the next big catch. Whatever it is, Smokin Reel Charters knows how to tap into that magic. They've got a knack for turning first-timers into fishing enthusiasts, one trip at a time. With their patient guidance and local know-how, you'll be amazed at how quickly you pick up the basics. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the pride of bringing home fresh fish you caught yourself.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, plan a laid-back day with friends, or just want to try something new, this New Jersey inshore charter is your ticket to a great day on the water. Smokin Reel Charters takes care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up ready for some fun. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So why wait? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready to make some waves (and maybe catch some dinner while you're at it). Book your trip now and get ready to discover why fishing in Jersey is something special. Who knows – you might just find your new favorite hobby!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a staple of our inshore fishery here in New Jersey. These tasty bottom-dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds, though bigger "knotheads" over 5 pounds show up in deeper water. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms, usually in 60-120 feet of water. Sea bass season kicks off in May and runs through December, with the best fishing in spring and fall. They're not known for long runs, but they put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Anglers love targeting them for their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's great fried or baked. We usually fish for them with squid or cut bait on a simple bottom rig. Here's a local tip: If you find a good bunch, drop a small jig tipped with squid - you'll often catch the bigger fish this way.
Bluefish
Bluefish are a summertime favorite here in New Jersey. These aggressive predators typically run 3-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them anywhere from the surf to several miles offshore, often in large schools chasing bait. They're voracious eaters and will hit just about any lure or bait. We usually catch them trolling or casting topwater plugs. Bluefish put up an impressive fight, with powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them! For the best action, hit the inlets and jetties during moving tides. Fresh bluefish makes excellent eating too, especially when grilled. Pro tip: Try chunking with fresh bunker to bring them into a frenzy. It's an exciting fish that often gives beginners their first taste of saltwater action.
Scup
Scup, also known as porgy, are a fun panfish species we catch here in New Jersey. They typically run 1-2 pounds, though bigger ones up to 4 pounds show up occasionally. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and pilings in depths from 20-120 feet. The best fishing is usually May through October when they move inshore. Scup aren't known for long runs, but they put up a good scrap on light tackle. Anglers like targeting them because they're abundant, easy to catch, and make great eating. We usually fish for them with small hooks baited with clams, squid, or worms. Here's a local tip: If you're having trouble getting bites, try downsizing your hook and bait - scup have small mouths and can be picky eaters. It's a great species for kids or beginners to get started with saltwater fishing.
Striped Bass
Striped bass, or stripers, are the crown jewel of New Jersey fishing. These powerful gamefish can range from schoolies of a few pounds to cow bass over 40 pounds. You'll find them in the surf, bays, and nearshore ocean, often around structure or bait schools. The best fishing is usually spring and fall during their coastal migrations. Stripers put up an incredible fight, with long, powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh. We catch them on a variety of methods - live bait, lures, and even fly fishing. For beginners, try casting soft plastics around jetties or bridges during moving tides. Local tip: Keep an eye out for birds working the water - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. It's an awesome sight and can lead to some epic topwater action.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them, are a favorite inshore species here in New Jersey. These flatfish typically run 2-5 pounds, though doormats over 10 pounds are possible. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters. The season usually runs from May to September, with the best action in July and August. Fluke are ambush predators, so they're fun to target by drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or bucktails. They put up a decent fight for their size, with some head-shaking and short runs. Anglers love them for their mild, delicate flavor - some of the best eating fish around. Here's a local trick: Try jigging a bucktail tipped with a strip of squid or Gulp! bait. The extra movement often triggers strikes from bigger fish.
About the Smokin Reel
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercuiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 325
