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Belmar NJ Private Inshore Charter Reel C
- Published Date: January 8, 2026
- Fishing
- Belmar, NJ
- $600 - $2,000 price range
Summary
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Solo Fishing Action
Belmar New Jersey Inshore Fishing Charter
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? This private inshore charter out of Belmar puts you right where the action is. You'll have the boat to yourself for four hours of focused fishing time, targeting some of New Jersey's most popular species just minutes from shore. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and picks spots based on what's biting and where the fish are holding that day. Whether you're brand new to saltwater fishing or you've been working these waters for years, this trip delivers the kind of personalized attention that makes all the difference.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts at Belmar Marina, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the day's plan. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that you're never more than a few miles from shore, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time running to spots. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. Your captain handles all the technical stuff like reading the fish finder and adjusting your rig, while you focus on the fun part. This private setup means no fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to get help with a tangle. It's just you, your group, and four solid hours of fishing the productive nearshore waters off the Jersey coast.
Techniques & Tackle
Inshore fishing around Belmar is all about adapting to what's working on any given day. You'll spend time bottom fishing structure for sea bass and fluke, using everything from traditional bucktails to live bait rigs depending on conditions. When stripers are around, expect to work the water column with everything from topwater plugs to deep-running artificials. The captain switches techniques based on tides, structure, and what the fish are telling him. You might start the day bottom bouncing for fluke in the shallows, then move to deeper structure for sea bass, or work the edges for stripers if they're feeding. All the gear is provided and matched to the species you're targeting, so you're always fishing with the right setup for the conditions.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sea bass are the bread and butter of Belmar inshore fishing, and these chunky fighters are active most of the year around local structure. They hit hard and fight dirty, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. Best fishing typically runs from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from keeper size up to trophy specimens over three pounds. They love rocky bottom and artificial reefs, making the waters off Belmar perfect habitat.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Belmar sits right in the middle of their migration route. Spring and fall see the biggest runs, but resident fish stick around all summer. These fish can range from schoolie size up to serious cows pushing 30-plus pounds. When they're feeding, the action can be absolutely electric with fish crashing bait on the surface. Nothing beats the thrill of a big striper peeling drag on light tackle.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate inshore challenge. These flatfish are masters of disguise and can be incredibly picky about presentation. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with the biggest doormat-sized fish showing up midsummer. They're fantastic eating and provide a fun change of pace from the typical bottom-dwelling species. Working fluke requires patience and finesse, but when you connect with a keeper, the fight is worth every minute.
Thresher sharks represent the wild card in Belmar's inshore mix. These incredible predators show up sporadically, usually during warmer months when baitfish are thick. With their distinctive long tails and powerful builds, threshers put up an amazing fight and create memories that last a lifetime. While they're not guaranteed, when one shows up, you're in for something special. Most threshers in these waters run 50 to 100 pounds, though bigger fish are always possible.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated Belmar charter offers exactly what serious anglers are looking for - personalized attention, productive fishing grounds, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The private boat setup means you get maximum value from every minute on the water, without dealing with crowded party boats or rushed fishing. Remember to grab your New Jersey fishing license before you head out, and pack some snacks and drinks for the trip. With four hours of focused fishing time and a captain who's committed to your success, this charter consistently delivers the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Learn more about the species
Sea Bass
Black sea bass are our most reliable bottom dwellers, averaging 1-2 pounds with the occasional 4-5 pounder mixed in. These dark, stocky fish with large mouths live around hard structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-80 feet of water. They travel in schools and are aggressive feeders, making them perfect for beginners and kids. Spring through fall is prime season when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Sea bass are prized for their sweet, firm white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They'll hit just about anything, but squid strips, clams, and small jigs work great. Here's the trick: once you find one, there's usually a whole school. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be ready for multiple hookups. Their sharp teeth can cut light line, so we use heavier leaders.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are the backbone of our local fishery - these silver-sided fighters with distinctive black stripes average 20-40 pounds but can push 50+. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around jetties, drop-offs, and rocky areas in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action as they follow baitfish like bunker and herring along our coast. Stripers are strong swimmers that make long runs and aren't afraid to fight near the surface. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish can be picky about bait presentation - live eels, bunker chunks, and fresh clams work best. Local tip: fish the tide changes around structure, especially early morning or late evening when they're most active feeding in the water column.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or "fluke" as locals call them, are the chameleons of our sandy bottom. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can hit 26 pounds if you're lucky. They lie camouflaged on the seafloor with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush crabs, squid, and small fish. We target them in 20-60 feet of water over sand and mud bottoms, especially near structure transitions. September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Fluke are great for families - they bite well and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The key trick is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom with a slow drift. Use circle hooks with sea worms, squid strips, or live killies, and be patient - they often mouth the bait before taking it.
Thresher Shark
Thresher sharks are the rare prize catch off Belmar - these unique predators can reach 16 feet and 500+ pounds, famous for their whip-like tail that's as long as their body. They use that tail to stun schools of baitfish at 50mph before feeding. We find them 25-40 miles offshore in 60-70°F water, usually following bait balls of mackerel and sardines. Late spring through fall gives us the best shots when they move through our waters. The fight is something else - they'll leap clean out of the water and make long runs that test your gear. These sharks have surprisingly small mouths for their size, so we fish with strong 8/0 hooks and heavy tackle. My tip: watch for diving birds and bait activity on the surface - that's where threshers hunt.
