Hey there, rookie anglers! Ready to wet a line in Belmar's bountiful waters? XTC Sportfishing's got you covered with our Belmar Beginners Fishing Charter. This 8-hour trip is tailor-made for folks just getting their sea legs, but don't worry – we'll have you reeling in the big ones before you know it. We're talking sea bass, flounder, and maybe even a striped bass if Lady Luck's on our side. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the Jersey Shore!
Rise and shine, fishing fans! We'll be casting off at the crack of dawn – 6 AM sharp. Trust me, those early morning hours are prime time for filling the cooler. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll be taking you straight to where the fish are biting. We're talking proven hotspots that'll have your rod bending in no time.
This isn't some cramped party boat situation – you and up to four buddies will have the run of our comfortable vessel. That means plenty of elbow room for casting and personalized attention from the crew. We'll be using tried-and-true techniques like trolling and chumming to get those fish fired up. And don't sweat it if you're green – we're here to show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to landing your catch.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using two main methods to fill the fish box: trolling and chumming. Trolling's all about dragging baited lines behind the boat as we cruise. It's a killer technique for species like striped bass and bluefish. We'll set you up with sturdy rods and reels loaded with the right line for the job.
When we hit a promising spot, it's time to break out the chum. We'll toss out bits of bait to create a feeding frenzy, then drop our lines right in the middle of the action. This is how we'll target bottom-dwellers like sea bass and flounder. The captain will walk you through the finer points of feeling for bites and setting the hook. Before you know it, you'll be hauling in keepers like a pro!
Belmar's waters are teeming with tasty targets all year round. In the warmer months, we're talking monster fluke (that's summer flounder to you landlubbers) that'll put up a serious fight. These flatfish aren't just delicious – they're crafty predators that'll test your skills.
As the water cools down, the striped bass action heats up. Fall runs can be downright epic, with schools of hungry linesiders blitzing bait on the surface. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper smashing your lure and peeling line off the reel.
And let's not forget about the humble sea bass. These guys might not look like much, but they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Plus, they're just plain fun to catch – when you find a school, it can be non-stop action!
Bluefish: These toothy terrors are the bulldogs of the sea. Pound for pound, blues fight harder than just about anything out there. They travel in schools, so when you find them, hold on tight! Bluefish are most active in the warmer months, and they'll hit just about any lure or bait you throw at them. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them – they're razor sharp!
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty bottom-dwellers punch well above their weight class. Sea bass hang around structure like wrecks and reefs, and they're suckers for squid or clam baits. The best part? They're absolutely delicious. Nothing beats fresh sea bass fillets on the grill after a long day on the water.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Flatfish with an attitude, fluke are masters of camouflage. They'll bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush passing prey. We target these guys with specialized rigs dragged along the bottom. When a big doormat fluke decides to eat, hang on tight! The fight is on, and it's a blast watching these oddly-shaped fish come to the surface.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the fish that dreams are made of. These silver-sided beauties can grow to massive sizes, and they're known for epic topwater strikes that'll get your heart racing. Fall is prime time for stripers in Belmar, as they fatten up for their annual migration. Land a keeper striper, and you've got serious bragging rights (and some mighty fine eating).
Listen, I've been running charters out of Belmar for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back for more. It's not just about the fish (although that doesn't hurt). It's about the whole experience – the salty air, the camaraderie, the thrill of never knowing what might be on the end of your line.
Our beginners' trip is the perfect way to get your feet wet in the world of saltwater fishing. We provide all the gear and know-how, so all you need to bring is a good attitude and a willingness to learn. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the look on someone's face when they reel in their first keeper. It's addictive, plain and simple.
Plus, Belmar's just a great place to be. When we're not fishing, you've got miles of beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and that classic Jersey Shore vibe. Make a weekend of it – trust me, you won't regret it.
Alright, folks, here's the deal. Our Belmar Beginners Fishing Charter is the perfect way to kick off your saltwater fishing adventure. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes, bond with friends and family, or just escape the grind for a day, we've got you covered. Remember to bring your own grub and drinks (yes, beer is welcome – just don't overdo it), and don't forget to grab that New Jersey fishing license before you show up.
Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Who knows? You might just catch the fishing bug and become our next regular. See you on the boat!
Black sea bass are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These bottom-dwellers hang around rocky structures and wrecks, usually in 60-120 feet of water. Most run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones pushing 5-6 pounds aren't uncommon. They're aggressive feeders and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the bass move closer to shore. Dropping cut squid or clams on a simple two-hook rig is a reliable way to fill the cooler. For a fun challenge, try jigging with small bucktails tipped with Gulp! softbaits. Sea bass have firm, white flesh that's great for fish tacos. One local tip: when you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS - sea bass tend to return to the same structures year after year.
Bluefish are real bruisers - they'll give you a fight from hook to cooler. These guys typically run 10-20 pounds and love to chase bait near the surface. Look for them around inlet mouths and along beaches, especially in summer and fall. They're aggressive feeders, so when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Bluefish have a reputation for being oily, but smaller ones actually make great eating if you bleed them right away. To catch 'em, try trolling with surgical tube lures or casting metal spoons into feeding frenzies. Watch your fingers though - those teeth are razor sharp! Bluefish are a blast for anglers of all skill levels, and you never know when you might hook into a big chopper that'll really test your gear.
Striped bass, or stripers, are the crown jewels of Northeast fishing. These hard-fighting fish can top 50 pounds, though most catches run 10-30 pounds. They're structure-oriented, so look for them around jetties, rips, and underwater humps. Spring and fall are prime seasons when stripers migrate along the coast. They'll hit a variety of lures and baits, from live eels to topwater plugs. Anglers love stripers for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - hooking a big one is an unforgettable experience. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: during the "blitz" when stripers are chasing bait, look for diving birds to find the action. Cast a surface popper into the frenzy and hang on tight! Just remember to practice catch-and-release with the big breeders to help maintain the population.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 2-5 pounds, but 10+ pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters, often in depths of 20-60 feet. Late spring through early fall is prime time, with August and September being peak months. Fluke are ambush predators, so drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like killifish or squid strips works well. They're prized for their mild, delicate flavor, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you feel a tap, don't set the hook right away. Give the fluke a few seconds to swallow the bait, then reel steadily to hook them in the corner of the mouth. It's a unique, fun fishery that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: John Deer
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 550