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Offshore Bass Fishing | Barnegat Light Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Barnegat Light
- $475 - $1,950 price range
- Updated Date: September 14, 2025
Summary
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Offshore Bounty
Somewhere off Barnegat Light, the lines are steady
Salt air and still water make a fine pair.
Most stories start with mornings like this.
Right place, right time, just past the shoals.
"Flounder haul success! A perfect day on the dock with my little fishing buddy — 10 flounder and unforgettable memories!"
Somewhere off Barnegat Light, the lines are steady
Salt air and still water make a fine pair.
Most stories start with mornings like this.
Right place, right time, just past the shoals.
"Flounder haul success! A perfect day on the dock with my little fishing buddy — 10 flounder and unforgettable memories!"
Somewhere off Barnegat Light, the lines are steady
Salt air and still water make a fine pair.
Most stories start with mornings like this.
Right place, right time, just past the shoals.
Reel in Jumbo Bass on this Extended Half Day Trip
Get ready to hit the deep-water reefs off Barnegat Light for some serious black sea bass action. This extended half-day trip takes you right where the big ones hide, giving you more time to load up on these tasty bottom-dwellers. And if you're here in late summer, we might even run into some mahi-mahi to spice things up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Rob's got the know-how to put you on the fish.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll motor out of Barnegat Light, leaving the inlet behind as we head for the offshore reefs. These artificial structures are like underwater condos for sea bass, and we know just which ones are holding the jumbos. You'll be fishing in depths anywhere from 60 to 150 feet, depending on where the bite's hot. The extended half-day format means more drops, more fish, and more time to dial in your technique. We've got room for four anglers, so bring your buddies or make some new ones on board.
Rigging Up for Reef Fishing
We'll be using heavy-duty bottom rigs to get down where the sea bass are hanging out. Think stout rods, braid line, and enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Bait-wise, we'll have squid and clams, but artificial jigs can be killer too. Captain Rob will show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing. It's all about feeling the bite and setting the hook fast – these bass can be quick! And if we spot some mahi around the boat, we might break out some lighter tackle for a change of pace.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"We went out with Captain Rob knowing what the fishing report probably wasn't the best and still managed to catch our limits on the fish we were targeting, Captain Rob is a great time and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to knowing where and when the fish are going to bite. If you are going to go in with anyone you definitely should go with him!" - Gerald
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black sea bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They typically range from 1 to 4 pounds, but we're always on the lookout for those trophy 5-pounders. Sea bass are structure-oriented, so we'll be targeting wrecks and reefs where they congregate. They've got a wide mouth and will hit a variety of baits, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels.
In the late summer months, we might get lucky and run into some mahi-mahi (also called dolphin fish). These acrobatic fighters are known for their vibrant colors and delicious meat. They're often found near floating debris or weed lines offshore. If we spot some, be ready for fast action – they're aggressive feeders and put on a real show when hooked.
Top Catches This Season
This year's been good to us out on the reefs. We've been seeing a nice grade of sea bass, with plenty of keepers in the 2 to 3-pound range. Some days, it's been non-stop action from start to finish. Late summer trips have given us shots at mahi in the 5 to 15-pound class, adding some variety to the cooler. Remember, fishing can be hit or miss, but we're always working hard to put you on the bite.
What's Included in Your Trip
When you step aboard, we've got you covered with all the fishing gear you'll need – rods, reels, and terminal tackle. We'll also supply the bait, usually a mix of squid and clams that the sea bass can't resist. This is a 'bring your own grub' kind of trip, so pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. Don't forget to bring a cooler for your catch – with any luck, you'll be heading home with plenty of fresh fillets.
Local Knowledge Pays Off
Barnegat Light's got a reputation for solid offshore fishing, and we know these waters like the back of our hand. The artificial reefs we fish are like underwater cities, and knowing which 'neighborhoods' are producing is key. We stay on top of the latest reports and conditions, adjusting our game plan daily to maximize your chances of success. Whether it's finding the right depth, dialing in the drift speed, or switching up baits, we're always working to keep the rods bent.
Weather and Sea Conditions
Offshore fishing means we're at the mercy of Mother Nature, but that's part of the adventure. We typically look for days with winds under 15 knots and seas 3 feet or less for the most comfortable fishing. Summer conditions are usually pretty favorable, but we always keep an eye on the forecast. If things look too sporty, we'll give you a heads up and reschedule if needed. Safety first out here – we want you to have a great time, not a white-knuckle ride.
Conservation Mindset
While we're out here to catch fish, we're also stewards of the ocean. We follow all state and federal regulations to ensure we're fishing sustainably. Sea bass populations are doing well thanks to careful management, but we still practice selective harvesting. We'll help you identify keeper-sized fish and release the smaller ones to grow bigger for next time. It's all about ensuring great fishing for years to come.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're ready to get in on some world-class bottom fishing action, don't wait to lock in your date. Our extended half-day trips are customer favorites and tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with tasty fillets or just want to bend a rod on some hard-pulling sea bass, we've got you covered. Give us a call or book online – we can't wait to show you what Barnegat Light offshore fishing is all about!
Customer Review
Fish On With Rob
Gerald B
July 14, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
## Black Sea Bass Fish Species (Centropristis Striata) ## Fish Description Black Sea Bass is a member of the Grouper family. They are plump-bodied with an extended pelvic and dorsal fin. The dorsal fin comes with a soft rayed rear section and a spiny forward section, marked with a sequence of white spots and bands. Their body color is gray to black, but the center of the scales is white. During the spawning season, males can turn bright blue in color and have a large hump on their heads. Juveniles are brown and have a dark stripe running down the body. ## Fish Size The Black Seabass can reach about 25 inches in length; weigh more than 8 pounds, although most of them caught is less than 4 pounds in weight. The Black Sea Bass world record catch is 10 lb 4 oz. and was caught in Virginia Beach, January 2000. ## Fun Facts About Black Sea Bass Up until recently, the furthest north the black bass was found was Massachusetts. Because of the warming climate, the bass has ventured up to the Gulf of Maine where the water temperatures have increased over the years. They are born as females then change to males. This generally happens when they reach 9 - 13 inches Social interaction can play a big role in this sex reversal. The removal of the big male from the Black Sea Bass population may cause one or more of the remaining bigger females to change sex and play the male role. The female Black Seabass normally matures at the age of 2 to 5 years and produces about 280,000 pelagic eggs. ## Fish Diet Adult and juvenile Black Sea Bass feed on a variety of invertebrates such as hermit crabs, rock crabs, squid, and razor clams. ## Distribution and Habitat  ## Fishing Method The best time to fish for Black Sea Bass is from late spring to summer when they congregate close to the shore. Underwater structures like jetties, piers, and wrecks, is where you will be likely to find them. The bigger males will be found in deeper water and a rocky bottom. The Black Seabass will put up a good fight until it breaks water. A medium-weight rod that's 6-8 feet long with a reel with a 20-30 pound fused, mono or braided line will be successful. They are mostly bottom feeders although they will occasionally strike at jigs, plugs, and lures including a 2 hook bait rig. Live bait such as squid or fish strips is a very good method. The Federal Recreational Black Sea Bass season is February 1 through 28, and May 15 through December 31. ## Habitat During the summer months, they will gather around sunken wrecks, rocky bottoms, old pilings, and wharves and are most abundant at depths of less than 120 feet. Juvenile seabass tend to prefer estuaries where they feed and avoid predators. During the winter months, they migrate to the more south Atlantic states and offshore. ## Distribution Black Seabass are found on the US eastern seaboard from the Gulf of Maine to the Florida Keys and then to the Gulf of Mexico.
About the Center Console Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
We went out with Captain Rob knowing what the fishing report probably wasn't the best and still managed to catch our limits on the fish we were targeting, Captain Rob is a great time and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to knowing where and when the fish are going to bite. If you are going to go in with anyone you definitely should go with him!