Offshore Bass Fishing | Barnegat Light Charters

Reef Rumble: 6-Hour Bass Bonanza

Ready to tangle with some serious sea bass? Our 6-hour offshore charter out of Barnegat Light is your ticket to the action. We're talking deep-water artificial reefs where the big boys hang out. And if you time it right in late summer, we might even run into some mahi-mahi to spice things up. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a full-on fish-finding mission with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off from Barnegat Light and make tracks for the offshore reefs. These aren't your backyard fishing holes – we're talking structures that hold serious fish. The boat's got room for four, so bring your A-team or make some new fishing buddies. Fair warning: we don't provide grub on this run, so pack some snacks to keep your energy up. You'll need it when you're going toe-to-fin with jumbo sea bass.

Rigging Up for Reef Warriors

Out here, it's all about getting down to where the fish are. We'll be dropping lines with heavy sinkers to punch through the current and get our bait in the strike zone. Typically, we're using cut bait or squid on double-hook bottom rigs. It's not fancy, but it's effective. When a bass hits, you'll know it – these bruisers don't mess around. Be ready to put your back into it, especially if we hook into a real doormat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black sea bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These bottom-dwellers are more than just a pretty face (though their blue-black coloration is pretty slick). They're aggressive feeders and put up a fight that'll make your arms ache. Best of all, they're delicious on the plate. We typically see them in the 2-5 pound range, but don't be surprised if we tangle with some real bruisers out there.

Late summer brings a bonus round – mahi-mahi. These acrobatic fish are like the show-offs of the sea. They're fast, they jump, and they've got colors that'll make your eyes pop. Mahi usually run 5-15 pounds out here, but even the smaller ones will give you a run for your money. Plus, there's nothing quite like fresh mahi for dinner.

Top Catches This Season

This year's been a doozy for big bass. We've been seeing a lot of fish in the 4-6 pound range, with a few monsters pushing 8 pounds. That's the kind of catch that'll have you grinning for days. The artificial reefs have been holding steady, and on good days, it's not uncommon for everyone on board to limit out. As for the mahi, they've been showing up strong in August and September. Nothing beats watching a school of these neon torpedoes light up the water around the boat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, there's fishing, and then there's fishing. This trip is for folks who want to feel that deep-water pull and come home with some serious fillets. Our regulars love the challenge of working the bottom in 80-100 feet of water. It's not just dropping a line and waiting – it's about reading the structure, feeling the bite, and knowing when to set the hook. Plus, with the potential for mahi in the mix, you never know what kind of day you're in for. That's the kind of variety that keeps people coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out there and tangle with some jumbo sea bass (and maybe a mahi or two), now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour charters fill up fast, especially during prime season. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to bend a rod for the first time, we've got you covered. Just bring your game face and maybe a cooler for the fillets – we'll handle the rest. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Book now, and let's make some waves!