Bug Sportfishing welcomes you aboard! Growing up fishing all over the United States has introduced Captain James to lots of different techniques. The best way to describe his fishing style is somewhere in-between south Florida light tackle with a heavy dose of northeast influence. Whether it’s early spring Striped Bass, mid-season Fluke, or chasing Tuna and Marlin, Capt. James always tries to make the most of every opportunity.

You’ll be fishing aboard the BUG, a 31’ Contender Fisharound. The Bug is fast, comfortable, and fuel-efficient with twin 300 horsepower Yamaha Outboards. The Bug features a fully open cockpit offering 360-degree fishability and outfitted with the latest gear. With a single level deck, marlin tower and all the newest Garmin electronics, as well as FLIR night-vision you are prepared for anything that swims.

Whenever you’re fishing for your target species, the crew is always ready for the chance to encounter something special. Capt. James thoroughly enjoys fishing artificials for inshore species and slow pitch jigging is one of his favorite techniques. Chunking for Tuna is one of his specialties and he’ll never turn down an opportunity to go offshore. This season (2023) Capt. James will primarily be targeting striped bass for the months of April-Early June, for the summer months he will be on the hunt for Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigeye tuna as well as Mahi-Mahi and White Marlin. When fall returns he will be back on the hunt for stripers. Inshore/Ground-fish trips will be available on select dates.

Beginners are always welcome and the crew will make sure your trip suits your skill level. While they carry all the tackle you may need, the crew prefers to use tackle on the lighter side of things to increase the fun factor

For Bug Sportfishing, catching fish is about having fun and making memories. See you at the dock!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    6 hour trip - Black Sea Bass
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 2 - Jun 19
    US $1,000
    This 6 Hour Black Sea Bass trip leaves the dock at 7:30 AM and ends around 1:30 PM. Perfect for beginners and families along with seasoned Pro`s! Our main method of fishing will involve anchoring or drifting while we deploy weighted rigs tipped with artificial as well as natural bait along the sea floor. Leaving from Manasquan inlet we are situated nearby plenty of inshore wrecks where Sea Bass school up all summer! All high quality tackle is included in price as well as cleaning of your catch.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    6 Hour trip - Inshore Fluke
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 2 - Sep 27
    US $1,000
    This Inshore Fluke trip leaves the dock at 7:30 AM and ends around 1:30 PM. Perfect for beginners and families along with seasoned Pro`s! Our main method of fishing will be bouncing weighted jigs tipped with artificial as well as natural bait along the sea floor. Leaving from Manasquan inlet we are perfectly situated for prime Fluking, all within 15 miles of the dock! All high quality tackle is included in price as well as cleaning of your catch.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    8 Hour trip - Full day Fluke
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 2 - Sep 27
    US $1,200
    This full day Fluke trip leaves the dock at 6:30 AM and ends around 2:30 PM. Perfect for beginners and families along with seasoned Pro`s! Our main method of fishing will be bouncing weighted jigs tipped with artificial as well as natural bait along the sea floor. Leaving from Manasquan inlet we are perfectly situated for prime Fluking, All within 15 miles of the dock! All high quality tackle is included in price as well as cleaning of your catch.
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    Inshore “Whats biting?” (8hr)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Nov 30
    US $1,200
    This trip is perfect for groups who just want to “bend the rod”, catch some dinner (or let them go!) and have a nice day on the water. Our day will be structured around what is biting best at the given time. The main target will be Fluke (summer flounder), Black sea-bass, Bluefish, and striped bass. As the season progresses into Late summer, southern visitors make their way north and give you the chance at Spanish/King Mackerel, False Albacore, and Mahi, all close to shore! 7:30AM leave - 3:30PM return
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Little Tunny (False Albacore)
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Cod
    Cod
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Flounder
    Flounder
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
  • Private trip
    10 Hour Midshore Shark Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    10 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 11 - Oct 15
    US $1,800
    Fish the wrecks and reefs in search of monster Sharks! This is a purely CATCH AND RELEASE trip, so no Sharks will be kept. While fishing for Sharks, you'll also fish for Seabass, Fluke, and the occasional Cod. You'll target Mako and Thresher Sharks but often hook into Blue and Spinner Sharks as well, with baby Great Whites or Hammerheads sometimes making an appearance. All tackle/bait is included but a mate will be necessary to ensure that you have the best chance of catching a fish of a lifetime!
    Targeted fish
    Seabass (Black)
    Black Seabass
    Cod
    Cod
    Pollock
    Pollock
    Shark (Blue)
    Blue Shark
    Shark (Mako)
    Mako Shark
    Shark (Thresher)
    Thresher Shark
  • Private trip
    Tuna *FULL DAY*
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    11 Hour Trip, starts at 3:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 12 - Oct 10
    US $2,500
    This is a full day Tuna trip, leaving the dock approx. 3:30 AM and returning around 3 PM. You'll be trolling, jigging, Chunking, and throwing topwater plugs. Depending on the availability of live bait, you might even put up the kite! From the dock to the fishing grounds generally takes about 1.5 hour with some days being closer and others being a bit farther (up to 2.5 hours). Your main target species will be Yellowfin, Bluefin, and Mahi Mahi. All tackle/bait is included as well as cleaning of your catch.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Tuna (Bluefin)
    Bluefin Tuna
    Tuna (Yellowfin)
    Yellowfin Tuna
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Shark (Mako)
    Mako Shark
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Bug Sportfishing

Bug Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 hour trip - Black Sea Bass (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 6 Hour trip - Inshore Fluke (6 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 8 Hour trip - Full day Fluke (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - Inshore “Whats biting?” (8hr) (8 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - 10 Hour Midshore Shark Trip (10 hours)
  • US $2,500 per group - Tuna *FULL DAY* (11 hours)

When you book a trip with Bug Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full enclosed Bathroom with toilet and sink
  • Air Conditioning Fully air conditioned cabin, bathroom, and helm
  • GPS All new Garmin electronics Suite, XM WEATHER
  • Fishfinder Airmar 3KW Transducer- Networked to all screens
  • Bed 2 person bunk in bow of boat
  • Flybridge Marlin tower for spotting fish/trolling
  • Live Bait Well 2X 40 Gallon wells in transom
  • Kitchen Offshore trips have outdoor grill, refrigerator
  • Refrigerator Electric fridge in cabin (not large)
  • Multimedia System XM radio/Weather, Full stereo throughout
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box 2 Large boxes in cockpit (1 under seat,1 YETI)
  • Radar Garmin 24XHD Radar, FLIR NIGHTVISION CAMERA

Trips booked with Bug Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (depends on target species)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Some Waters/ Gatorade- personal drinks ENCOURAGED)
  • First Mate (Mate available by request)
  • Fishing License (License Included with trip)

Bug Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Bug Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Bug Sportfishing include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • Marlin (White)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Shark (Thresher)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

James Duncan
Brielle, New Jersey, United States
1 Fishing Report
50 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since March 2021
I come from a fishing family and have been around boats since I was an infant. My father taught me how to cast as soon as I could walk and I would spend hours casting behind my house in Point Pleasant NJ. When I was 7, we moved to South Florida. This opened up a whole new world to me where I spent every second I could either on or near the water. After some time we found ourselves back on the New Jersey shore, now that I was older we started to explore the mudhole eventually pushing out further into the canyons. At 14 I started working on the fuel dock which eventually branched into working as a mate on private boats and on charters. I went to college at Clemson university initially but ended up continuing my degree in Communications and Business at Monmouth University. During the summers I continued working as a mate, after finishing school I decided to turn fishing into my career. I have spent the last two years working as a corporate captain fishing Marlin tournaments up and down the east coast. I have always been obsessed with fishing and from a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be a Captain.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Striped) Striped Bass
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder Flounder
Marlin (White) White Marlin

Boat specs

CONTENDER (Sportfishing) originally built in 2007. Powered by 2 300HP YAMAHA engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 35 knots.

Length
32 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Full enclosed Bathroom with toilet and sink
Air Conditioning
Fully air conditioned cabin, bathroom, and helm
GPS
All new Garmin electronics Suite, XM WEATHER
Fishfinder
Airmar 3KW Transducer- Networked to all screens
Bed
2 person bunk in bow of boat
Flybridge
Marlin tower for spotting fish/trolling

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
depends on target species
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Some Waters/ Gatorade- personal drinks ENCOURAGED
First Mate
Mate available by request
Fishing License
License Included with trip

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Bank Transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Brielle Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 40 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (39)
Amazing experience!!!!
Great Half day with Captain James
Great Half day with Captain James
+36
Angler rating
35
0
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 40 reviews
Pete L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing experience!!!!

VERIFIED   Inshore “Whats biting?” (8hr) on August 16, 2023
Was looking to step up our family fishing experience from the big group boat experience to a personal charter this year and...
Pete L. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Pete L. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Wayne L.
Manasquan, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 Hour spring striper jigging

VERIFIED   Raritan Striped Bass 6HR (AM) on April 7, 2023
James is an excellent young captain with a lot of personality and positive attitude. The boat was well organized and...
Wayne L. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Wayne L. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Nicholas G.
Perkasie, PA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Half day with Captain James

VERIFIED   Raritan Striped Bass 4HR (AM) on May 16, 2023
Had a great day with captain James.He is knowledgeable and passionate about his trade doing all he could to put us on fish...
Nicholas G. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Nicholas G. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Tom P.
Denville, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

1/2 day trip with captain James

VERIFIED   Raritan Striped Bass 6HR (AM) on April 12, 2023
Fantastic trip… caught our limit of striped bass. caught and released many more. captain was complete professional. from...
Tom P. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Tom P. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Wayne C.
Seaside Heights, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain James knows his stuff

VERIFIED   6 Hour trip - Inshore Fluke on August 15, 2023
Great Fluke trip with wife and teenage boys.  Capt James showed us how to work and as a result we limited out on keeper fluke...
Wayne C. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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Wayne C. recommends Bug Sportfishing
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