Premium Bay Flats Fishing Behind Brigantine & Atlantic City
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Target Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Summer Flounder speciesFlats fishing adventure accommodates up to six guestsExplore productive waters behind Brigantine and Atlantic City
Nothing beats getting on the water behind Brigantine and Atlantic City when the fish are biting. This top-rated bay trip puts you right where the action happens, targeting three of Jersey's most sought-after species. With Captain Babu and crew, you'll fish the productive back bay waters that locals know hold Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Summer Flounder. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or a group of fishing buddies looking to get away from the crowded party boats and fish with a knowledgeable crew who knows these waters inside and out.
These back bay waters are where smart anglers go when they want consistent action without the long ride to offshore grounds. Captain Babu runs a clean, well-maintained charter that focuses on putting fish in the boat rather than just burning fuel. You'll fish around structure, drop-offs, and channels where these three species love to hang out. The beauty of bay fishing is you're not dealing with big ocean swells, so even if you're prone to seasickness, you'll likely feel comfortable. The crew knows exactly where to find fish based on tides, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Don't expect to just drop a line anywhere - this is targeted fishing where knowledge of the area makes all the difference.
Captain Babu's crew sets you up with everything you need, but understanding the approach helps you fish more effectively. For Summer Flounder, you'll be drifting with bucktails tipped with squid or gulp baits, working the bottom structure where these flatfish ambush prey. Black Sea Bass fishing involves dropping down to rocky areas and structure with jigs or natural baits - these fish love cover and you'll often find them stacked up around the same spots. Bluefish are the wild cards that can show up anywhere, but when they're feeding, you'll know it. The crew switches between techniques based on what's biting, and they'll teach you the right way to work each setup. Most of the fishing is done with medium to medium-heavy tackle that gives you a good fight without being overkill for bay fishing.
Summer Flounder remain the crown jewel of New Jersey bay fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large in these waters, with keeper-sized fish ranging from 18 inches up to doormat-sized specimens over 5 pounds. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with the best action typically happening during moving tides. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is their aggressive strike - when a big summer flounder hits your bucktail, you'll know it. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want to take dinner home. The key to consistent fluke fishing is covering water and staying mobile, which is exactly how Captain Babu approaches these trips.
Black Sea Bass have made a serious comeback in these waters over recent years, and they're now one of the most reliable species you'll encounter. These chunky fighters typically run 2-4 pounds in the bay, though larger specimens show up regularly. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and any kind of cover they can find. What's great about sea bass is their willingness to bite - they're aggressive feeders that will hit both natural baits and jigs. They fight harder than their size suggests, making quick runs and using their broad sides to put a bend in your rod. The season runs from late spring through fall, with some of the best fishing happening in early summer when they're feeding heavily.
Bluefish are the wild cards that can turn a good day into a great day. These toothy predators roam the bay in schools, and when you find them feeding, the action can be non-stop. Blues in the bay typically range from snapper size up to 5-8 pound choppers that will test your drag. They're incredibly aggressive and will hit just about anything you throw at them when they're feeding. The excitement with bluefish comes from their unpredictability - you might pick up one or two mixed in with other species, or you might run into a feeding school where everyone on the boat is hooked up at once. They're also excellent eating when bled and iced properly, despite what some people think.
Bay fishing behind Brigantine and Atlantic City offers some of the most consistent action you'll find along the Jersey coast. With Babu Sport Fishing Charters, you're getting local knowledge that can't be bought - these are waters the crew fishes regularly, not just tourist spots. The 6-person capacity means you won't be crowded, and you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between just going fishing and actually catching fish. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, plan a group outing, or just want to get on the water without the expense and time of an offshore trip, this bay adventure delivers. Book your trip now and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive back bay waters season after season.
Our well-equipped motorboat is perfect for chasing Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Summer Flounder in the productive waters around Brigantine and Atlantic City. The fish finder will help you locate schools while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the flats. GPS and radar keep you on course, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With room for 6 anglers and a toilet onboard, you'll have everything needed for a full day of fishing these rich New Jersey waters. The shallow draft design lets you get into those prime spots where the fish are feeding.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love hanging around structure in our bay waters. Most of what we catch runs 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, but there are some nice 4-5 pound fish hiding in deeper holes. They stick tight to wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom around the inlet areas, usually in 15-40 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests really enjoy is their scrappy fight - they'll try to dive straight back to the rocks when hooked. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. Don't give them a chance to wrap you around structure. Squid strips or clams on a simple high-low rig work best.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our bay waters - aggressive fighters with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These silver-blue speedsters typically run 2-8 pounds around here, though we'll see some chunky 10+ pounders during peak season. They travel in schools through our back bays, especially around bait pods near creek mouths and channel edges. Summer through early fall is when they really light up, feeding aggressively on everything from spearing to bunker. Anglers love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. They're also great table fare when handled properly - just bleed them quick and ice them down. Pro tip: always bring wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon. Those teeth will slice through regular line like butter, and you'll lose more fish than you land.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are fascinating flatfish that spend their time buried in sandy bottoms with just their eyes showing. They're true chameleons, changing color to match the seafloor perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some nice keepers pushing 4-5 pounds in our bay waters. They love structure edges where sand meets grass beds or drop-offs near channels. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they're ambush predators that require patience and finesse. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish around here. My go-to trick is using a slow drift with live minnows hooked through the lips, keeping your bait just off the bottom where they're waiting.
Brigantine, NJ