Full Day Mid-Shore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour guided fishing adventure targeting midshore speciesExpert crew provides top equipment and local knowledgeSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Picture this: you're 15 miles offshore, the coast of New Jersey just a distant line on the horizon, and the fish finder is lighting up like a Christmas tree. That's what you're signing up for with CMF Charters' full-day mid-shore trip. We're talking 8 solid hours of fishing some of the most productive waters along the Jersey coast, targeting everything from hard-fighting blues to trophy stripers. With a maximum of 6 anglers aboard, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. The captain knows these waters like his backyard, and he's not shy about sharing the hot spots that have been producing fish all season.
This isn't your typical half-day run to the local jetties. We're heading out to the 10-25 mile zone where the water turns that deep blue-green and the real action happens. The trip kicks off early – think 6 AM departure – because that's when the fish are most active and we want to maximize your time over productive bottom. You'll spend the day working different structures, from underwater humps to temperature breaks where baitfish stack up thick. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your own if you've got favorites. We'll be moving around based on what the fish are doing, so expect to cover some serious ground. The captain's constantly reading the electronics and adjusting our approach – maybe we're dropping jigs on structure in the morning, then switching to live bait drifts when the bite changes. That's what separates a top-rated charter from the weekend warriors.
We run a mix of conventional and spinning gear sized for whatever we're targeting that day. Most of the time, you're looking at medium-heavy rods paired with reels that can handle 30-40 pound test – enough backbone for the bigger fish but still sporting enough to have fun with the smaller ones. Techniques vary with conditions, but expect to do plenty of jigging over structure, some live bait fishing when the bite gets finicky, and maybe even some trolling if we need to cover water to find active fish. The boat carries everything from diamond jigs to circle hooks, plus a good selection of weights for different depths. If you're new to this style of fishing, don't sweat it – the crew will get you dialed in quick. They've seen every level of angler and know how to adjust their coaching to match your experience. Bring your own gear if you want, but know that what's on board will get the job done.
The beauty of mid-shore fishing in New Jersey waters is the variety. Striped bass are the bread and butter here – these silver-sided battlers can show up anywhere from schoolies around 18 inches to real cows pushing 40 pounds. They're most active during the cooler months, particularly spring and fall, when they're moving along the coast following bait schools. What makes stripers so addictive is their fight – they'll make strong runs and use their broad sides to bulldoze in the current. Plus, they're excellent eating when they're in season.
Bluefish are another staple that'll test your drag system. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Blues range from snappers under a pound to slammer blues over 15 pounds. They're most abundant during summer months when the water warms up and baitfish are thick. Fair warning – they've got razor-sharp teeth, so the crew handles the unhooking unless you really know what you're doing.
Depending on the season and water conditions, you might also tangle with fluke, sea bass, or even some pelagic species like Spanish mackerel. Each brings its own challenge – fluke require patience and finesse as they're ambush predators that barely tap your bait, while sea bass are structure huggers that'll try to cut your line on the nearest rock pile. That's what keeps this style of fishing interesting – you never know what's going to grab your hook next.
Here's the deal – good mid-shore fishing doesn't happen every day, and boats with experienced captains who know how to find fish consistently are even rarer. CMF Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and with only 6 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast during prime season. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods. Remember to bring lunch, drinks, and sun protection – everything else is provided. The memories you'll make fighting fish in open water, surrounded by nothing but horizon, are the kind that keep anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait until the weather turns or the fish move on – reserve your spot and get ready for a world-class day of fishing the Jersey coast.
This 28-foot Luhrs sportfisher is built for serious angling adventures in New Jersey waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar diesels push her to 28 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable during the 8-hour trip. The boat handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll have everything needed for a successful day - fish finder to locate the best spots, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, there's a full galley, head, and even a berth for anyone who wants to rest. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the longer runs to the 10-25 mile mark where the good fishing happens. This is a proper fishing machine designed to put you on both local favorites and the pelagic species that make mid-shore fishing so rewarding.
New Jersey