5.0(2 Reviews)Avalon Wreck Fishing: Bass, Flounder & More
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
5hour ocean reef fishing trip targets bass, flounder, bluefishAll fishing gear, bait, tackle provided with experienced crew assistanceAccommodates up to 4 guests aboard wellequipped charter boat
If you're looking for some serious fishing action off the New Jersey coast, Diamond Jig Charters has you covered with their top-rated wreck fishing experience out of Avalon. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about a full 5-hour adventure targeting the productive reef and wreck structures where the big fish hang out. Captain Jerry and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. With all gear provided and expert guidance every step of the way, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard their well-equipped charter boat.
Your day starts early at the Avalon docks, where you'll meet your captain and first mate who'll brief you on the day's game plan. These guys have been working the offshore wrecks and reefs for years, so they know exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns. The boat is rigged with all the electronics you need – fish finders, GPS, and chart plotters – to locate the best structure and mark the schools. You'll spend the day bouncing between different wreck sites and reef areas, each offering its own unique fishing opportunities. The crew handles all the navigation and boat positioning, so you can focus on what you came for – putting fish in the cooler. With up to 4 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded, and the crew makes sure everyone gets their fair share of action.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. Your captain will position the boat directly over or just up-current from the structure, using the boat's electronics to stay on top of the fish. The standard rig for this type of fishing is a high-low setup with circle hooks, loaded with fresh bait like squid, clams, or bunker chunks. You'll drop your line straight down to the bottom, keeping just enough tension to feel the bite but not so much that you're constantly snagged on the wreck itself. The key is learning to work your bait around the structure without losing your tackle – something the crew will teach you as you go. When a fish hits, it's usually aggressive and unmistakable. The crew provides all the gear you need, from heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line to a full selection of rigs, sinkers, and fresh bait. They'll also handle the netting and fish care, making sure your catch stays fresh for the trip home.
"Captain Jerry was awesome. As was his first mate, Jarod. I took my 5 year old daughter and they were nothing but thoughtful and patient with teaching her how to fish. Great people, we will definitely be using them again." - Tim
"Great trip today with Cap'n Doug! 3 adults and 2 kids (3 & 5). 16 flounder, 5 skate, 2 sharks and a sea urchin! Great service and tons of fun!" - Ray
Sea Bass are the bread and butter of wreck fishing in these waters, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love structure and are found around virtually every wreck and reef from spring through late fall. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a good battle on medium tackle. Sea bass are also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer. The best action usually happens during slack tide when they're actively feeding, and they're not shy about hitting a well-presented bait dropped right to the bottom.
Tautog, or blackfish as the locals call them, are the prize catch for many wreck anglers. These powerful, black-and-white striped fish are notorious for their bone-crushing bite and bulldogging fight. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home wreck, making them a reliable target when conditions are right. Tautog season typically runs from late spring through early winter, with the fall months producing the largest fish. They're picky eaters that prefer green crabs, white legger crabs, and clams, and they have a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. When you do connect with a good tog, expect a straight-down fight as they try to get back to the safety of the wreck.
Southern Flounder are the flatfish that every angler wants to find at the end of their line. These doormat-sized fish can grow quite large in the deeper offshore waters, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon around the reef areas. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – you'll often need to work your bait along the bottom with gentle lifts and drops to trigger a strike. They're phenomenal eating fish, and landing a big fluke is always a highlight of any wreck fishing trip.
Bluefish round out the target species and add some serious excitement to the mix. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. Blues hit hard and fast, often jumping and making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're found around wrecks feeding on the baitfish that congregate around the structure, and they're not picky about what they eat. From small snappers to big choppers, bluefish provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. They're also great for novice anglers since they're so aggressive – perfect for getting kids or first-timers excited about fishing.
Diamon
Hit the productive reefs around Avalon aboard our reliable 25-foot Dusky, powered by a robust 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. This well-maintained 2000 model comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, GPS to mark those sweet spots, and a quality fish finder to locate schools of bass, flounder, and blues. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, whether you're seasoned pros or just getting your feet wet. The boat handles ocean swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform to work those reefs where the big ones hide. All your gear, bait, and tackle are covered, so just bring your appetite for some solid fishing action on New Jersey's productive offshore waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins, and when they're around Avalon, you'll know it. These silver bullets typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, with occasional slammer blues hitting 12+ pounds. They roam open water, surf lines, and reef edges, chasing schools of baitfish in feeding frenzies that can turn the water white with foam. Summer into early fall brings the best action, especially when bait schools are thick. Guests love the vicious strikes and bulldogging fights - these fish have attitude. They're also great eating when bled immediately and kept cold. Fair warning: watch your fingers - those razor teeth mean business. My go-to setup is wire leader with cut bait or shiny spoons. When you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast - the bite won't last long.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable catches around Avalon's reefs and wrecks. These dark, chunky fish typically run 1-2 pounds, though we see some pushing 4-5 pounds on deeper structure. They love hard bottom areas - jetties, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks in 30-80 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak fishing from May to October when they're feeding heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. What makes them great for families is their aggressive bite and steady fight - not flashy, but reliable fun. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep fishing that exact spot. Sea bass school up tight, so where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting below.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms and around inlet areas. These flatfish typically measure 15-18 inches, though we catch some real "doormat" flounder pushing 4-5 pounds during good years. They bury themselves in sand near drop-offs, channels, and structure edges where baitfish travel. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, especially around the inlets when they're moving between ocean and back bay areas. Guests enjoy the challenge of detecting their subtle bite and the surprise of seeing both eyes on one side. The white, flaky meat is premium table fare. Key technique: drift live minnows or shrimp near bottom transitions. When you feel that gentle tap-tap, resist setting immediately - let them take it and turn before lifting into them.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish, as we call them locally, are the bulldogs of our rocky areas. These thick-bodied fighters average 2-4 pounds around Avalon's jetties and reef structure, with occasional doormat-sized fish hitting 8+ pounds. They stick tight to rocks, wrecks, and boulder fields, rarely straying far from cover. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're fattening up before winter. What guests love is the surprise factor and stubborn fight once hooked. They're also fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. The challenge is keeping them away from structure after the hookup. My trick: use green crabs, crack the shell to release scent, and fish right in the rocks. Don't hesitate - when you feel that tap, set hard and pull them out fast before they wrap you up.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jerry was awesome. As was his first mate, Jarod. I took my 5 year old daughter and they were nothing but thoughtful and pa...
Great trip today with Cap’n Doug! 3 adults and 2 kids (3 & 5). 16 flounder, 5 skate, 2 sharks and a sea urchin! Great service and ...
Avalon, NJ