5.0(2 Reviews)Avalon Wreck Fishing: Bass, Flounder & More
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
5-hour ocean reef fishing targeting bass, flounder, and bluefishAll fishing gear, bait, and tackle provided by crewAccommodates up to 4 guests with experienced guide assistance
When you're looking for serious reef and wreck fishing action off the Jersey Shore, Diamond Jig Charters delivers exactly what you're after. This 5-hour ocean fishing adventure puts you right where the fish are – on productive reef structures and wrecks that hold some of the best eating fish in these waters. Captain Jerry and his crew know these spots like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on Sea Bass, Southern Flounder, Bluefish, and Tautog that'll have your arms burning and your cooler full. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to load up on keeper fish, this Avalon charter hits all the right notes.
Your day starts bright and early at the Avalon docks, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. The boat's rigged with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear that takes the guesswork out of wreck fishing. Once you clear the inlet, it's a relatively short run to the productive reef and wreck sites where these fish congregate. The beauty of fishing these structures is that you're almost guaranteed action – the hard bottom and vertical relief creates the perfect habitat for the species you're targeting. Your captain will position the boat perfectly over the structure, and you'll be dropping baits down to where the fish are holding. The crew handles all the technical stuff like anchoring, re-rigging, and unhooking fish, so you can focus on feeling those bites and working the fish up from the bottom. With up to 4 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without getting your lines tangled, and the crew does a great job of keeping everyone organized and productive.
Wreck and reef fishing is all about precision and the right presentation. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to handle the depths and the structure below. The typical setup includes a fish-finder rig or high-low rig with circle hooks – these are perfect for the species you're targeting and help reduce gut-hooking when you're dealing with kids or novice anglers. Sinkers range from 6 to 12 ounces depending on the current and depth, and the crew will adjust your weights throughout the day to keep your baits right where they need to be. Bait selection is crucial on these wrecks – fresh squid, sea worms, and cut bait like mackerel or herring are the go-to options that consistently produce. The captain reads the fish finder to locate the schools and individual fish holding tight to the structure, then positions the boat so your baits drift naturally into the strike zone. When you hook up, it's all about keeping steady pressure and working the fish away from the wreck – these reef fish are notorious for trying to get back into the structure and cutting you off on the sharp edges.
"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 off Avalon, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love the rocky bottom and structure that wrecks provide. They typically run 12 to 18 inches with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 3 to 4 pounds. Sea Bass are most active from late spring through fall, with the peak action happening during the summer months when they're feeding heavily. What makes them so popular with anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find a school, you can often catch them one after another until they wise up or move off. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The fight is honest and strong, with that characteristic head-shaking that lets you know you've got a good fish on.
Southern Flounder are the prize catch for many anglers on these reef trips. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie in wait near the structure, ready to pounce on unsuspecting baitfish. They can reach impressive sizes – anything over 18 inches is a keeper, but the real trophy fish push 24 inches and several pounds. Flounder fishing peaks in late summer and early fall when they're fattening up for their offshore migration. The bite is often subtle – just a gentle tap or extra weight on your line – so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the first sign of interest. Once hooked, they fight with surprising strength, using their flat profile to plane through the water. There's nothing quite like sliding the net under a big flounder and seeing that white belly flash in the sun.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to any wreck fishing trip. These voracious predators travel in schools and when they show up, the action can be absolutely electric. They're built for speed and aggression, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Bluefish can range from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids to chunky 5 to 10-pound choppers that'll test your tackle. They're most active during the warmer months and often feed in feeding frenzies that create surface disturbances you can see from a distance. When the blues are biting, you'll often see multiple hookups at once, with fish jumping and thrashing all around the boat. They're excellent eating when bled and iced immediately, with rich
Hit the waters off Avalon aboard our reliable 25' Dusky, a sturdy fishing machine powered by a 300HP Suzuki that'll get you to the best reef spots fast. This 2000 model has been kept in top shape with all the gear serious anglers need - wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those holding fish, GPS to mark productive spots, and a quality fish finder to locate where the bass and flounder are hanging. Perfect for up to 4 anglers looking to target bluefish, sea bass, and southern flounder around the ocean reefs. The boat handles Jersey waters like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're bottom fishing the structure or working lures through the water column. Built for comfort during those long 5-hour trips when the fish are biting and you don't want to head in yet.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that travel in schools, ranging from snapper-sized "cocktail blues" up to 15+ pound choppers with razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them throughout the water column over reefs, around baitfish schools, and along structure. Summer through fall is peak season when they're most active in our waters, following bait migrations. They're known for their hard strikes and bulldogging fights - plus they make great table fare when bled and iced properly. These fish hit everything from live bait to metal jigs and topwater plugs. The key is finding the bait schools, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal that blues are pushing bait to the surface. Use wire leaders; their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that hang around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 20-60 feet of water. They average 1-2 pounds but can push up to 8+ pounds - those bigger ones really know how to use the structure to their advantage. Spring through fall is prime time, with May and October being especially good when they're feeding heavy before migrations. What makes them popular is the combination of a decent scrap and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools and aren't shy about hitting both cut bait like squid or clams and jigs. Pro tip: when you hook one, get it up and away from the bottom quickly. They'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there if you give them the chance, and you'll lose more fish to cutoffs than anything else.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though doormat-sized fish over 20 inches make for memorable catches. You'll find them in shallow bays, inlets, and along sandy structure in 10-30 feet. Fall migration from September through November is prime time as they head offshore to spawn. What makes them exciting is the surprise factor - one second you're bottom fishing, next you've got a strong, steady pull heading for cover. They're also outstanding eating with mild, flaky white meat. Live bull minnows and mullet work great, but cut bait like squid strips does the job too. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom - a subtle lift-and-drop keeps it in the strike zone where these ambush predators are waiting.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of our local reefs and rocky structure. These chunky, thick-bodied fish average 2-4 pounds but can hit 10+ pounds around the jetties and deeper wrecks. They live right in the gnarliest rocks where most fish can't survive, using their tough, rubbery skin and powerful jaws to crush crabs and mussels. Fall is prime season when they're feeding up before winter, though spring can be solid too. What guests love is the challenge - they're smart, structure-hugging fighters that test your skill and tackle. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the table. Green crabs are the go-to bait, but here's the key: crush up some extra crab shells and drop them around your fishing spot first. That scent trail gets them fired up and competing for your hook bait.
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