5.0(1 Reviews)Back Bay Kids Fishing in Avalon, NJ
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
2hour Back Bay fishing trip targeting Bluefish, Sea Trout, Flounder5th generation fishing family provides expert guidance and instructionAll fishing gear, bait, and tackle included for convenience
Looking to get your kids hooked on fishing? Our 2-hour Back Bay Kids Fishing Trip in Avalon is exactly what you need. As a 5th generation fishing family running Diamond Jig Charters, we've been teaching youngsters the ropes for decades. There's nothing quite like watching a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on their line. We keep things simple, fun, and safe while exploring Avalon's productive back bay waters where the fish are plentiful and the bites come steady.
This trip is all about making fishing fun for the little ones. We'll head out into Avalon's back bay system, where the waters are calmer and more protected than the open ocean - perfect for young anglers who are still getting their sea legs. The back bays around here are like nature's nurseries, packed with smaller fish that are eager to bite and just the right size for kids to handle. You'll have up to 4 guests on board, so it's ideal for families or small groups of friends. Our experienced captains know exactly where to find the action, and we'll move around to different spots until we locate schools of hungry fish. The whole experience runs about 2 hours, which is the sweet spot for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out. We provide absolutely everything - rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, the patience to teach proper technique.
We rig everything with light tackle that's sized perfectly for small hands. Think spinning reels with smooth drags and rods that won't tire out young arms after a few casts. Our go-to setup is usually a basic high-low rig with circle hooks - they're much safer for kids and help prevent gut-hooking fish. We'll bait up with whatever's working best that day, whether it's bloodworms, squid strips, or small pieces of clam. The technique is straightforward: drop your line to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for the bite. When that rod tip starts bouncing, it's game on. Our guides stay right beside each young angler, helping with everything from casting to landing fish. We teach the basics like how to feel for bites, when to set the hook, and proper reeling technique. Safety comes first though - we go over boat rules, how to handle fish properly, and always keep a close eye on everyone.
"Captain Jerry took care of us and made sure that everyone had a great time and had opportunity to catch fish. He was very patient and helpful with our two kids, and we look forward to returning!" - Brandon
Black Sea Bass are absolute favorites with young anglers because they fight hard for their size and are beautiful fish with their dark stripes and spiny dorsal fins. In Avalon's back bays, you'll typically find smaller bass in the 10-14 inch range, which are perfect for kids to handle. These fish love structure, so we'll often fish around dock pilings, channel edges, and oyster beds where they like to hang out. Sea bass are pretty aggressive feeders, especially during late spring through early fall, and they'll hit both bait and small jigs readily. Kids love them because they put up a good scrap and are easy to spot with their distinctive coloring.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are like underwater pancakes that provide plenty of excitement when they decide to bite. These flatfish can be tricky to hook since they often nibble at baits, but that makes landing one even more rewarding for young anglers. In the back bay areas around Avalon, we typically catch keeper-sized fluke ranging from 18-22 inches, though smaller throwbacks are common too. Fluke season runs from late spring into fall, with the best action usually happening during moving tides. What makes them special is their unique shape and the way they bury themselves in sandy bottoms - kids are always amazed when they reel up what looks like a living frisbee.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of our local waters, and even the smaller schoolies we catch in the back bays will give kids a taste of what makes these fish so legendary. School stripers in the 16-20 inch range are common in Avalon's back waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish are built for speed and power, with their sleek silver bodies and distinctive black horizontal stripes. What kids love most is how stripers fight - they'll make runs, dive deep, and really test that drag system. We often catch them on both bait and small lures, and they're active feeders throughout the day, making them reliable targets for young anglers.
Atlantic Croaker get their name from the drumming sound they make, and kids get a kick out of hearing them "talk" when they're brought aboard. These copper-colored fish with their distinctive barbels under their chins are excellent for beginners because they bite readily and fight just enough to be fun without being overwhelming. Croaker are most active during warmer months and tend to feed in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're bottom feeders that love worms and small baits, making them perfect targets for the simple rigs we use on kids' trips. Plus, they're great eating if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Sea Trout, or weakfish, are gorgeous silvery fish with spotted sides that provide steady action in Avalon's back bay waters. These fish are known for their soft mouths - hence the name "weakfish" - so landing them requires a gentle touch, which teaches kids patience and proper fighting technique. Sea trout are most active during dawn and dusk hours, but they'll feed throughout the day in the back bays where we fish. They're attracted to moving baits and will often hit small jigs or live bait presentations. What
Jump aboard our reliable 25' Dusky motorboat, perfectly sized for families exploring Avalon's back bay waters. This well-maintained 2000 model runs on a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine, getting you to the best fishing spots quickly and smoothly. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on those bass and trout hiding spots - no spooking the fish! Our GPS keeps us on course while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space for kids to move around safely while learning to cast and reel. The boat's stable design makes it ideal for young fishermen getting their sea legs, and parents can relax knowing we've got all the safety gear covered. Whether we're drifting over shallow flats or anchored near structure, this boat handles Avalon's back bay conditions like a champ.
Micropogonias UndulatusAtlantic Croaker are fun little bottom dwellers that actually "croak" when you bring them up - kids get a kick out of hearing that drumming sound they make. Most run about a pound and 12-15 inches, perfect size for young anglers to handle. They hang out in 20-30 feet of water over muddy bottoms, especially around channels and deeper holes in the back bay. Best fishing is spring through fall, particularly around tide changes when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and shrimp. They're surprisingly good eating despite their size - sweet, mild flesh that fries up nicely. These fish aren't picky eaters, but here's my trick: use small pieces of bloodworm or grass shrimp on a size 4 hook. Keep it simple with a basic bottom rig and let the bait sit still.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that love hanging around structure - think jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. Most fish we catch run 1-4 pounds, but they can hit 8+ pounds if you're lucky. They're curious fish that'll inspect your bait before committing, so patience pays off. Best fishing happens late spring through fall when they move into shallower water to feed on crabs, squid, and small fish. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit before setting - they like to mouth the bait first.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them, are beautiful silver fish with distinct black spots covering their sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-3 pounds, with that classic torpedo shape that screams speed. These fish love grass flats and shallow back bay areas, especially during low light periods like dawn and dusk. Spring through fall provides steady action, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's my best advice: work soft plastic shrimp or grubs slowly over grass beds during moving tides. Use a popping cork to create some noise - the vibration drives them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the crown jewel of our local waters, and those distinctive dark stripes make them easy to identify. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though smaller schoolies are common too. They love structure - bridge pilings, jetties, drop-offs - and prefer moving water where baitfish get disoriented. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is their strong fight and excellent table quality - firm, flaky meat with great flavor. They're also smart fish that will test your skills. Local tip: when fishing around structure, use live eels at night or fresh bunker chunks during the day. Keep your drag loose initially - these fish make powerful runs and will snap your line if you're not ready.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. These "doormat" fish typically run 15-20 inches, but the big females can push 5+ pounds and really test your drag. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom they're sitting on. Peak season runs September through November when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Kids love catching them because they fight hard and are fantastic eating - sweet, mild white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. My go-to tip: use a bucktail with a strip of squid or fluke belly, and work it slow along the bottom with little hops. When you feel weight, reel steady - they often hook themselves.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jerry took care of us and made sure that everyone had a great time and had opportunity to catch fish. He was very patient ...
Avalon, NJ