5.0(1 Reviews)Kid-Friendly Shark & Bass Trip in Avalon
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Twohour back bay fishing trip targeting flounder and bassKidfriendly guided experience with all equipment providedSmall group capacity accommodates up to 5 guests
Looking to get your kids hooked on fishing? This 2-hour back bay adventure in Avalon is exactly what you need. Captain Jerry and the Diamond Jig Charters crew have perfected the art of turning young landlubbers into confident anglers. We're talking calm protected waters, patient instruction, and the real possibility of landing dinner – plus maybe a small shark to get the adrenaline pumping. With space for up to 4 guests, this trip is designed specifically for families who want their kids to experience the real deal without the intimidation factor of open ocean fishing.
The back bays around Avalon are a hidden gem for family fishing. We launch into sheltered waters where the waves won't have your little ones turning green, but the fish are still plenty active. Your captain starts by teaching the fundamentals – how to hold a rod, cast without hooking your dad, and the all-important art of patience. But don't worry, we keep things moving. These productive waters mean constant action, whether it's a feisty flounder putting up a fight or a small sand tiger shark that'll have everyone talking for months. The boat stays close to shore, so nervous parents can relax while kids learn to read the water, feel the bite, and master the hookset. Every piece of gear is provided, from rods rigged for smaller hands to bait that actually works in these waters.
We fish light tackle here – think 6-7 foot spinning rods with 15-20 pound test line. Perfect for kids to handle without getting overpowered by the gear. The captain rigs everything with circle hooks for safety and better hookup ratios. We're primarily drift fishing and anchoring over structure where flounder like to hang out, using strips of squid, live killifish, and bucktails tipped with Gulp baits. For the sharks, we'll put out slightly heavier rigs with cut bait – usually bunker or mackerel chunks. The beauty of back bay fishing is the variety of presentations you can use in a single trip. One minute you're bouncing bottom for flounder, the next you're working the mid-column for sea bass, and then suddenly everyone's scrambling because a sand tiger just picked up the shark rod.
"My family had a great trip out with Captain Jerry! He knew where to go, patient with all guests, and made sure everyone had a great time! Flounder for dinner! Highly recommend Diamond Jig for a great experience! Definitely will go again!! Thank you!!" - Shannon
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottom waiting to ambush baitfish. In Avalon's back bays, you'll find them around channel edges, oyster bars, and anywhere the current creates an ambush point. They typically run 14-20 inches here, with the occasional doormat pushing 4-5 pounds. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore migration, but summer fishing is consistent and perfect for kids. What makes flounder special is the way they fight – that sideways pull and head-shaking action that translates perfectly through light tackle. Plus, there's nothing like watching a kid's face when they see this alien-looking fish come over the gunwale.
Sea Bass are the scrappy fighters that keep rods bent all day long. These chunky, aggressive fish live around any hard structure in 15-40 feet of water, and the back bays have plenty of oyster beds, pilings, and rubble to hold them. They average 1-2 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and trying to cut your line on structure. The beauty of sea bass fishing with kids is the instant gratification – drop a rig down and you're usually hooked up within minutes. They're curious, competitive fish that often travel in schools, so catching one usually means there are more down there. Summer through early fall is peak season, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that even picky eaters will devour.
Sand Tiger Sharks are the crown jewel of this trip – the fish that turns a good day into an legendary one. These smaller sharks, typically 2-4 feet in these waters, are perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing without the danger factor of larger species. They're actually quite docile despite their intimidating appearance, with those protruding teeth that make for amazing photos. Sand tigers prefer the deeper channels and drop-offs in the back bay system, often cruising in small groups. Summer is prime time when they move into the bays to feed on the abundant baitfish. The fight is steady and powerful rather than explosive, giving young anglers time to experience what it's like to battle a legitimate predator. Catch-and-release is standard practice, but the bragging rights last forever.
This isn't just another boat ride – it's your kid's introduction to a lifetime passion. Captain Jerry has the local knowledge to find fish when others are striking out, plus the teaching skills to turn nervous beginners into confident anglers. The back bays around Avalon fish consistently from late spring through fall, with peak action during the warmer months when all three target species are most active. Since we only take 4 guests, you're getting personalized attention that's impossible on larger charter boats. Every trip includes all tackle, bait, and instruction – you literally just need to show up ready to fish. Book now and give your family a day on the water that'll have them asking when you're going again before you even reach the dock.
Our reliable 20-foot Carolina Skiff puts you right in the action for this kid-friendly fishing adventure through Avalon's back bays. This 2000 model runs smooth and steady with its 90HP Suzuki engine, giving young anglers a comfortable platform to learn the ropes. The boat's compact size creates an intimate setting where kids get plenty of one-on-one attention from our experienced guides while targeting flounder, sea bass, and small sharks in calm waters. Equipped with GPS navigation and a fish finder, we'll locate the best fishing spots while keeping the ride gentle for little ones. With seating for up to 4 guests, families can enjoy quality time together as children master casting, baiting, and reeling techniques. The stable deck provides a safe workspace for handling gear and landing their first catch, making this the perfect vessel to spark a lifelong passion for fishing.
Carcharias TaurusSand tigers are the perfect introduction to shark fishing for families - they look intimidating with those needle-sharp teeth, but they're actually pretty docile. Most of the ones we encounter run 4-7 feet long and fight steady rather than explosive. They hang out in our sandy back bays during warmer months, often in just 10-20 feet of water where they cruise the bottom looking for small fish and crabs. Summer into early fall is prime time around here. What kids love most is seeing a real shark up close - those teeth and prehistoric look always get them excited. They're catch-and-release fish that give a memorable tug without being dangerous to handle. These sharks are surprisingly curious and will investigate boat noise. Here's my local trick: use fresh baitfish on a simple bottom rig and be patient. Sand tigers take their time inspecting bait before committing to the bite.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of the most reliable fish we target around Avalon's jetties and deeper structure. They typically run 12-18 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, with their jet-black scales and chunky build. These fish travel in schools around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and our local jetties, usually in 15-50 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when the water warms up. Kids love them because they're aggressive biters and put up a solid fight on light tackle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat that's prized in restaurants. Sea bass aren't picky eaters, going after squid, clams, and crabs. My go-to tip for success is to use a simple hi-lo rig with squid strips and keep it moving along the bottom - they'll hit hard when they find your bait.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are unique flatfish that spend their lives sideways on sandy and muddy bottoms in our back bay waters. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones up to 20+ pounds. What makes them special is how they bury themselves in the bottom and ambush prey - both eyes are on one side of their head, which fascinates kids. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom. Spring through fall are prime time in our shallow bays and estuaries. They fight well for their size and make excellent table fare. The key trick I share with families is to fish slowly along the bottom with live minnows or shrimp - when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook since they grab prey sideways and need time to turn it.
5.0 out of 5.0My family had a great trip out with Captain Jerry! He knew where to go, patient with all guests, and made sure everyone had a grea...
Avalon, NJ