Full Day Atlantic City Mahi Mahi Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Full day guided fishing with Captain Jim and crewTarget Mahi Mahi at Atlantic City artificial and natural reefsSmall group experience accommodating up to 5 guests maximum
Ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Jersey Shore has to offer? Captain Jim's full day charter out of Atlantic City puts you right where the action is. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. With a full day on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work both the artificial reefs and natural structure that make these waters famous among serious anglers. The boat holds up to 5 anglers, so you're getting a personalized experience without feeling crowded. Captain Jim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his first mate keeps everything running smooth so you can focus on what you came here for – putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at the Atlantic City marina, where you'll meet Captain Jim and get the rundown on the game plan. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might head out to the deeper water structure for mahi mahi or work closer inshore reefs for black sea bass and flounder. The great thing about fishing these Atlantic City waters is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your bait next. The boat is set up with quality tackle and all the gear you need, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if you prefer. Most trips involve a mix of trolling for the pelagic species like mahi and bottom fishing the reefs for bass and flounder. The first mate handles all the rigging and net work, so even if you're newer to saltwater fishing, you'll be in good hands. Plan on being out there for 8 hours, which gives you real time to find the fish and put together a solid day on the water.
Captain Jim runs a versatile operation that can adapt to whatever the fish are doing. For mahi mahi, you'll typically be trolling with ballyhoo, dolphin jigs, or diving plugs at varying speeds until you find active fish. Once you hook into a school of mahi, that's when things get exciting – they often travel together, so multiple hookups are common. The bottom fishing action happens over both natural and artificial reefs using circle hooks with squid, clams, or cut bait. The artificial reefs off Atlantic City are loaded with structure that holds black sea bass, and the sandy areas between them are prime flounder habitat. You'll be fishing with conventional tackle sized for the species you're targeting – nothing too heavy that takes the sport out of it, but stout enough to handle good fish. The first mate takes care of all the rigging, baiting hooks, and landing fish, so you can concentrate on feeling those bites and working the fish to the boat. If you're bringing kids or less experienced anglers, don't worry – the crew knows how to get everyone involved and successful.
The mahi mahi fishing off Atlantic City has been consistently strong, with most fish running between 10 and 25 pounds, though bigger bulls always show up when you least expect them. These fish are pure excitement – they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Mahi are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. What makes them so popular with charter customers is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights. When you hook a mahi, get ready for some serious action. Black sea bass are another customer favorite, especially during their peak seasons in late spring and early fall. These reef dwellers are scrappy fighters for their size, and the waters around Atlantic City hold some quality fish in the 3 to 6 pound range. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy for newer anglers to catch successfully. Southern flounder add another dimension to the fishing, especially for those who enjoy the challenge of detecting subtle bites. These flatfish can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, they're a blast to target. Most flounder here run between 16 and 24 inches, with the occasional doormat that'll really make your day. Spotted weakfish round out the target species list – they're not as common as they once were, but when you connect with a good trout, it's always a highlight of the trip.
If you're serious about getting on some quality Atlantic City fishing action, Captain Jim's full day charter delivers the goods. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and professional crew gives you the best shot at a successful day on the water. Whether you're after the excitement of mahi mahi or the steady action of reef fishing, this trip covers all the bases. The 5-angler capacity means you get personalized attention without paying for a private charter, and the full day format gives you real time to find and catch fish. Don't forget to bring your cooler, camera, and fishing license – everything else is provided. These Atlantic City waters fish well throughout the season, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best offshore fishing the Jersey Shore has to offer.
Captain Jim's fishing boat is built for serious anglers targeting the productive waters off Atlantic City. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 5 guests comfortably while you work the artificial and natural reefs where mahi mahi and other gamefish gather. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest spots efficiently. When visibility drops, the radar keeps you fishing safely. Between battles with fish, you can take a break in the onboard bed or use the private toilet. The boat's design lets Captain Jim and his first mate move around easily to net your catch and keep lines untangled when multiple fish hit. Whether you're casting to surface feeders or dropping baits deep, this vessel gives you the platform and technology to make the most of Atlantic City's rich fishing grounds.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom dwellers are the bread and butter of our reef fishing. Most black sea bass run 1-4 pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing 6-8 pounds around deeper wrecks and rocky structure. They love hanging around our artificial reefs, wrecks, and jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're thick around the inshore structure. What makes them a favorite? They fight hard for their size, pulling straight down toward their rocky homes. The meat is sweet and firm - perfect for fish tacos or a good old fish fry. Here's what works: use a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid or clam strips. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom where they're feeding.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are real showstoppers with their bright colors and acrobatic fights. Mahi typically run 15-29 pounds around here, though we've seen some push 40+. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-500 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes them special? They'll jump, dive, and put on a show unlike any other fish. Plus, the meat is absolutely delicious - firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for more. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually others nearby.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of disguise are lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged and waiting to ambush their next meal. Most run 15-18 inches, but keepers around 3-5 pounds make excellent table fare. You'll find them in shallow bays, inlets, and around structure in 5-25 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before their offshore winter migration. Guests love the challenge of fooling these smart fish, plus flounder fillets are some of the best eating you'll find. The trick is fishing right on bottom with live minnows or mullet. Drop your bait, let it sit, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to grab and reposition their prey.
Cynoscion NebulosusDon't let the name fool you - these spotted fighters pack plenty of punch. Most run 12-16 inches, but we regularly see 3-4 pounders that'll bend your rod good. They hunt in shallow water over sandy bottoms and grass beds, usually less than 30 feet deep. Summer months are best when they move into the bays and nearshore waters to feed. What's great about targeting them? They're aggressive strikers that'll hit live bait and lures with authority. The meat has excellent flavor too - light and flaky when cooked right. Here's a guide secret: their mouths are pretty soft, so don't horse them in. Keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work, or you'll pull the hook right out.
Atlantic City