5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Summer Flounder Fishing in New Jersey
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target summer flounder and halibut in prime New Jersey watersFish productive spots like Shrewsbury Rocks and Raritan BaySmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
There's nothing quite like dropping lines in New Jersey's productive inshore waters when the fluke are biting. This half-day charter with Hook & Fin puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting summer flounder in some of the Garden State's most reliable fishing grounds. Captain Steve knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with space for up to four anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly how serious fluke fishermen like it. You'll meet Captain Steve at the dock before sunrise, gear up, and head out to prime spots like the New York Bight, Shrewsbury Rocks, or the productive flats around Raritan Bay. The beauty of fishing with a local pro is that he reads conditions daily – tide, wind, water temperature – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days we're drifting the deeper channels near Shrewsbury Rocks where bigger doormat fluke like to hang out. Other times, we'll work the sandy bottom structure where these flatfish ambush baitfish. Captain Steve's boat is rigged specifically for this type of fishing, with plenty of rod holders, a clean deck for working fish, and all the tackle you'll need. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – this isn't a party boat where you're shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. It's just you, your crew, and some of the best fluke fishing the East Coast has to offer.
Summer flounder fishing is all about reading the bottom and presenting your bait naturally. We'll be drift fishing primarily, using the boat's movement to cover ground and keep baits moving like wounded baitfish. Captain Steve provides all the gear – typically 20-30 pound class spinning or conventional setups paired with fluke rigs. These rigs feature a sinker that keeps your bait near the bottom where fluke feed, plus a leader with a hook that allows your bait to flutter and dance in the current. The key is feeling the bottom – you want that sinker bouncing along the sand and shell, stirring up scent and movement that draws fluke in for a look. Live killies, spearing, and squid strips are go-to baits, though Captain Steve always has a few tricks up his sleeve depending on what's working that week. The technique sounds simple, but there's real skill in detecting those subtle fluke bites. These fish don't slam baits like stripers – they often just mouth it and swim off slowly. Learning to feel that gentle weight and set the hook at the right moment is what separates the pros from the weekend warriors.
"4 of us (1 adult 3 teens) had an awesome trip with Captain Steve. He arranged for perfect weather and a good haul. Steve was very patient and a great teacher for those less experienced. He knew where to go to make sure we all had the best chance of catching. Highly recommend a trip with Captain Steve." - Jason
Summer flounder, also called fluke, are New Jersey's premier inshore gamefish and the star of this charter. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with just their eyes exposed, waiting to ambush passing prey. What makes fluke so exciting to target is their size potential – while keeper-sized fish start at 18 inches in New Jersey waters, it's not uncommon to boat fluke pushing 5-8 pounds, with true doormat specimens exceeding 10 pounds lurking in deeper waters. The season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening during the warmer summer months when baitfish are abundant and fluke are actively feeding. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, relating to anything that breaks up the flat bottom – rocks, wrecks, drop-offs, and channel edges. They're also notorious for their light bite, often just mouthing baits and swimming off slowly, which makes them a technical challenge that keeps even experienced anglers on their toes. Beyond the fishing aspect, fluke are simply fantastic table fare. Their white, flaky meat is prized by chefs and home cooks alike, making them one of the few fish where the eating is just as rewarding as the catching. The combination of challenge, size potential, and culinary value is why fluke fishing has such a devoted following among New Jersey anglers.
New Jersey's fluke season waits for no one, and the best fishing happens when conditions align – the right tides, water temperatures, and bait concentrations. Captain Steve's half-day charters book up fast during peak season because word gets around quickly when someone consistently puts clients on fish. Whether you're a seasoned fluke hunter looking to add some local knowledge to your arsenal or a newcomer wanting to learn proper drift fishing techniques from a patient pro, this trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. The four-person limit means you're not fighting for rail space or waiting in line to get your questions answered. You'll leave the dock knowing more about reading fluke water than when you arrived, plus hopefully with enough fresh fillets for a proper fish dinner. Don't let another season slip by wondering what you're missing out there – book your spot with Hook & Fin and find out why New Jersey fluke fishing keeps bringing anglers back year after year.
The Sportcraft is your ticket to New Jersey's best summer flounder action. This 27-foot motorboat packs serious punch with its 300-horsepower engine, cruising at 28 knots to get you to the hottest fluke spots fast. Whether you're working the structure at Shrewsbury Rocks or drifting the New York Bight, the onboard fish finder and GPS will put you right on the money. The radar keeps you safe when visibility drops, while outriggers give you extra spread for your drift rigs. With a livewell to keep your catch fresh and a head onboard for comfort, you and three buddies can focus on what matters - putting those doormat flounder in the boat. Built for serious Jersey fluke fishing, this boat handles the inshore waters with ease.
5.0 out of 5.04 of us (1 adult 3 teens) had an awesome trip with Captain Steve. He arranged for perfect weather and a good haul. Steve was very ...
Port Monmouth, New Jersey