2 Hour Somers Point NJ Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore charter targeting flounder, sea bass, and tautogLight tackle bottom fishing designed for up to four guestsFamilyfriendly trip perfect for beginners and tight schedules
Captain Dave knows how to make your short window on the water count. This top-rated 2-hour inshore fishing charter from Somers Point puts you right on productive local reefs where flounder, sea bass, and tautog hang out year-round. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone with a tight schedule who still wants to get their lines wet and bring home dinner. The boat's set up exclusively for private fishing – no crowded party boat vibes here – just you, your group of up to 4 people, and steady action on light tackle that won't wear you out.
You'll launch from Somers Point Marina and head straight to the local reef structures where Captain Dave has been putting clients on fish for years. This isn't about burning fuel to reach distant hotspots – these nearby reefs produce consistent action for the species that call South Jersey waters home. The boat's designed for easy movement, so you won't be cramped or fighting for space when a fish hits. Captain Dave keeps things simple with light tackle setups that let you feel every bump and bite without the heavy lifting that comes with deeper water fishing. Whether you're bringing kids who've never held a rod or experienced anglers looking for a quick fix, the approach stays the same: keep lines active, stay mobile on the structure, and adapt to what the fish are telling you each day.
The bread and butter technique here is bottom fishing the reef structure with light tackle rigs that Captain Dave has dialed in for these specific waters. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh bait – usually squid, clams, or whatever's working best that week – dropped down to the rocky bottom where these fish feed. The beauty of this approach is that it's manageable for everyone while still being effective. No complicated trolling patterns or constantly changing lures. Just good old-fashioned bottom fishing with the right gear in the right spots. Captain Dave handles all the navigation and positioning, reading the fish finder to keep you over productive structure. The reefs around Somers Point aren't massive, but they hold fish consistently, and the captain knows exactly where to set up based on tide, wind, and what species are most active.
Tautog are the bruisers of the local reef scene, and they're what serious bottom fishermen get excited about. These fish have serious attitude – they'll grab your bait and try to dive straight back into the rocks before you know what hit you. Tautog season runs strong in spring and fall when they're most active around the structure. They've got powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and mussels, so when you hook one, you'll feel that solid weight and steady pull that makes them a customer favorite. Most of the tog you'll catch here run 2-4 pounds, but the reefs around Somers Point have produced plenty of keeper-sized fish that make for excellent table fare. Captain Dave knows exactly which rocks hold the biggest fish and how to position the boat so your bait lands in the strike zone.
Summer flounder – or fluke as locals call them – are the flatfish that keep everyone coming back for more. These ambush predators bury themselves in the sand near reef edges, waiting for baitfish to swim by before striking with lightning speed. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – you might catch a 12-inch throwback followed by a 5-pound doormat on the next drop. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish often showing up in deeper water as summer heats up. Fluke are notorious bait stealers, so Captain Dave uses the right hook sizes and techniques to convert more bites into hookups. When you do connect with a good one, they'll put up a strong fight with impressive head shakes that'll test your drag.
Striped bass round out the target species list and represent the wild card that can turn any trip into something special. These fish move through the area following baitfish schools, and when they're around, they'll often hit bottom rigs intended for other species. Stripers in this size range – typically 18-28 inches around the local reefs – are aggressive feeders that provide the kind of fight that gets everyone's attention on deck. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning or late afternoon. What's great about the stripers you'll encounter here is their consistency once you find them. If you hook one, there's usually more in the area, leading to those quick flurries of action that make short trips memorable.
This world-class 2-hour charter delivers exactly what busy anglers need – productive fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Dave's local knowledge and focus on light tackle bottom fishing means you'll spend more time with bent rods and less time wondering if the fish are biting. The private boat setup ensures your group gets personalized attention and the flexibility to focus on whatever's working best that day. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, need a quick escape from the daily grind, or want to test the waters before booking a longer trip, this Somers Point charter hits the sweet spot. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so once you're committed, you're locked in for some quality time on productive South Jersey reefs where tautog, fluke, and stripers are waiting.
Step aboard our 24-foot Regulator center console, perfectly rigged for productive inshore fishing around Somers Point's productive waters. This well-maintained boat handles up to four anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space to work your lines and land fish. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action whether you're dropping bottom rigs on local reefs or working the back bays for flounder and sea bass. Equipped with GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots, plus an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The boat features a head for convenience and rides smooth through inlet waters and around the reefs. Built for family-friendly fishing with enough room to move around safely while keeping lines in the water. Captain Dave keeps things simple with light tackle that's easy to manage, making this setup perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike who want steady action without the complexity of larger offshore rigs.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the classic inshore game fish with those distinctive dark horizontal stripes running down their silver sides. Around here, we typically see fish in the 20-30 inch range, weighing 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones show up during migration periods. They're structure-oriented fish that patrol around reefs, drop-offs, and current breaks looking for baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're moving along the coast. What makes them special is their strong fight - they pull hard and make solid runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. My local tip: early morning and evening hours near moving water are key. Watch for bird activity on the surface - that usually means baitfish below and stripers underneath them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy bottoms. These flatfish can change colors to match whatever they're lying on, making them tough to spot until your line goes tight. Most run 15-20 inches, but keeper-sized fish in the 2-4 pound range make for great table fare. They're ambush predators that bury in sand near structure, waiting to grab passing baitfish. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What guests really enjoy is the fight - they pull hard and make long runs when hooked. The meat is outstanding too, sweet and flaky. Here's a local trick: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then reel down and lift.
Tautoga OnitisAlso known as blackfish, tautog are chunky members of the wrasse family that love our local rock piles and reefs. These mottled brown fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones hit 6-8 pounds. They have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish - their main diet of crabs, mussels, and barnacles. What makes them tricky is their rocky habitat where they hide. Best fishing happens April through November when they're most active during daylight hours. Guests love the challenge and the excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: use green crabs for bait, crush up some shell pieces, and let that scent drift around your spot. Change your bait every 5 minutes or so to keep it fresh and appealing.
Somers Point, NJ