5 Hour Somers Point Reef Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour private reef fishing charter accommodates up to four guestsLight tackle bottom fishing and jigging on productive reef structuresFlexible pacing allows extended time at best fishing locations
If you're looking for a solid day on the water without the crowds, Captain Dave's 5-hour reef fishing charter out of Somers Point is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock. With JD Marine LLC, you get the luxury of time – five full hours to work the reefs, adjust your approach, and really dial in on what's biting. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want that personalized experience you just can't get on bigger party boats.
Captain Dave knows these Somers Point waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to stick to one spot if the fish aren't cooperating. The beauty of this five-hour window is flexibility – you'll hit multiple reef structures throughout the day, adapting your game plan based on what Mother Nature serves up. Some days the tautog are stacked up on the closer reefs, other days you'll need to venture out a bit further where the summer flounder are holding. The relaxed pace means beginners can take their time learning proper technique, while experienced anglers can fine-tune their approach without feeling rushed. You'll have plenty of opportunities to chat with Dave about local fishing secrets, seasonal patterns, and maybe even score some intel on other productive spots for your next solo trip.
This charter is all about versatility with your tackle approach. Captain Dave runs a mix of light tackle bottom fishing, jigging, and spinning techniques depending on daily conditions and target species. When you're working structure for tautog, you'll be bottom fishing with smaller hooks and natural baits like green crabs or clams. The jigging game comes into play when stripers are relating to the reef edges – vertical jigs and bucktails can be deadly when worked properly around these structures. Spinning tackle shines when you need to cover water or when the fish are suspended off the bottom. Dave provides all the gear, but if you've got your own favorite rod and reel combo, feel free to bring it along. The boat's setup allows everyone to fish comfortably without tangled lines, and there's plenty of room to move around when fighting fish.
Tautog are the bread and butter of these reef structures, especially during the cooler months. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love hugging tight to the bottom around rocks, pilings, and artificial reefs. They're notorious bait stealers with their crushing jaws, so you'll need to stay sharp and set the hook quickly. What makes tautog special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's absolutely delicious when prepared right. They typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing double digits.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate light tackle challenge around Somers Point's reef areas. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy areas adjacent to structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by. They're masters of disguise and can be incredibly finicky about presentation. When you hook into a decent fluke, they'll give you a spirited fight with their broad, flat bodies creating maximum resistance. The slot limits keep things interesting – you need at least 18 inches to keep one, and the bigger females in the 3-5 pound range are real prizes.
Striped bass are the wild card that can make any reef fishing trip memorable. These silver-sided battlers use the reefs as feeding stations, corralling baitfish against the structure before launching their attacks. When the stripers are active, you'll know it – the water explodes with feeding activity and your drag will be screaming. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle and technique. The best part about stripers is their willingness to eat a variety of presentations, from live bait to jigs to topwater plugs when they're really fired up.
Captain Dave's 5-hour reef fishing charter represents serious value for anglers who want more than just a quick trip around the bay. The extended time on the water, personalized attention, and flexibility to adapt to conditions make this a top choice for anyone serious about putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn proper technique or an experienced angler wanting to explore new reef structures, this charter delivers the goods. The intimate boat setup means you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with dozens of other anglers – just you, your group, and some of the best reef fishing the Jersey coast has to offer. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when these personalized trips fill up fast.
Hit the productive reefs around Somers Point aboard this well-equipped 24' Regulator center console. Built specifically for South Jersey's back bay and nearshore waters, this boat handles the choppy conditions you'll find around the reef structures while keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable during the full 5-hour trip. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines without crowding, while the onboard fish finder helps Captain Dave locate the best bottom structure where the fish are holding. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. The boat's stable platform makes it perfect for jigging vertically on the reefs or casting to structure when the bite calls for it. Whether you're bringing the family for their first reef fishing experience or looking to dial in your bottom fishing technique, this setup gives you the time and space to really work the water properly without feeling rushed.
Morone SaxatilisThese silver-sided beauties are the prize of our waters, running anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. They love structure - rocks, jetties, drop-offs - and move with the baitfish. You'll find them from the surf to 50+ feet deep. Peak action is during their spring and fall migrations, but we catch them year-round. What gets guests hooked is their power - they make blistering runs and fight all the way to the boat. Plus they're fantastic on the table. The secret around here is reading the birds - when you see diving gulls and terns, the stripers are usually underneath pushing bait to the surface. Live bunker or fresh clams work great, but match your bait to what they're feeding on that day.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. Average keepers run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds show up regularly. They're found on sandy flats, drop-offs, and reef edges from shallow bays to 60+ feet offshore. Prime season runs September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving deeper. Guests love them because they fight smart, using their flat body to plane through the water, plus they're some of the best eating fish around. Here's a local tip: use a bucktail jig with a strip of squid, and bounce it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they bite sideways.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these stocky fighters love rocky structure and jetties where they crush crabs and mussels with powerful jaws. Most run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones push 8+ pounds. They're territorial around rocks and wrecks in 15-40 feet of water. Best fishing is April through November when they're active during daylight hours. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they dive straight for the rocks when hooked. Great eating with firm white meat. Here's the trick: use green crabs with legs removed, crush some shells nearby to create scent, and change bait every 5 minutes. Fish just off the structure, not right in it, or you'll lose tackle to the rocks.
Somers Point, NJ