New Jersey Inshore Fishing With Captain Frank
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting striped bass and bluefishCaptain Frank guides groups of six through scenic New Jersey watersOctober through November seasonal trips focus on multiple fish species
When you step aboard with Captain Frank and the crew at Kettle Creek Outfitters, you're getting six solid hours of prime New Jersey inshore fishing. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – we keep it tight with just six anglers max, so you'll actually get hands-on time with the rods and personal attention from Frank. From October through November, these waters are absolutely firing with striped bass, and we're hitting all the right spots where the fish are stacked up. You'll also have shots at bluefish, scup, weakfish, flounder, and fluke depending on what's biting that day.
Captain Frank knows these New Jersey inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's been putting anglers on fish here for years. We launch early to beat the crowds and hit the productive zones while the bite is hot. The boat is set up specifically for inshore work – shallow draft so we can get into those back bays and structure where the fish love to hang out. You'll be fishing in 10 to 40 feet of water most of the time, working around jetties, inlet mouths, and sandy bottom areas where baitfish congregate. Frank reads the water conditions, tide charts, and recent bite reports to put you on the most active fish. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, but we keep things fun and educational for anglers of all skill levels.
We run a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what species we're targeting. For stripers, we'll often start with live bait like bunker or eels, especially around structure. When the bass are feeding aggressively, we'll switch to artificials – bucktails, soft plastics, and topwater plugs that really get their attention. For the smaller species like scup and flounder, we drop down to lighter tackle with high-low rigs baited with squid strips, spearing, or sea worms. Frank provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – everything is maintained and matched to the fishing we'll be doing. The boat carries a fish finder and GPS so we can mark productive spots and return to them throughout the trip. We also bring a good selection of weights and sinkers since New Jersey's tidal currents can be strong, and you need the right setup to keep your bait in the strike zone.
Striped bass are the main draw during this October through November window, and for good reason. These fish are feeding heavily before winter, putting on weight and hitting baits with serious aggression. We're seeing bass in the 20 to 35-inch range regularly, with some bigger cows mixed in. They're absolutely beautiful fish with those distinctive horizontal stripes, and they fight like hell once hooked. The best part about fall stripers is they're often feeding in shallow water where you can really feel every head shake and run. Scup, or porgy as locals call them, are another favorite target. These fish might be smaller, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They have sharp spines and a knack for stealing bait, so you need to stay sharp when you feel that tap-tap bite. Southern flounder are the flatfish prize in these waters – they're perfectly camouflaged bottom dwellers that can grow to impressive sizes. When you hook a big flounder, the fight is different from other fish – they pull steady and heavy, using their flat profile to catch the current. Bluefish round out our target species list, and they're absolute savages when feeding. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will hit lures with explosive strikes. They're known for their oily, rich meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling fresh.
This seasonal trip runs from October 1st through November 30th, and it's honestly one of the best times to fish New Jersey's inshore waters. The summer crowds are gone, water temperatures are perfect, and the fish are in serious feeding mode before winter sets in. Captain Frank's local knowledge combined with six hours of focused fishing time gives you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some quality New Jersey fish to your logbook or someone new to saltwater fishing who wants to learn from an experienced guide, this trip delivers. We provide all the gear and expertise – you just bring yourself and get ready to put some serious bends in the rods. The boat accommodates up to six people, making it perfect for small groups, families, or even solo anglers who want a more personal fishing experience than the big charter boats offer.
Captain Frank's restored 2005 Contender center console is built for serious New Jersey inshore fishing action. This 36-footer cuts through the water at 35 knots with triple 250HP Yamaha engines, getting you to the best striped bass and bluefish spots fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target scup, weakfish, flounder, and fluke in Jersey's productive waters. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in changing conditions. After hours of battling fish, cool off with onboard air conditioning and keep your catch fresh in the icebox. The boat's equipped with a refrigerator for drinks and snacks, plus a private head and sleeping area for longer fishing days. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to inshore fishing, this well-maintained center console delivers the performance and comfort needed for productive October and November fishing when the action heats up along New Jersey's coast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These blue-green fighters typically run 3-10 pounds in our waters and are known for their feeding frenzies when they find schools of baitfish. Fall migration brings excellent action as blues move south along our coast, often creating spectacular surface blitzes with birds diving everywhere. They hit hard and fight strong, making for exciting light tackle action. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Use wire leaders - their teeth will cut through regular line instantly. When you see birds working, get there fast and cast anything shiny into the chaos. Blues aren't picky when they're feeding, but move quick because the schools don't stay long.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup (or porgy) are solid, reliable fish that show up in good numbers from late spring through fall in our New Jersey waters. These silver-brown fish with rainbow-colored scales typically run 1-2 pounds and up to 15 inches, living around rocks, pilings, and sandy bottoms where they crush shellfish with strong jaws. They're excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Scup are easy to catch, making them great for families and kids learning to fish. They hit bottom rigs with squid, clam, or worms readily. Local trick: use a high-low rig with small hooks and keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom - scup are curious and will investigate movement.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they perfectly camouflage themselves waiting for prey to swim by. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds in our waters, with both eyes on their left side giving them that unique appearance. Fall months are prime time as they move through our area during migration. They're ambush predators that hit live bait hard, making for exciting fishing when you feel that thump on the line. The white meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. Best technique is drifting with live minnows or shrimp on light jigs near the bottom. Keep your bait moving slowly to trigger strikes from these patient hunters.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the prize of our New Jersey waters. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though we've seen fish pushing 50+. They're strong fighters that love structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. Fall migration from October through November is prime time as hungry stripers fatten up before heading south. They hunt in schools and put up a serious fight on medium tackle. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the baitfish are stacked up, and that's where you'll find feeding stripers working the surface.
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