NJ Inshore Fishing with Captain Frank
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
46 hour inshore fishing trips with Captain FrankTarget fluke, seabass, weakfish and other local speciesSmall group charters accommodating up to 6 guests
Captain Frank knows these New Jersey waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Whether you're looking for a quick 4-hour trip or want to maximize your time with a full 6-hour charter, Kettle Creek Outfitters delivers the kind of inshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We're talking about productive waters where the action can switch from drift fishing for fluke to bottom bouncing for sea bass in a matter of minutes.
You'll be fishing the prime inshore spots along the Jersey coast – protected bays, productive inlets, and nearshore wrecks that hold serious fish. Captain Frank runs a tight ship with space for up to 6 anglers, so you're not elbow-to-elbow with a crowd. The boat's rigged with quality gear and all the tackle you need, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. These trips focus on putting fish in the box, targeting species that fight hard and taste even better. The 4-hour option gives you a solid half-day on the water, perfect if you're squeezing in some fishing around other plans. Go with the 6-hour charter if you want to really work different spots and maximize your chances at a variety of species. Captain Frank reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly – maybe starting shallow for weakfish in the morning before moving to structure for blackfish as the day progresses.
The beauty of Jersey inshore fishing is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. We're talking bucktails and gulp for fluke, high-low rigs with clams and crabs for sea bass, and sometimes switching to light tackle when the bluefish are blitzing bait on the surface. Captain Frank provides all the terminal tackle, bait, and rods, but if you've got a lucky rod or prefer your own gear, bring it along. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders to locate structure and mark fish, plus a good selection of sinkers for different depths and current conditions. You'll be fishing in 15 to 60 feet of water mostly, working everything from sandy bottom to rocky structure. The key is staying flexible – one minute you might be drifting over fluke grounds with the tide, the next you're anchored up on a wreck picking at sea bass. This isn't deep-sea fishing where you're running 20 miles offshore; these inshore spots are close enough that you spend more time fishing and less time traveling.
Tautog, or blackfish as most Jersey anglers call them, are the bruisers of the inshore scene. These fish love structure – wrecks, rock piles, and bridge pilings where they feed on crabs and mussels. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're absolute bulldogs on the line and make for excellent table fare. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're most active in shallower water. What makes blackfish fishing so addictive is the technique – you need to feel that subtle tick when they pick up your crab bait, then set the hook before they retreat into the structure. It's finesse fishing that rewards patience and touch.
Southern flounder, commonly called summer flounder or fluke here in Jersey, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishery. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to legitimate door-mat fluke pushing 8 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand and gravel bottom, waiting to crush baitfish swimming overhead. Fluke season typically runs from spring through fall, with the biggest fish often caught during the summer months. What makes fluke fishing so engaging is the variety of presentations that work – from traditional bucktail and gulp combos to live killies drifted on the tide. When a big fluke grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it – they hit hard and fight dirty, using that flat profile to their advantage.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that can turn a slow day into non-stop action. These toothy customers travel in schools and when they're feeding, it's game on. You'll find them anywhere from 2 pounds up to 15-pound choppers that will test your tackle and your nerves. Blues are most active during warmer months, often feeding near the surface in spectacular blitzes where the water looks like it's boiling with baitfish. They're not picky eaters – metal jigs, poppers, cut bait, and live bait all work when they're in the mood to feed. The key with bluefish is having wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon to prevent bite-offs, and being ready for explosive strikes.
Black sea bass are the consistent producers that often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. These fish stick close to structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom – where they feed on crabs, worms, and small baitfish. They're typically in the 1 to 4-pound range, though bigger fish up to 6 or 7 pounds show up regularly. Sea bass are most active during warmer months, with peak fishing from late spring through early fall. What anglers love about sea bass fishing is the steady action – when you find a good piece of structure with sea bass on it, you can often catch fish on every drop. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Captain Frank's got the local knowledge and fishing skills to put you on fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started with saltwater fishing. These Jersey inshore waters produce year-round, with different species taking center stage as the seasons change. The 4-hour trips are perfect for families or anyone wanting a taste of what Jersey fishing offers, while the 6-hour charters give
This restored 2005 Contender 36-footer is your ticket to productive New Jersey inshore waters. Triple 250HP Yamaha outboards push this center console to 35 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable all day. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers with room to fight fish and move around the deck. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and mark productive spots along local bays, inlets, and nearshore wrecks. An icebox and onboard refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer fishing sessions. Air conditioning provides relief between bites, while the onboard head and sleeping berth add convenience for extended trips. Whether you're targeting fluke on sandy bottoms or working structure for black seabass and blackfish, this well-equipped boat delivers the stability and features serious anglers expect. Captain Frank knows these Jersey waters and puts you on fish consistently.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom dwellers are part of the grouper family and absolute favorites around our wrecks and hard structure. Most sea bass run 1-4 pounds with some nice 6+ pound males showing their bright blue colors during spawn. They hang around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Guests love sea bass because they fight hard until they break the surface, and they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - firm, sweet white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The bigger males develop a distinctive hump on their heads. Here's my tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or clams, and fish right on the structure - they don't roam far from cover.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive predators are known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine. Most blues we target range from 2-10 pounds, with the occasional chopper pushing 15+ pounds. They roam our inshore waters, bays, and along the surf line chasing schools of baitfish. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most active in our area. What guests love about bluefish is their explosive strikes and hard fights - they'll make screaming runs and never give up easy. They're also great eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat. The action can be non-stop when you find a school. My trick: use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and chunk cut bait or work metal spoons fast through the water column when birds are diving.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of disguise are flatfish with both eyes on their left side, perfectly built for ambushing prey from sandy and muddy bottoms. Most Southern Flounder we catch run 15-18 inches and around 3-5 pounds, though some reach over 20 pounds. They're found in our shallow bays, inlets, and estuaries where they bury themselves in soft bottom waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore for winter. Guests love them because they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They don't fight as hard as some fish, but their unique appearance and table quality make up for it. Pro tip: drift slowly over sandy bottom with live minnows or cut bait, and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these thick-bodied fighters love hanging around our local wrecks and rocky structure. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we see some nice 5+ pounders that'll really test your drag. They've got crusher teeth built for cracking crabs and mussels, which makes them incredibly strong once hooked. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes tautog special is their stubborn fight - they'll try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. These fish make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: use green crabs for bait, crush up the shells and legs to create a scent trail, and change your bait every 5 minutes. They're picky eaters but worth the effort.
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