Fluke Trip in Keyport, New Jersey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing adventure targeting fluke and floundersCaptain Victor provides all necessary fishing gear and equipmentAccommodates up to 15 guests aboard Keyport Princess vessel
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you right on top of some of New Jersey's best fluke grounds? Captain Victor's got you covered with this top-rated inshore charter out of Keyport. This isn't some rushed tourist boat ride – we're talking about a proper fishing experience where you'll spend quality time working the flats and channels where summer flounder love to hang out. With room for up to 15 anglers, you've got plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into your neighbor every cast. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because once we find the fish, you're going to want to stay on them as long as possible.
Captain Victor runs a tight ship and knows these Keyport waters like the back of his hand. You'll meet at the dock bright and early, and after a quick safety briefing, we're heading out to his favorite fluke spots along the Raritan Bay system. The beauty of fishing out of Keyport is you're not burning half your trip time just getting to the fishing grounds – we're talking a short run to productive water where the fluke have been stacking up. The captain provides all your tackle, so whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a fishing rod, you'll have everything you need to get fish in the boat. We're targeting summer flounder here, and these fish can be finicky, so expect to move around a bit until we dial in exactly what they want. Some days they're crushing buck-tail jigs, other days they want live bait drifted just right. That's where Captain Victor's local knowledge really pays off.
Fluke fishing is all about presentation and feeling the bottom. We'll be drift fishing most of the day, letting the boat move naturally with the current while you work your bait along the sandy bottom where these flatfish ambush their prey. Captain Victor sets everyone up with conventional tackle – think medium-heavy rods with enough backbone to feel the bottom but sensitive enough to detect those subtle fluke bites. The standard rig is a three-way swivel setup with a sinker to keep you on the bottom and a leader running to your hook. Depending on conditions, we might switch between jigs tipped with Gulp baits, live killies, or fresh squid strips. The key is keeping that bait moving just off the bottom – too high and the fluke won't see it, too low and you're just feeding the crabs. You'll learn to feel the difference between your sinker bouncing on sand versus that telltale thump of a fluke picking up your offering. When you get bit, don't horse them up – fluke have soft mouths and they'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive with them.
Summer flounder are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These fish are absolute masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand with just their eyes poking out, waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish swimming overhead. What makes them so exciting to target is their aggressive strike – when a good fluke decides it wants your bait, it hits hard and runs. The fish we're targeting here typically run anywhere from keeper size at 18 inches up to genuine doormat fluke pushing 25 inches and 5-6 pounds. Peak season runs from late May through September, with the summer months being absolutely prime time when the water temps hit that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. Fluke are also fantastic table fare – firm white meat that's perfect for everything from simple pan frying to fish tacos. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about fooling a fish that's literally designed to be invisible. These flatfish have both eyes on one side of their head, which seems weird until you realize how perfectly adapted they are for their bottom-dwelling lifestyle. The bigger females are the real prize, and they tend to hold in slightly deeper water along channel edges where the current brings them a steady supply of food.
This half-day fluke trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive fishing time on proven grounds with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. You're not paying for fancy amenities or gourmet meals here; you're investing in a genuine fishing experience where the focus stays on bending rods and filling the cooler. Captain Victor's local reputation speaks for itself, and with only 15 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast during peak fluke season. Whether you're a regular who fishes every weekend or someone looking to get back into fishing after a few years away, this trip hits the sweet spot. The gear is provided, the captain knows where to find them, and all you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and the patience to work these fish properly. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Keyport has become such a customer favorite for fluke fishing along the Jersey coast.
Jump aboard our well-equipped motorboat for some serious fluke fishing action in Keyport waters! This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 15 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're positioning over those prime flounder spots, while our GPS ensures we hit all the best fishing grounds. Everyone stays comfortable with onboard facilities including a toilet, and the boat is wheelchair accessible so all fishing enthusiasts can join the fun. Captain Victor's got all the tackle covered, so just bring your appetite for catching flatfish and maybe some snacks for the ride. Perfect setup for targeting those tasty fluke that call these New Jersey waters home!
Keyport, NJ