Full Day Summer Flounder Fishing in Neptune City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour summer flounder charter targeting productive New Jersey watersLicensed captains provide equipment and teach proven fluke fishing techniquesSmall group experience accommodates six guests of all skill levels
Mad Hatter Charters runs one of New Jersey's top-rated fluke fishing trips, taking you to the productive near-shore grounds where summer flounder stack up during peak season. This full-day charter gives you eight solid hours to work the drift, perfect your drop technique, and load the cooler with keeper fluke. Our licensed captains know these waters like the back of their hand—tracking daily tide changes, monitoring bottom structure, and staying on top of where the fish are biting. Whether you're new to fluke fishing or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique, this customer favorite trip delivers the hands-on experience and local knowledge that puts more fish in the boat.
We head out early from Neptune City to make the most of prime fishing hours, hitting productive fluke grounds along New Jersey's coast where the bottom structure and current create perfect feeding zones. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without crossing rods or tangling tackle. Our captains read the water constantly—adjusting drift patterns, finding the sweet spots where fluke ambush baitfish, and coaching you through the subtle art of feeling that distinctive fluke tap on your line. The scenery's pretty solid too, with panoramic coastal views and plenty of marine activity, but the real focus stays on putting quality fish on ice. All gear comes standard—rods, reels, bait, and terminal tackle—so you can concentrate on learning the techniques that separate successful fluke anglers from weekend warriors throwing random jigs at the bottom.
Summer flounder fishing is all about finesse and feel, and we'll teach you the three core techniques that consistently produce fish in these waters. Bucktail jigging forms the foundation—using weighted jigs tipped with squid or spearing to bounce along the bottom while maintaining constant contact with your offering. The key is keeping tension on the line so you feel that subtle pickup when a fluke inhales your bait. We also run drift rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait, letting the current do the work while we cover water systematically. Light-tackle finesse comes into play when fish get finicky—dropping down to lighter jigs, switching up bait presentations, and reading bottom structure more carefully. Our captains coach you through proper hook-setting technique, which differs from other species since fluke tend to mouth bait before committing. You'll learn to distinguish between bottom contact, current pull, and actual strikes—skills that translate to better success rates whether you're fishing with us or on your own.
Summer flounder, commonly called fluke, are New Jersey's premier inshore flatfish and the star of this world-class fishery. These ambush predators lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, using their excellent eyesight to target small fish, squid, and crustaceans that drift within striking range. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is their aggressive strike—when they commit to your bait, they hit hard and fight with surprising strength for a flatfish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with summer months producing the largest specimens. Keeper fluke in these waters typically range from 18 to 25 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 3 to 5 pounds, with occasional doormat fluke topping 6 pounds that provide those memorable photo opportunities. Anglers love fluke fishing because it combines technical skill with consistent action—you're constantly working your bait, reading the bottom, and staying connected to what's happening below. Plus, fluke make excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for everything from simple pan-frying to fish tacos, giving you a delicious reward for your efforts on the water.
This full-day fluke charter represents serious value for anglers who want to improve their technique while fishing some of New Jersey's most productive summer flounder grounds. Eight hours on the water with experienced captains, all gear provided, and patient instruction for every skill level—that's the kind of trip that creates repeat customers and builds lasting fishing skills. Our boats book up during peak fluke season, especially on weekends and prime weather days, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fluke fishing, sharpen your own drift techniques, or simply enjoy a day pursuing one of the area's best eating fish, Mad Hatter Charters delivers the local knowledge and hands-on guidance that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Give us a call and let's get you set up for some quality fluke fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before we even reach the dock.
This 40-foot BHM Downeast cruiser cuts through Jersey waters at 22 knots, powered by a reliable 580HP Caterpillar engine that gets you to the fluke grounds fast and keeps you there all day. Built in 2017 with serious anglers in mind, she's rigged with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to pinpoint those productive bottom structures where summer flounder stack up. The spacious deck gives all six anglers room to work bucktails and drift rigs without tangled lines, while the cabin offers shelter between drops and a real head for those long eight-hour charters. Whether you're mastering the subtle tap of fluke bites or already dialing in your jigging technique, this boat delivers the stability and comfort needed for productive fishing along New Jersey's near-shore waters.
New Jersey