Half Day Striped Bass & Fluke Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour afternoon charter targeting striped bass and fluke seasonallyAll equipment and first mate assistance included for beginnersSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Jump aboard Miss Behavin' for an afternoon fishing adventure that puts you right in the heart of Raritan Bay's best action. This 6-hour charter kicks off at noon and runs until evening, giving you prime time to hit the productive afternoon bite when fish are most active. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, rotating between seasonal hotspots to keep you on fish year-round. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some quality fish to the cooler, this charter delivers consistent action in one of New Jersey's most productive fishing grounds.
Your afternoon starts at the Woodbridge dock where you'll meet your captain and first mate who'll get you rigged up and ready to fish. The boat heads out into Raritan Bay where the fishing changes with the seasons, keeping things fresh trip after trip. April through mid-June means striped bass season is in full swing - these fish are hungry after their spawning run and ready to feed aggressively on bunker schools and live bait. Come summer, we switch gears to target fluke, sea bass, and weakfish around structure and drop-offs where they set up to ambush prey. Once November 15th rolls around, it's back to stripers and black fish as they move into their winter patterns. The first mate stays busy helping with rigs, landing fish, and making sure everyone stays in the action. Remember that 20% tip - these guys work hard to put you on fish and keep the day running smooth.
All your gear is provided, from rods and reels matched to the target species down to terminal tackle and lures. For stripers, expect to use everything from live bunker and eels to bucktails and soft plastics depending on what they're keyed in on. Fluke fishing means bouncing jigs and bait rigs along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap-thump that signals a doormat is checking out your offering. Sea bass love structure, so you'll be dropping chunks and jigs around wrecks and rocky bottom where they stack up. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts techniques accordingly - some days call for drifting, others mean anchoring up on a productive spot and waiting for the bite to turn on. Water temps run about 10 degrees cooler than shore, so layer up even on warm days. Pack some snacks in the provided cooler, bring plenty of water, and stick to non-spray sunscreen to keep things slick-free on deck.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, running from schoolie size up to true cows in the 40+ pound range. These fish are incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and aren't afraid to jump when hooked. Spring stripers are aggressive feeders, often found in large schools working bait on the surface. Fall fish are fattened up for winter and fight even harder. The best action typically comes during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around and stripers move in to capitalize. Southern flounder, better known as fluke around here, are the summer stars. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey swimming overhead. A good fluke will make a powerful run toward the bottom when hooked, using that broad body to create maximum resistance. The bigger "doormat" fluke over 5 pounds are the prize catches that make for great table fare and bragging rights back at the dock. Black sea bass round out the target list with their hard-fighting, rock-hugging style. These chunky fish live around structure and fight with surprising power for their size, making multiple runs toward their rocky homes. They're excellent eating and provide steady action when conditions are right.
This top-rated half-day charter gives you the perfect taste of what Raritan Bay fishing is all about without eating up your whole day. The afternoon timing means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still get in quality fishing time during peak feeding periods. With space for just 4 anglers, you get personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The seasonal variety keeps things interesting whether you're booking in spring for hot striper action, summer for fluke and sea bass, or fall for the renowned autumn striped bass run. Miss Behavin' has built a solid reputation putting customers on fish in these waters, and the crew's local knowledge makes all the difference between just fishing and actually catching. Don't wait to secure your spot - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is on fire.
Hit the waters of Raritan Bay aboard our 27' Grady White center console, designed to get you on the fish fast. This reliable workhorse handles the bay's conditions with ease while the fish finder keeps us locked onto productive spots. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly into position without spooking the stripers or fluke. GPS and radar ensure we're fishing the right structure regardless of weather, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. The center console layout gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines. We've got all the rods, reels, and lures you need, plus a first mate to help with rigs and net your catch. The multimedia system provides some tunes between bites, and the private head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting spring stripers or summer fluke, this boat puts you in prime position to fill the cooler.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive fish that love rocky structure and wrecks. Most of what we catch runs 2-4 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. During summer months, they stack up around jetties, bridge pilings, and any hard bottom structure in 20-60 feet of water. They're easy to spot with their dark coloration and white-spotted fins. What guests really appreciate is how cooperative they are - when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. We target them from late spring through early fall before they head offshore for winter. Best approach is bottom fishing with squid or clam strips on a high-low rig. Keep your bait tight to structure, and be ready for that quick, hard bite.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are masters of camouflage that lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 5 pounds in Raritan Bay's shallow waters. They're flatfish with both eyes on one side, perfectly designed for bottom living. Summer months are prime time when they move into our bays and estuaries to feed. Families love targeting them because they're easier to catch than stripers, and the meat is some of the best you'll find - sweet and delicate. They hit everything from live minnows to bucktails tipped with squid. The key is to fish right on the bottom and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook. A slow, steady retrieve often triggers strikes from following fish.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our spring and fall fishing here in Raritan Bay. These silvery fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see plenty of smaller schoolies mixed in. They love structure - think bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky areas where baitfish congregate. Spring migration brings them through from April to June, then they return in November when the water cools. What makes them special? They're powerful fighters that make long runs, plus they're excellent eating with firm, flaky white meat. During our spring trips, watch for diving birds - that's usually where the stripers are feeding underneath. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. These fish are smart and will throw the hook if you horse them.
Woodbridge Township, NJ