Woodbridge Family Inshore Half Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targeting seasonal Striped Bass and Sea BassProfessional gear and First Mate service included for all skill levelsFamilyfriendly inshore fishing in Raritan Bay waters near Woodbridge
When you're looking for a solid day on the water that won't break the bank or wear out the kids, this 6-hour morning charter with Miss Behavin' hits the sweet spot. Captain knows these Raritan Bay waters like the back of his hand, and whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first taste of saltwater fishing, you're in for a treat. The boat's equipped with everything you need – professional rods, reels, tackle, and a first mate who'll keep your lines in the water and your catch properly handled.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. With just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the rails. The trip launches from Woodbridge Township and targets the seasonal runs that make Raritan Bay a New Jersey fishing hotspot. Spring through mid-June is all about the stripers as they move through on their annual migration – these fish are hungry and aggressive after their spawn. Come summer, we switch gears to target fluke, black sea bass, and weakfish when the water warms up. Fall brings the stripers back through, and by mid-November, we're dropping for blackfish around the structure. The first mate stays busy rigging fresh baits, untangling lines, and making sure your catch goes in the cooler properly filleted. Remember, these guys work hard for tips – 20% is standard and well worth it when they're netting your personal best.
All the gear is provided, so you don't need to haul your own rods unless you want to. We're talking quality spinning setups matched to the target species and conditions. For stripers, expect to work with live bunker, clams, or chunk baits around structure and drop-offs. The captain reads the electronics and positions the boat where the fish are holding, whether that's on pilings, channel edges, or over mussel beds. Black sea bass fishing means dropping jigs and baits tight to the bottom around wrecks and rocks – these guys don't chase, so precision counts. Fluke fishing involves drifting bucktails tipped with gulp or squid strips across sandy bottoms, and you'll learn to feel the subtle tap-tap before setting the hook. The first mate handles all the rigging details, from tie-ups to leader selection, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with knots.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These powerful fish range from schoolie size up to trophy proportions, with the best action typically happening during the spring and fall migrations. Stripers are smart, strong fighters that'll test your drag and make multiple runs. They school up in the bay chasing baitfish, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. April through June offers the most consistent bite as post-spawn fish feed heavily to regain their strength.
Black sea bass might be smaller, but they're scrappy fighters with attitude. These bottom dwellers love structure – wrecks, rocks, and pilings are prime real estate. They hit hard and dive straight for cover, so you need to muscle them up quickly. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active in the warmer water. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Southern flounder, known locally as fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators. These flatfish bury in the sand and strike fast when prey passes overhead. They're masters of camouflage and require a different approach – light jigs bounced just off the bottom with a slow, steady retrieve. Summer is prime time for fluke, and while they might not fight as hard as stripers, landing a doormat-sized fluke is a real accomplishment. Plus, they're phenomenal eating fish that make the whole trip worthwhile.
This charter delivers exactly what it promises – a family-friendly fishing experience that produces fish and memories without the crowds or high price tag of bigger boats. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to get into fish without wearing out younger anglers, and the professional crew ensures everyone catches something regardless of experience level. Pack some snacks, drinks, and layers since it's always cooler on the water, and don't forget non-spray sunscreen to keep the slick off the deck. With only 4 spots available per trip, this top-rated charter books up fast during peak season. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing or looking for a relaxing morning targeting quality fish, Miss Behavin' delivers the goods every time out.
This 27' Grady White center console is built for serious fishing in Raritan Bay's productive waters. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while chasing striped bass, fluke, and black sea bass through the seasonal runs. Onboard fish finder and GPS help locate the schools, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Complete fishing setup included - rods, reels, and tackle are all provided, plus there's an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Private head onboard for convenience during those long 6-hour trips. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and radar ensures safe navigation when fog rolls in off the bay. Perfect platform for families learning the ropes or experienced anglers targeting Raritan Bay's best fishing spots.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are reliable summer favorites that always put smiles on faces. These chunky, dark-bodied fish average 2-4 pounds and love hanging around structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet. Summer months are prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Males turn bright blue during breeding season and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. They're scrappy fighters that'll bend your rod, then give up once they break the surface. Great eating too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or clam, and don't be afraid to bounce your sinker along the bottom. These guys are curious and aggressive feeders once you find them.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that make for a fun challenge on our summer trips. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5 pounds, lying buried in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that unique look kids always remember. They're found in shallow bays and estuaries during warmer months, making them perfect targets for our inshore trips. What guests love is the surprise strike and their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is to drift slowly over sandy flats with live bull minnows or shrimp, keeping your bait just off the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to take it before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our spring runs here in Raritan Bay. These silver-sided fighters typically run 20-40 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes making them easy to spot. They follow the baitfish north from April through June, hugging structure like bridges, jetties, and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water. What makes them special? They're powerful swimmers that'll test your drag, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. The key to landing stripers in our waters is fishing the moving tide around dawn or dusk when they're actively feeding. I always tell guests to watch for bird activity - where the gulls are diving, the stripers are usually feeding below.
Woodbridge Township, NJ