Raritan Bay Stripers & Inshore Half Day Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour morning charter targeting seasonal Striped Bass in Raritan BayAll skill levels welcome with professional equipment and first mate assistanceFamily-friendly inshore fishing from Woodbridge Township launching point
Get ready for some serious fishing action in New Jersey's prime inshore waters with Miss Behavin' Fishing Charters. This top-rated 6-hour morning charter out of Woodbridge Township puts you right in the heart of Raritan Bay's legendary fishing grounds. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the whole family for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this trip delivers the goods. We're talking about waters that consistently produce keeper striped bass, hefty fluke, and scrappy sea bass depending on the season. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while making sure everyone has a blast. Perfect for groups of up to 4 anglers, this charter combines serious fishing with a laid-back vibe that keeps customers coming back year after year.
Your day starts early with a 6 AM departure, giving you prime time on the water before the afternoon boat traffic kicks in. The beauty of this trip is how it follows the natural rhythm of Raritan Bay's seasonal migrations. Spring through mid-June is all about those schoolie stripers and keeper bass moving through the bay system. Come summer, the focus shifts to fluke and sea bass action that'll keep your rod bent all morning. When fall rolls around and the water starts cooling, black sea bass season fires up in mid-November. The boat is family-friendly and designed for comfort, with plenty of space to move around and a cooler for your snacks and drinks. Kids are more than welcome – there's nothing quite like seeing a youngster land their first keeper bass. The crew keeps things fun but focused, making sure everyone gets quality time with a rod in hand while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of fishing these waters.
Forget about lugging your own tackle – Miss Behavin' comes fully rigged with professional-grade rods and reels that can handle everything from 20-inch schoolies to trophy stripers pushing 40 pounds. The first mate stays busy all morning setting up rigs, switching baits, and making sure your drag is set just right when that fish of the day decides to make a run. We're talking about quality gear that gets the job done, not cheap stuff that'll let you down when it counts. Depending on conditions and target species, you might be drift fishing with live bait, working jigs along the bottom structure, or even throwing plugs when the bass are busting baitfish on the surface. The crew reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, so you're always fishing the most productive method. That 20% tip for the mate isn't just customary – these guys work hard to put fish in the cooler and make sure your lines stay in the water instead of tangled up in the rod holders.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Raritan Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, running hard when hooked and testing your drag system to the limit. Spring migration brings schools of hungry bass ranging from 18-inch schoolies perfect for beginners up to 30-plus pound cows that'll make your arms burn. Peak season runs April through mid-June when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and baitfish are thick throughout the bay. What makes stripers special is their fight – they'll make multiple runs, often jumping clear of the water, and they never give up until they're in the net. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right, making them a customer favorite for both sport and the dinner table.
Southern Flounder, better known locally as fluke, take over as the primary target during summer months when water temperatures climb. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush passing prey. Don't let their flat profile fool you – a keeper fluke will pull drag and put a serious bend in your rod. The challenge with fluke fishing is feeling that subtle pickup when they inhale your bait, then setting the hook before they spit it out. Raritan Bay produces fluke ranging from just-legal 18-inchers up to doormat-sized fish pushing 8 pounds. They're pound-for-pound some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to beer batter.
Black Sea Bass round out the target species list and provide non-stop action when they're feeding. These chunky, aggressive fish live around bottom structure and aren't shy about hitting baits and jigs. Peak season starts in mid-November when cooler water temperatures get them actively feeding before winter. Sea bass might not make the longest runs, but they pull hard with that bulldog fight that keeps your rod tip bouncing. They're also one of the most reliable biters when conditions are right, making them perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged. The bonus is that sea bass are outstanding table fare – firm, sweet meat that holds up well to grilling or frying.
This world-class inshore fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak striped bass season and weekend slots. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention from the crew and plenty of elbow room to fight fish properly. Remember to pack bottled water, reef-safe sunscreen (no aerosols), and dress for temperatures about 10 degrees cooler than shore – that morning bay breeze can be chilly even in summer. The crew handles all the technical stuff, from rigging baits to cleaning your catch, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler and making memories on the water. Whether you're targeting spring stripers, summer fluke, or fall sea bass, Miss Behavin' Fishing Charters delivers the kind of consistent action that turns good fishing days into great ones. Don't wait – book your Raritan Bay fishing adventure today and see why this charter stays booked solid season after season.
Our 27' Grady White center console is built for serious fishing in Raritan Bay waters. This reliable boat handles the inshore runs to striped bass hotspots with ease, equipped with everything needed for a productive morning on the water. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and the 5-passenger capacity means your group won't feel cramped when multiple lines are out. We've got you covered with professional-grade rods and reels, plus all the lures you'll need for whatever's biting. The fish finder helps us locate schools of stripers, while GPS keeps us on the most productive spots. When visibility drops, our radar ensures safe navigation back to port. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking fish. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 6-hour trip, and the onboard toilet means no cutting fishing time short. The multimedia system provides entertainment during longer runs between spots. Whether you're targeting spring stripers or summer fluke, this boat gets you there comfortably and brings you back with a cooler full of fish.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that love hanging around structure. Most of what we catch runs 2-4 pounds, but they pack a punch for their size. These fish congregate around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and bridge pilings in depths under 120 feet during summer months. They're perfect for families since they bite well and aren't too finicky about bait. What makes them popular is the consistent action and fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Males turn bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. The key to success with sea bass is getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed. Use squid strips or clams on a two-hook rig, and be ready for that quick bite.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish might look odd with both eyes on one side, but they're masters of camouflage and ambush hunting. Most run 15-18 inches, though we occasionally boat some nice 5+ pounders. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, waiting to grab shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Summer months are prime time when they're active in warmer water. What guests love about flounder fishing is the challenge - these fish are picky and require finesse. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with mild, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My local trick: use a slow drift with live bull minnows right along the bottom, and don't set the hook too fast when you feel that subtle tap.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our spring runs here in Raritan Bay. These fish follow the classic Atlantic migration pattern, moving through our waters from April into June as they head north. Most of the fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bulls pushing 50+. They're strong fighters that love structure - we find them around drop-offs, channel edges, and near the bridges. The bite is often best during moving water on the incoming tide. What makes stripers special is they're both a great fight and excellent table fare with that sweet, flaky meat. One tip that works well locally: when the bunker schools show up, that's when the real action starts. The stripers go crazy feeding on them.
Woodbridge Township, NJ