New Jersey Inshore Fishing: 3-Hour Back Bay Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour back bay fishing charter accommodates six guestsFamilyfriendly inshore trip suitable for children and beginnersLight fishing adventure with cruising and relaxation options
Looking for a mellow day on the water that won't wear out the kids or break the bank? Our 3-hour back bay charter hits that sweet spot between action and relaxation. These protected waters around New Jersey's coast are where seasoned anglers bring their families for good reason - consistent fish, calm conditions, and enough flexibility to keep everyone happy. Whether you're introducing young ones to their first rod or just want to unwind after a busy week, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for.
We'll spend our time working New Jersey's productive back bay systems, where the fishing stays steady and the ride stays smooth. These shallow waters warm up faster than the open ocean, drawing baitfish and the gamefish that follow them. Your small group of up to 6 people means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of elbow room - no crowded party boat chaos here. The relaxed pace lets you actually enjoy the experience instead of rushing from spot to spot. If the fish are being stubborn, we can cruise around and take in the scenery. If someone needs a break from fishing, they can just kick back and watch the action. It's your charter, and we'll adjust the vibe to match what your group wants.
We keep things simple with light spinning gear that's perfect for beginners but still fun for experienced anglers. Most of our fishing involves bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait - nothing complicated, but deadly effective in these waters. You'll be working depths from 8 to 25 feet, where you can actually see the bottom on clear days. We'll anchor up on productive spots and let the fish come to us, or do some light drifting when the tide's moving right. The beauty of back bay fishing is that it doesn't require any fancy techniques - just patience and good bait placement. Kids can handle these setups easily, and the shorter fight times mean everyone stays engaged without getting worn out.
Bluefish are the bread and butter of our back bay trips, showing up in decent numbers from late spring through fall. These aggressive feeders average 2-4 pounds in the bays and put up a scrappy fight that's perfect for light tackle. They're not picky eaters, so they're great confidence builders for new anglers. Watch for their signature run when hooked - they'll peel drag and jump if they're feeling feisty. Black Sea Bass are another customer favorite, though you'll find them more around structure and deeper holes. These chunky bottom dwellers hit hard and stay close to cover, making them a blast to catch and excellent table fare when they're in season.
Striped Bass are the prize catch that keeps regulars coming back. Spring and fall migrations bring schools of schoolies through our back waters, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 28-inchers to slot fish pushing 35 inches. They're smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful fish that photograph well for the memories. Scamp Grouper are less common but worth mentioning for their excellent eating quality. These smaller cousins of their southern relatives stick tight to any available structure and require a bit more finesse to pull out of their hiding spots.
This trip works for just about everyone - first-timers who want to learn the basics, families looking for quality time together, or anyone who just wants to spend a few hours on the water without the commitment of a full-day charter. The back bays fish well from spring through late fall, with each season offering something different. Spring brings the stripers, summer heats up the bluefish action, and fall fishing can be outstanding as baitfish concentrate before winter. Don't wait too long to reserve your spot - word travels fast when the fishing's good, and these intimate charters fill up quickly during prime season.
Get ready to fish New Jersey's productive inshore waters aboard our reliable 35-foot Donelle cabin cruiser. This 2003 pilothouse boat runs on a powerful 430HP Cummins engine, giving you smooth rides to the best fishing spots along the coast. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast lines and land your catch. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate schools of fish, plus comfortable amenities including a bed and onboard toilet for those longer fishing sessions. Our back bay adventures are perfect for families looking to introduce kids to fishing or anyone wanting a relaxed day targeting local species. The enclosed cabin provides shelter when needed, while the open deck gives you room to work your rods and enjoy the salt air.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that hang around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky areas in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we catch some nice 6-8 pounders too. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. Best fishing is late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn and feed. These fish have personality - males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a pronounced hump on their heads. They'll hit squid, clams, or small jigs bounced near the bottom. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep your line tight and work the same spot - they school up and where there's one, there's usually more. Great family fish since they're cooperative biters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our NJ waters from late spring through fall, typically running 2-8 pounds with some bigger ones pushing 15+ pounds. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll hit just about anything - live bait, cut bait, or lures. You'll find them in schools around jetties, surf zones, and deeper channels, often following baitfish like bunker and herring. What makes them popular is their hard fighting style and decent table fare when bled properly and cooked fresh. During feeding frenzies, they'll churn the water white attacking bait schools. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular mono in seconds. They're perfect for action-packed trips when the bite is on.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the premium eating fish of the grouper family, earning the nickname "Captain's Meat" for good reason. These chocolate-brown beauties with darker blotches typically run 4-6 pounds, though some reach 20+ pounds. They live around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 75-300 feet, making them perfect for offshore adventures. What sets them apart is their incredible fight - slow but incredibly strong, they'll test your drag and endurance. The meat is firm, white, and absolutely delicious. Best fishing is spring through summer when they move shallower to spawn. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, sardines, or cut bait. Local tip: once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure - they'll wrap you up in the rocks every time.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are New Jersey's premier game fish, running the coast from spring through fall during their famous migration. Most fish we catch are 20-40 inches, weighing anywhere from 5-25 pounds, with some real cows pushing 40+ pounds. They love structure - jetties, bridges, drop-offs, and moving water where baitfish get pushed around. Early morning and evening are prime time when they feed near the surface. What guests love is their strong, bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality. They're smart fish that can be picky, so live eels, bunker, or clams work best. Here's an insider tip: watch for bird activity diving on bait schools - that's where the stripers are feeding underneath. During the fall run, it's some of the most consistent fishing we get all year.
Atlantic City