New Jersey Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour back bay fishing charter for up to six guestsFamilyfriendly light fishing trip with sunset views over coastlineRelaxing inshore experience with beverage service included
Looking for a chill way to spend an evening on the water? This 2-hour back bay fishing trip with Moover Fishing Adventures hits different than your typical charter. We're talking about a laid-back cruise through New Jersey's protected waters where you can actually relax, sip your favorite drink, and watch the sun paint the sky while your lines are in the water. Perfect for families with little ones who might get restless on longer trips, or anyone who wants to taste the fishing life without committing to a full-day grind. The back bays around here are loaded with fish, and the calm waters make it easy for everyone to get their lines wet.
This isn't your hardcore deep-sea mission – it's all about good vibes and easy fishing. We'll cruise into the sheltered back bay waters where the chop stays manageable and kids won't be hanging over the rail. The boat holds up to 6 people, so you're not crammed in with a bunch of strangers fighting for rail space. Bring whatever you want to drink because watching that New Jersey sunset over the water while you're fishing is pretty special. The guide knows these back channels like the back of their hand, so you'll hit spots where the fish actually want to bite. Water stays shallow enough that you're not dealing with crazy deep drops, and the bite usually stays consistent throughout the trip. Most folks walk away with at least a few keeper-sized fish and definitely some stories.
We're keeping things simple with light spinning gear that anyone can handle. No need for heavy conventional reels or complicated rigs – just straightforward setups that let you feel every bite. The guide provides all the tackle, but if you've got a lucky rod you like to bring, that works too. We'll be working with bucktails, soft plastics, and live bait depending on what's working that day. The back bay fishing here is all about reading the structure – little drop-offs, channel edges, and grass beds where fish like to hang out. Water depth ranges from about 6 to 20 feet, so you're not waiting forever for your rig to hit bottom. Drifting and anchor fishing both work well back here, and the guide will switch it up based on the conditions and what the fish are doing.
Spotted Weakfish are probably the most fun fish you'll tangle with on this trip. These silver bullets love the back bay waters and they fight way above their weight class. Most of the ones you'll catch run between 14 to 20 inches, and they have this habit of making screaming runs right when you think you've got them beat. Best part is they bite year-round, but fall evenings are prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. They've got these distinctive spots along their sides and a mouth soft as butter – that's where the "weakfish" name comes from, not because they don't fight.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the back bay, and when they're around, you know it. These toothy predators will slam just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for kids or anyone new to fishing. They typically run 2 to 8 pounds in the back bays, and they'll bend your rod over without hesitation. Summer through fall is when they're really active, especially during moving tides. Just watch your fingers – those teeth are razor sharp and they know how to use them. The fight is pure power from start to finish.
Black Sea Bass might be the tastiest thing swimming in these waters. They're bottom dwellers that love structure, so we'll target them around any hard bottom or rocky areas we can find. Most run between 12 to 16 inches, but the bigger ones can surprise you with how hard they pull. They're open pretty much year-round now, and they're great eating if you're looking to take dinner home. They've got personality too – those big lips and bug eyes make them a favorite with kids.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as everyone calls them, are the ultimate back bay prize. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can grow huge in New Jersey waters. Door-mat fluke over 5 pounds aren't uncommon, and landing one is like hitting the lottery. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand and attack bait from below. The key is keeping your offering moving along the bottom. Season runs late spring through early fall, and they're hands-down the best eating fish in the bay.
Striped Bass are the kings of the back bay system. These silver-sided beauties can range from schoolie size around 18 inches up to true cows pushing 40 inches or more. They're incredibly smart fish that follow baitfish into the shallows, especially during dawn and dusk. The back bays serve as nursery areas, so you'll often find good numbers of fish in the 20 to 30 inch range. They're catch-and-release only depending on size and season, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
This 2-hour back bay trip delivers exactly what it promises – relaxed fishing, beautiful scenery, and enough action to keep everyone happy. You're not making a huge time commitment, but you're still getting out on the water with a knowledgeable guide who knows where the fish live. The combo of sunset views, cold drinks, and bent rods is tough to beat, especially when you factor in that the whole family can enjoy it together. Spots fill up quick during prime season, so don't wait around if you want to get in on this action. Book with Moover Fishing Adventures and see why their back bay trips keep people coming back for more.
Hit the productive waters of New Jersey aboard our reliable 35ft Donelle pilothouse cruiser! This 2003 cabin cruiser runs on a powerful 430HP Cummins engine, giving you smooth rides to the best fishing spots along the back bays. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast your lines without feeling crowded. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to get you to those honey holes and a fish finder to locate where they're biting. When you need a break from reeling them in, there's a comfortable bed for relaxing and a private toilet onboard. Perfect for family fishing trips or a laid-back afternoon chasing stripers and fluke. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable whether the sun's beating down or the breeze picks up. Great for introducing kids to fishing or just enjoying some cold ones while waiting for that next bite along New Jersey's scenic coastline.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom-dwellers are perfect for our back bay trips, running 1-4 pounds with plump bodies and big mouths. You'll find them around any structure - old pilings, jetties, rocky areas - in 10-40 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is when they're most active in our shallower waters. What makes them a favorite? They're willing biters, put up a solid scrap, and are absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. Kids especially love catching them because they fight hard but aren't too big to handle. Local secret: use a double-hook bottom rig with squid strips. They're curious fish, so if you don't get bit in a few minutes, move to the next spot.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive predators are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and an appetite to match. Most blues we catch run 2-4 pounds, but they can reach 20+ pounds and put up one hell of a fight. They roam our coastal waters and bays from late spring through fall, often hunting in schools that create feeding frenzies you can spot from miles away. What guests love most is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. They're also great eating when prepared fresh. Pro tip: always use a wire leader because those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. And bring heavy gloves - even small blues can give you a nasty bite when handling them.
Morone SaxatilisThe king of our coast, stripers are powerful fighters that can run anywhere from schoolie size (18-28 inches) up to massive 40+ pound cows. They love structure and moving water, hanging around bridges, jetties, and drop-offs throughout our bays and surf. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special? They're strong, smart fish that test your skills, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. These fish are also part of an amazing migration that spans the entire East Coast. Best advice: fish the moving water during tide changes with live bait like bunker or eels. They're structure-oriented, so cast tight to pilings and rocks where they ambush prey.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are the ultimate ambush predators, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for bait to drift by. Most fluke run 15-20 inches, but the big "doormat" females can hit 8+ pounds. They love sandy areas near drop-offs and channel edges in our bays from late spring through fall. What hooks anglers is their excellent eating quality - sweet, mild fillets that are restaurant-grade. Plus, they're masters of disguise, changing color to match the bottom. The trick that works best here is drifting with the current, keeping your bait just off the bottom. Use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or minnow, and give it little hops. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Cynoscion NebulosusAlso called spotted seatrout, these silver beauties with scattered dark spots run 12-16 inches on average, though they can hit 3 feet. You'll find them in shallow bays and around grass beds where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Spring through fall is prime time when they move into our back waters to feed and spawn. What makes them special? They're surprisingly strong fighters for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: retrieve your lure slowly at first, then speed up when you see one following. Their soft mouths tear easily, so that sudden burst gets the hook set deeper and keeps them pinned.
Atlantic City