NJ Fishing Charter | 5 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour charter targets wrecks, reefs, and bottom fishing spotsSeasonal fishing techniques include trolling and sight casting methodsSixperson capacity ensures personalized fishing adventure experience
New Jersey's inshore waters are packed with some of the East Coast's best fishing action, and this 5-hour charter with Moover Fishing Adventures puts you right in the thick of it. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, rotating between productive wrecks, rocky reefs, and prime flats depending on what the fish are doing. You'll hit multiple spots and try different techniques throughout the trip, keeping things fresh and your lines tight. With space for up to 6 anglers, this is perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone looking to get away from the crowds and into some serious fishing. Whether the Spanish mackerel are running hot or the sea bass are stacked up on structure, you're going to have a blast out there.
Your morning starts with a solid game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting lately. The beauty of this charter is the variety - you might start the day bottom fishing over a wreck for sea bass, then switch to trolling for Spanish mackerel or bonito when the bite picks up. Site casting opportunities pop up throughout the trip, especially when working structure or following bird activity. The crew adjusts tactics based on season and fish behavior, so summer trips focus heavily on the mackerel runs and flounder action, while fall fishing brings in the migrating bonito and late-season cobia. Winter months offer some of the most consistent sea bass fishing you'll find anywhere along the Jersey coast. The boat stays mobile, hitting 2-3 different areas during your 5 hours to maximize your shots at different species.
Moover Fishing Adventures runs a versatile operation that covers all the bases. Bottom fishing involves dropping baited rigs down to structure where sea bass and flounder hang out - think clams, squid, and fresh bait fished on circle hooks near wrecks and reefs. Trolling setups use a spread of spoons, plugs, and umbrella rigs to cover water and locate schools of Spanish mackerel, bonito, and roaming cobia. When conditions are right for site casting, you'll work jigs and soft plastics around visible structure or breaking fish. All tackle and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. The crew handles rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fishing rather than fussing with tackle. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to improve fish survival, and they'll walk you through proper technique if you're not familiar with them.
Spanish Mackerel are pure adrenaline when they're running. These torpedo-shaped speedsters show up in good numbers during summer and early fall, often feeding in schools that create surface commotion you can see from a distance. They hit trolled spoons and small jigs with authority, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger ones push 4-5 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Best action typically happens from July through September when water temperatures are prime.
Black Sea Bass are the bread-and-butter fish around New Jersey wrecks and reefs. These chunky bottom-dwellers are aggressive feeders that readily take squid, clams, and cut bait. They're built like linebackers - thick, powerful fish that use every bit of structure to their advantage when hooked. Sea bass fishing stays consistent almost year-round, but really shines during fall and winter months when limits are more common. They're excellent table fare and a favorite target for families since they're relatively easy to catch once you locate them on structure.
Atlantic Bonito bring serious speed and stamina to the fight. These smaller members of the tuna family are built for speed, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They show up during fall migration, often mixed with Spanish mackerel schools or feeding on their own over deeper structure. Bonito hit trolled lures hard and make long, sustained runs that can empty your reel if you're not prepared. They're fantastic light-tackle fish that demand respect despite their smaller size, usually running 3-8 pounds but fighting like fish twice their weight.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are New Jersey's premier inshore gamefish and a top target during warmer months. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. They're masters of camouflage and can grow impressively large - keeper fluke start at 18 inches, but fish over 25 inches and 5+ pounds are caught regularly. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique, but the payoff is worth it. They're considered some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Cobia are the wild cards of this fishery - you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious, powerful fish that can exceed 30 pounds and provide battles that'll leave your arms shaking. They're most common during summer months, often found around structure or following rays in shallow water. Cobia hit both bottom baits and casting lures, and they're notorious for their bulldogging fights and stubborn nature. Landing a good cobia is something you'll talk about for years.
This 5-hour charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - variety, action, and the chance to connect with multiple species in a single trip. Moover Fishing Adventures has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while maintaining a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on the water. The seasonal variety means you'll have a different experience depending on when you book, but the quality remains consistently high. With only 6 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast during peak season. Don't wait around wondering what you missed -
Your floating base for New Jersey waters comes in the form of a sturdy 35-foot Donelle pilothouse cabin cruiser. This 2003 vessel runs on a powerful 430HP Cummins engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly and safely. The pilothouse design means you're protected from wind and spray while still having great visibility of the water. Modern GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. When nature calls or you need a break from the action, there's a private toilet onboard. For longer trips, the boat features a comfortable bed where you can rest between fishing sessions. Built to handle up to 6 anglers, this boat gives everyone room to work without getting lines tangled. The stable platform works well whether you're dropping lines to the bottom for fluke and sea bass, trolling for stripers, or casting to structure. The cabin provides shelter during weather changes, and the reliable Cummins power plant ensures you'll make it back to port safely with your catch.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark-colored fish that average 1-4 pounds, though they can reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and structure in 20-120 feet of water from late spring through summer when they move inshore. They're bottom dwellers that put up a scrappy fight until they break the surface. What guests love most is they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. These fish have an interesting trait - they start as females and change to males as they grow larger. My go-to tip is using a two-hook rig with squid strips and keeping it right on the bottom. They'll hit fast, so be ready to set the hook quickly when you feel that tap.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are flatfish that lie on sandy bottoms and can change color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big "doormat" females can reach 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud from 10-100 feet deep around structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. Best fishing is September through November when they're feeding heavily before migrating offshore. Guests love them because they're tricky to hook and absolutely delicious - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the table. These fish bite sideways, so you need patience. My tip is to use circle hooks with live minnows or sea worms, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, let them run with it before setting the hook.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are silver bullets with dark stripes that average 8-12 pounds and can hit 40 mph when chasing baitfish. These tuna relatives travel in large schools that feed aggressively on the surface, often jumping clear out of the water. Look for diving birds - they'll lead you right to the action. You'll find them in open water during summer and fall when water temps hit the 60s. They're not great eating here, but the fight is pure adrenaline - fast runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag. Once you locate a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. My trick is to use light metal jigs or plastics and work them fast. Don't overthink it - when they're feeding, they're feeding hard.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, streamlined fish with silvery sides and yellowish spots that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. These speedy swimmers travel in large schools and migrate along our coast, making them great targets for trolling or casting spoons and jigs. You'll find them near the surface around structures, reefs, and open water during warmer months from late spring through fall. They put up a solid fight with their speed and are excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The key is not spooking the school when you find them feeding. I always tell guests to drift into position rather than motor right up to them, and use light tackle with 12-20 lb line for the best action.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown, shark-looking fish that average 6 feet and 100 pounds - real bulldogs that'll test your tackle. They're usually solitary, cruising near the surface around wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-70 feet during summer months. These fish are sight-fishing targets, so we're looking for that dark shadow just under the surface. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush crabs, small fish, and squid. What guests love is the combination of a brutal fight and outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. During spawning season they get really aggressive. My best advice is to use 4-8 oz bucktail jigs in any color and work them near structure. When you see one, get that jig in front of it fast - they don't stick around long.
Atlantic City