NJ Fishing Charters | 3 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour back bay fishing charter for up to six guestsFamilyfriendly light fishing perfect for children and beginnersRelaxing inshore waters with fishing and cruising options
Looking for a perfect way to get the family out on the water without the commitment of a full-day charter? This 3-hour back bay fishing trip with Moover Fishing Adventures hits that sweet spot. We're talking about New Jersey's productive inshore waters where the fishing stays consistent and the ride stays comfortable. Whether you've got little ones who are just learning to cast or you want to introduce someone to saltwater angling, this trip delivers without wearing anyone out. The back bays around New Jersey offer some of the most reliable fishing on the East Coast, and our shorter format means you can still make it home for dinner while bringing along a cooler full of fresh catch.
This isn't your typical marathon fishing session. We keep things moving at a relaxed pace that works for everyone aboard. The back bay systems in New Jersey are protected from ocean swells, so you won't deal with rough water or seasickness issues that can turn kids off from fishing. Our 6-person maximum keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and there's plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably. Captain and crew handle all the navigation and fish-finding, so you can focus on the fun stuff. We'll hit multiple spots during the 3 hours, adjusting our strategy based on what's biting and keeping the action steady. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - you never know if the next bite will be a scrappy bluefish or a keeper-sized fluke. Gear and tackle are provided, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own setups if they prefer.
Back bay fishing in New Jersey relies on reading structure, tide movement, and bait patterns. We'll be working shallow water structure like drop-offs, channel edges, and around dock pilings where fish like to ambush prey. Depending on conditions and what's running, we might be drift fishing with bucktails and gulp baits for fluke, or anchoring up to bottom fish for tautog around rocky areas. Light spinning tackle keeps things fun and gives everyone a fighting chance, even the younger anglers. For striped bass, we'll often work soft plastics or live bait near current breaks where they like to feed. The key to success in these back waters is mobility - when one spot goes quiet, we move to the next. Live bait wells keep our offerings fresh, and we carry a variety of jigs, rigs, and terminal tackle to match whatever the fish want on any given day.
Tautog are the bulldogs of New Jersey's inshore scene. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love rocky structure and put up a serious scrap once hooked. They're most active during cooler months, fall through early spring, when they move shallow to feed on crabs and mussels. What makes tog fishing exciting is the fight - they'll try to wrap you around every rock and piling they can find. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for chowder or fish and chips.
Bluefish bring the aggression that gets everyone pumped up. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Summer and early fall are prime time for blues in the back bays, and they'll hit everything from metal jigs to chunk bait. Kids love bluefish because they fight hard and aren't shy about biting. Just watch those teeth - they've earned their reputation for a reason. Blues are also excellent smoked or grilled fresh.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the bread and butter of New Jersey inshore fishing. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy bottoms before ambushing prey. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and a keeper fluke makes for some of the best eating you'll find. The thrill comes from their unpredictable strikes and the way they can fool you into thinking you've snagged bottom, only to suddenly come alive with powerful runs.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of East Coast fishing, and New Jersey's back bays serve as important nursery areas. Whether we're targeting schoolies for action or hunting for a keeper, stripers always deliver excitement. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, though resident fish provide action throughout the warmer months. Stripers are smart, moody, and incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and your patience in equal measure.
Giant seabass represent the wildcards that can show up when conditions align perfectly. These bruiser fish don't come around every day, but when they do, they'll give you a fight you won't forget. They prefer deeper holes and channel edges, often showing up during tide changes when smaller baitfish get disoriented. Landing one of these beasts on light tackle is a real accomplishment and the kind of fish story that gets better every time you tell it.
Three hours on New Jersey's productive back bay waters gives you a real taste of what makes inshore fishing so addictive. You'll get to experience multiple fishing techniques, target several different species, and do it all in a relaxed setting that works for the whole family. Moover Fishing Adventures knows these waters inside and out, and our track record speaks for itself. The combination of consistent action, comfortable conditions, and professional guidance makes this trip a smart choice whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want a fun day without the full commitment of a longer charter. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season. Get your group together and let's get you on some fish.
Step aboard Moover Fishing Adventures' 35-foot Donelle pilothouse cruiser and get ready to chase some fish in New Jersey's prime back bay waters! This 2003 beauty packs a serious 430HP Cummins engine that'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the hot spots quickly and smoothly. The pilothouse design keeps you comfortable whether you're battling stripers or just enjoying a relaxing day on the water with the family. Your captain uses top-notch GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate where the fish are biting, while you stay comfortable with onboard amenities like a private head and sleeping quarters for those longer fishing sessions. Perfect for families with kids or groups wanting a laid-back day of light tackle fishing in New Jersey's protected back bays. This reliable fishing platform combines comfort with serious fishing capability for a memorable day on the water.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight and make excellent eating when handled right. Most run 2-8 pounds in our back bays, though larger ones push into the teens. They're built for speed with sharp teeth and a big appetite for baitfish like bunker, spearing, and squid. You'll find them in moving water around inlets, channels, and drop-offs throughout spring and fall. Summer brings smaller "snappers" perfect for kids to catch. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they really bend the rod. The meat is rich and flavorful, especially smaller fish. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or bait getting pushed to the surface, that's usually bluefish feeding underneath. Get your bait or lure in there fast before they move on.
Stereolepis GigasGiant seabass aren't found in New Jersey waters - they're a Pacific Coast species ranging from California to Mexico. These massive fish can reach over 500 pounds and live in kelp forests and rocky reefs in 30-130 feet of water. They're actually protected in California, so catch-and-release only there. As juveniles they're bright orange, turning bronze with age. These apex predators feed on fish, crabs, and squid. While you won't encounter them on our NJ trips, they're worth knowing about if you ever fish the West Coast. They're incredibly powerful fighters that require heavy tackle - think 90+ pound drag systems. The few anglers who hook them describe it as like being tied to a truck. If you're ever in Southern California waters, large live baits near structure give you the best shot at one of these prehistoric-looking giants.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of our coastal waters and a favorite for good reason. They range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds. These fish love structure - bridges, jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere current moves baitfish around. You'll find them in everything from shallow back bays to deeper channel edges. Spring and fall migrations bring the best fishing, but they're around all season. What guests love is their powerful runs and jumps - they really put up a fight. Plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. The key is matching your bait to what they're feeding on. When bunker are around, use chunks. During the spearing run, downsize to smaller baits. Watch for birds working - that's your best sign of feeding fish below.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky wrasse that love rocky structure around jetties and reefs. They run 1-3 pounds typically, with bigger ones pushing 5-6 pounds in our waters. These fish are built tough with thick, rubbery skin and powerful jaws designed to crush shellfish. You'll find them hanging tight to rocks and structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially April through June when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What makes them fun is they fight hard and make great table fare - sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: use green crabs for bait, but crush up some crab pieces and drop them around your spot first to get them feeding. Fresh bait is critical - change it every few minutes or they'll ignore it completely.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our waters - they change color to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make for great photos. These ambush predators lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them in 10-50 feet of water around channels, drop-offs, and flats. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. What makes them popular is they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The bigger females are real fighters too. Here's a local trick: hook your killies or spearing through the eyes, not the lips, and bounce your sinker along the bottom. That movement triggers their predator instincts better than dead-sticking it.
Atlantic City