Expert Guided 5 Hour Inshore Fishing with Captain Dave
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing trip targeting striped bass and bluefishCaptain Dave guides groups through prime local fishing spotsAccommodates four guests with varied fishing techniques and skill levels
Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 5-hour inshore fishing trip is perfect whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or bringing the family out for their first taste of saltwater action. We're talking about serious fishing in productive waters where the bite stays hot throughout the day. With just four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't deliver. No rushed trips here – five hours gives you real time to work different areas and adjust tactics as conditions change.
Captain Dave runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun. You'll start early to hit the best bite times, working structure and current breaks where fish stack up. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip – Dave reads the water and weather to put you where the action is happening that day. The boat stays comfortable with four anglers, so you won't be fighting for elbow room when that school of stripers moves through. Expect to move around and try different techniques depending on what's working. Some days the fish want live bait drifted deep, other times they're crushing topwater plugs in shallow water. Dave brings the knowledge, you bring the enthusiasm, and together we'll make it happen.
We fish smart, not just hard. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be casting artificials to structure, live-lining bait in the current, or drifting bottom rigs over productive areas. Dave provides quality tackle that can handle everything from scrappy sea bass to bull drum that'll test your drag. Live bait gets rigged on circle hooks for the best hookup ratios, while artificials get worked through the strike zone with proven techniques. Jigging spoons over structure, working soft plastics along drop-offs, and presenting fresh cut bait where the big fish cruise – it's all about matching the technique to the conditions. The captain reads the fish finder and adjusts the game plan, but he'll teach you what to look for so you can spot productive water on your own trips.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste great, and show up in numbers when conditions align. Spring and fall see the best action as schools move through following bait. You'll find them from schoolies around 18 inches up to keeper fish over 28 inches that'll give you a real workout. They hit everything from live eels to bucktails, and when you hook into a 30-pound cow striper, you'll understand why these fish have such a devoted following.
Black sea bass might be small, but they're scrappy fighters that love structure and make excellent table fare. These guys hang around wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom areas where they ambush small baitfish and crabs. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit jigs, cut bait, and even small artificials. At 12 to 16 inches, they're perfect for kids to catch while the adults target bigger species.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the bay – powerful fish that use their size and strength to test your tackle and patience. These fish can push 40 pounds or more, and when one picks up your crab or cut bait, you'll know it immediately. They're bottom feeders that cruise shallow flats and deeper channels, especially during their spring spawning runs. The fight is more about endurance than acrobatics, but landing a big drum is always satisfying.
Thresher sharks bring serious excitement to any fishing trip. These pelagic visitors show up when water temperatures warm and baitfish concentrations draw them inshore. Threshers are known for their incredibly long tail fin, which they use to stun schools of bait before feeding. Hooking one means a battle that combines power, speed, and aerial displays that'll get everyone's attention on the boat.
King mackerel are speed demons that test your reflexes and drag settings. These toothy predators cruise open water looking for schools of baitfish, and when they find them, the action gets fast and furious. Summer months bring the best king fishing as water temperatures climb and bait moves through the area. They'll hit trolled baits, live bait, and fast-retrieved artificials with explosive strikes that'll wake up anyone dozing in the fighting chair.
Five hours on the water with Captain Dave means you're getting a real fishing trip, not a tourist ride. The small group size ensures everyone gets hands-on instruction and prime fishing opportunities. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler, introduce kids to saltwater fishing, or just enjoy a day away from the dock, this trip delivers. Dave's local knowledge and commitment to finding fish means you're not just buying a boat ride – you're investing in a quality fishing experience that'll have you planning your next trip before this one ends. The fish are out there, the captain knows where to find them, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
Set sail on a beautifully restored 25-ft MayCraft center console that's built for serious fishing. This classic boat seats up to 6 anglers comfortably and packs serious power with its 350HP Suzuki engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. The center console design gives everyone plenty of casting room while Captain Dave navigates using top-notch GPS and radar systems. When the fish finder lights up with targets, you'll be ready to drop lines for Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox along with cold drinks for the crew. Whether you prefer casting lures, drifting with bait, or live-lining, this boat handles it all with style. The open layout makes it easy to move around when fighting fish, and there's plenty of storage for tackle and gear. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to fishing or experienced anglers looking to target specific species in local waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of inshore fishing, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish patrol shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring around spawning season is your best bet when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What makes them special is the raw power - they're bulldogs that just don't quit. The meat's great on smaller fish under 15 pounds. Pro tip: fresh soft-shell crabs work better than anything else, and make sure your weight gets that bait right on the bottom where they feed - they won't chase it up.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, scrappy fighters that average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds if you're lucky. These guys love hanging around structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom, anywhere they can ambush crabs and squid. You'll find them in depths under 120 feet, and the bigger males stake out the deeper spots. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests love is the steady action and great eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight hard until they break the surface, then give up quick. My go-to trick is using fresh squid or clam strips on a two-hook rig, and don't be afraid to work those bottom structures where they hide.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or kingfish, are speed demons that'll test your tackle and reflexes. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, with olive backs and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through wire if you're not careful. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often near inlets and harbors when water temps hit 68-84°F. The bigger fish usually stay deeper offshore. What makes them popular is pure speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will scream drag like nothing else. The meat's decent on smaller fish, but it's really about the fight. My trick is rigging live bait with two hooks on heavy wire leader - one through the nose, one trailing behind, because kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from 20-40 pounds with those classic dark stripes down their silver sides. These structure-loving fish hang around drop-offs, sand bars, and moving water close to shore. You can catch them year-round, but early morning and late evening produce the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What guests love is the consistent fight and excellent eating - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're strong swimmers but not particularly fast, making them accessible for all skill levels. Best tip I can share: focus on areas where current meets structure, and use live herring or eels when you can get them - that movement drives them crazy.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are impressive predators that can reach 16 feet and 500+ pounds, famous for their whip-like tails that stun prey at incredible speeds. You'll find them in deeper waters, usually 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2,100 feet, though they sometimes venture closer to shore. These powerful fish prefer water temps between 60-70°F and put up an amazing fight, hitting speeds of 30 mph when hooked. Late spring through fall offers the best action. What makes them special is watching that massive tail breach the water - it's something you'll never forget. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with 8/0 hooks and keep your bait 25-50 feet down near bait balls where they're actively hunting.
Easton