5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In New Jersey
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday drift fishing targeting flounder, bass, and drum speciesExpertguided trips over reefs and wrecks near Wildwood watersSmall group charter accommodates up to six anglers maximum
Looking for some solid inshore action off the Jersey coast? Captain Steve and his crew at Prime Time II Sportfishing know exactly where the fish are biting around Wildwood. This isn't your typical tourist trap fishing – we're talking about real drift fishing over productive reefs and wrecks where Southern Flounder, Black Sea Bass, and Black Drum call home. With room for up to six anglers, this half-day charter gives you plenty of time to get your lines wet without burning a whole vacation day. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first saltwater experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, these waters deliver consistent action that keeps everyone engaged.
Captain Steve runs a tight ship with first mate Jerry handling the details so you can focus on fishing. We're talking drift fishing here – letting the current carry us over structure where the fish stack up. The crew keeps everyone rigged with fresh bait, handles the net when you hook up, and even cleans your catch at the dock. No need to stress about tackle or technique; they've got you covered from start to finish. The boat heads out to proven spots where rocky bottom and artificial reefs create the perfect habitat for our target species. You'll be fishing with conventional tackle, dropping bottom rigs down 20-60 feet depending on the spot. The crew rotates fishing positions so everyone gets equal shots at the hot bite, and they're quick to move if one area goes quiet.
This style of fishing is all about reading the bottom and working the current. We drift over wrecks, reefs, and rocky patches where baitfish gather and predators follow. The mate keeps fresh squid, clams, and cut bait flowing to your hooks while monitoring the fish finder for schools moving through. Circle hooks and fish finder rigs are the go-to setup – simple but deadly effective for the mixed bag we're targeting. The captain adjusts drift speed with the engines and sea anchor to keep baits in the strike zone longer. When the bite gets hot, you might have multiple hookups at once, with everything from keeper bass to surprise sharks hitting the deck. The crew handles gaffing larger fish and knows exactly when to move to the next productive spot.
"I took my boys, sister-in-law, and father-in-law on a bottom fishing trip during our beach vacation, and it was an unforgettable experience. Captain Steve was incredibly kind, attentive, and accommodating, while First Mate Jerry was professional and patient throughout. He made sure we were always rigged and baited, and we didn't have to touch the fish unless we wanted to help. We caught 50-60 fish, including sea bass, sharks, sea robins, and flounder, with 12 keepers. Jerry even filleted the fish when we returned. It was the perfect first fishing trip for my 7-year-old, and we all had a fantastic time. Thank you!" - Doug
"We went trolling, and the fish just wouldn't stop biting – it was so much fun! Captain Steve and Jerry were fantastic – knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. They made the most of our 4-hour tour, and we ended up with about 10 pounds of fish to take home. I'd definitely do it again and highly recommend the experience!" - David
"We had an incredible time with the crew today! Everyone had a turn reeling in multiple sharks, and my 11-year-old had an absolute blast. He's been talking about it non-stop since we finished earlier this afternoon and is already asking to book the same crew for next year's trip!" - John
Southern Flounder are the prized catch around here, and for good reason. These flatfish can grow over 20 inches and provide some of the best eating you'll find in New Jersey waters. They're ambush predators that bury in sandy bottom near structure, waiting to nail unsuspecting baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with the bigger "doormat" flounder moving into deeper water as temperatures drop. What makes them exciting is the fight – they pull hard and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching a big flounder come up from the depths looking like a underwater pancake with attitude.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey bottom fishing. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds but can push 5+ pounds when you find the right structure. They're territorial fish that live around wrecks and reefs, making them perfect targets for drift fishing. Peak season runs May through October, with the biggest fish often caught in deeper water during summer months. Sea bass hit hard and fight all the way to the surface, making them perfect for kids and beginners. Their spiny dorsal fins and big mouths give them plenty of character, and they're absolutely delicious when filleted fresh.
Black Drum are the surprise heavyweights that can really test your tackle and patience. These fish can range from schoolie-sized "puppy drum" around 2-5 pounds up to bruiser adults over 20 pounds that will make your arms burn. They're bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth for crushing shellfish, so they prefer areas with oyster beds and mussel-covered structure. Late spring through early fall brings the best drum fishing, especially around full moon phases when they feed more aggressively. When a big drum hits, you know it – they make long, powerful runs that peel drag and test knots. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, even if many anglers release the larger specimens.
This half-day charter hits the sweet spot for Jersey fishing – enough time to find the bite without wearing out the kids or burning your whole beach day. Captain Steve and Jerry have built their reputation on putting customers on fish while keeping the atmosphere relaxe
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35' Maine Coaster Downeast cruiser for your New Jersey fishing adventure. This classic cabin cruiser was completely refreshed in 2010 and comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers. The powerful 450HP Cummins engine pushes us along at a steady 18 knots, getting you to the prime fishing spots around Wildwood quickly and smoothly. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS to navigate to the hottest reefs and wrecks, radar for those early morning runs when visibility drops, and a fish finder to locate schools of flounder, black seabass, and blues. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during longer trips. The sturdy Downeast design handles New Jersey's inshore waters with ease, whether we're drifting over structure for flounder or working the wrecks for seabass. This boat's built for fishing, with plenty of deck space to work your lines and comfortable seating when you need a break between bites.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll test your tackle when you hook into a big one. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds around here, with their signature dark bodies and chin barbels that help them root around for crabs and oysters on the bottom. You'll find them in our back bays, around oyster beds, and near inlet mouths where they cruise the shallows looking for food. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning when they school up and make those drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What makes them special is the raw power - even a 10-pounder will give you a serious workout. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare too. My advice: use fresh crab bait on a fish-finder rig and be patient - when a big drum picks it up, you'll know it.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets around wrecks and rocky structure. These chunky fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some nice 6+ pounders on the deeper wrecks. They're easy to spot with their dark bodies, white-spotted fins, and during spawning season the big males turn bright blue. You'll find them hanging tight to structure - old shipwrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. Guests love them because they fight hard until they break the surface, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, chances are there's a whole school down there. Drop back down quickly with fresh squid or clam strips - you might limit out on one spot.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. You'll recognize them by both eyes being on their left side and the scattered light and dark spots across their back. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we've seen some push over 2 feet. They love our shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, especially during fall when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore for winter. What makes them fun to target is their excellent table fare and the challenge of finding them on the bottom. My tip: when drift fishing, use a light jig head with live minnows and let it bounce along the bottom - feel for that subtle thump when they grab it.
5.0 out of 5.0I took my boys, sister-in-law, and father-in-law on a bottom fishing trip during our beach vacation, and it was an unforgettable e...
We went trolling, and the fish just wouldn’t stop biting – it was so much fun! Captain Steve and Jerry were fantastic – knowledgea...
Had an amazing fishing experience with Captain Steve and his mate Jerry. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and patient...
We had an incredible time with the crew today! Everyone had a turn reeling in multiple sharks, and my 11-year-old had an absolute ...
New Jersey