5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In New Jersey
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day drift fishing over reefs and wrecks in Wildwood watersTarget flounder, black seabass, bluefish, and gray triggerfish speciesExpert guide provides instruction for all experience levels
When you're looking for a solid fishing charter in Wildwood, NJ, Prime Time II Sportfishing delivers the kind of day on the water that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Captain Steve and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the patience and know-how to put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. With a maximum of 6 guests, you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day of fishing.
This half-day charter focuses on productive inshore waters where the fish are biting and the action stays steady. You'll be targeting prime bottom structure - reefs and wrecks that hold serious concentrations of Black Sea Bass, Southern Flounder, and Black Drum. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging tackle, baiting hooks, and even cleaning your catch at the end of the day. That means you can focus on what matters most: feeling that rod bend and hearing the drag sing. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. First Mate Jerry keeps everyone rigged and ready, rotating spots to make sure every angler gets their fair share of action.
The technique here is all about drift fishing over structure that holds fish. Captain Steve positions the boat over known productive reefs and wrecks, then lets the current do the work while you drop your rig to the bottom. This method is perfect for targeting the species that call these structures home - sea bass love the rocky cover, flounder sit in the sandy patches between structures, and drum cruise the edges looking for an easy meal. The crew provides all the tackle you need, from the rods and reels down to the hooks and sinkers. They know exactly what weights to use for the current conditions and which baits are producing on any given day. You don't need to bring anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between fish.
"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 flatfish that keep anglers coming back to these New Jersey waters. These masters of camouflage lay flat against the sandy bottom, perfectly positioned to ambush baitfish swimming overhead. Summer through early fall offers the best flounder action, with fish ranging from keeper size up to doormat proportions that can stretch over 20 inches. What makes flounder so exciting to catch is that initial hit - they grab your bait and take off parallel to the bottom, making your rod tip dance before you set the hook. Plus, there's nothing quite like fresh flounder fillets on the dinner table after a successful day on the water.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey reef fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish love rocky structure and aren't shy about hitting your bait. They typically run 12 to 16 inches in these waters, with occasional jumbo fish pushing over 20 inches and several pounds. Sea bass hit hard and fight dirty, using every rock and crevice to try and break you off. The season runs strong from late spring through fall, with summer offering consistent action. What anglers love most about sea bass is their reliability - when you find them, you usually find numbers, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Black Drum bring the muscle to this fishing lineup, with these powerful fish capable of testing your tackle and your arms. In New Jersey waters, you'll encounter both smaller "puppy drum" in the 16 to 27 inch slot limit and occasional bull drum that can stretch over 40 inches. These fish are bottom feeders with incredible senses, using their barbels to locate crabs, clams, and worms along the seafloor. When a drum picks up your bait, you'll know it - they make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight against the current. Spring and fall migrations bring the best drum fishing, though summer produces steady action for anglers willing to target structure and drop-offs where these fish cruise looking for food.
Prime Time II Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish while making sure everyone has a great time on the water. With experienced crew members who know how to read the conditions and find the bite, you're setting yourself up for success from the moment
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35-foot Maine Coaster for your New Jersey fishing adventure. This classic downeast cabin cruiser cuts through the waters around Wildwood at a steady 18 knots, powered by a reliable 450HP Cummins engine. With room for up to 6 anglers, she's perfectly sized for targeting bass, drum, and flounder in the productive inshore waters off the Jersey coast. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day of fishing - a fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and radar for those foggy mornings when the fish are biting. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and stay comfortable with the convenience of an onboard restroom. Whether you're drifting over reefs or working the wrecks, this well-maintained vessel provides a stable platform for anglers of all experience levels to enjoy New Jersey's excellent saltwater fishing opportunities.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore fishing – these bruisers can push 30+ pounds and will test your tackle. They're gray to black with powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and oysters. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and near inlet mouths where brackish water meets salt. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning when they school up and get chatty – you can actually hear them drumming underwater. They're tough fighters that use their size and the current to their advantage. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones are better released. Here's the key: use fresh crab on a fish-finder rig and let it sit on bottom. These fish are picky – if they smell anything off, they won't touch it.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love structure. Most run 2-4 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 6-8 pounds around our deeper wrecks. They're gray to black with white-centered scales and the males get bright blue during spawning. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. These fish are aggressive and fun to catch – they'll hit hard but the fight gets easier once they break the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish we target. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep it tight to bottom. When you feel one, set the hook fast and get them up quick before they dive back into structure.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise – these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, perfectly camouflaged while waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches, though we've seen some push over 2 feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, which makes them pretty unique to target. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms in our bays and nearshore waters, especially around structure. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving between inshore and offshore areas. Drift fishing works best since they stick to the bottom. They put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live minnows or shrimp on a light jig head – let it bounce bottom and wait for that distinctive tap.
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