5.0(4 Reviews)Point Pleasant Private Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4hour offshore fishing trip for up to 6 guestsTarget bluefish, sea bass, fluke, and striped bass speciesSeasonal availability April 15 through October 15
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip without the crowds? Captain David Riback runs one of Point Pleasant's top-rated private charters, taking up to 6 anglers out for 4 hours of serious fishing action. From mid-April through mid-October, you'll hit the water at 2:30 PM when the afternoon bite really fires up. This isn't your typical party boat experience – it's your own private vessel with a captain who knows these Jersey waters like the back of his hand.
Your afternoon starts at the Point Pleasant docks where Captain David will get you set up with gear and give you the rundown on what's biting. The beauty of a 2:30 PM departure is you're fishing during prime afternoon hours when species like striped bass start moving into feeding mode. With just your group aboard, you've got plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably – no elbow-to-elbow action like those packed head boats. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's working. Captain David's boat is well-maintained and equipped with everything you need, so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat.
Point Pleasant's offshore waters offer incredible variety, and Captain David knows exactly where to find the action. Depending on conditions and what's running, you might be drifting over structure for sea bass, trolling for blues and stripers, or working the fluke grounds with bucktails and gulp baits. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got your own setup, bring it along – just make sure it's appropriate for the species you're targeting. Live bait, fresh cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what's feeding. You'll learn proven techniques that work in these waters, and Captain David is always happy to share tips that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
"Captain David Riback and Purple Jet Sport Fishing provided an exceptional fishing experience! His knowledge of the local waters and enthusiasm for fishing made our trip unforgettable. We caught some impressive fish and had a fantastic time on the water. Highly recommend!" - Rick
"Our experience with Purple Jet Sport Fishing and Captain David Riback was outstanding! David's passion for fishing and friendly demeanor made the trip perfect. We're already planning our next excursion!" - Emily
"Captain David was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable, patient, and ensured everyone had a great time. The trip with Purple Jet Sport Fishing was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!" - David
Bluefish are absolute fighters that'll test your drag system and your arms. These aggressive predators show up in big schools from late spring through fall, and when they're feeding, it's pure chaos. Blues hit hard and fast, often taking lures right at the boat, and they'll fight all the way to the net. They're fantastic eating when handled properly – bleed them right away and keep them cold. Peak season runs from June through September, and afternoon trips often coincide with their feeding frenzies.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the flatfish everyone wants to catch. These ambush predators lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim overhead, then explode upward to grab their meal. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – you're drifting with bucktails, gulp baits, or live killies, feeling for that subtle tap-tap-tap. The bigger "doormat" fluke are trophy fish that can stretch over 25 inches and provide incredible table fare. Summer months offer the best action, with fish moving into shallower water to feed.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Point Pleasant's waters hold some real giants. These powerful fish can range from schoolie size up to trophy stripers pushing 40+ pounds. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Stripers hit everything from live bunker to diamond jigs, and their runs are legendary – they'll peel line off your reel and test every knot. Spring and fall offer the best striper action, though summer evenings can produce excellent fishing.
Sea bass might be smaller than the other species, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fighters in these waters. They live around structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom – where they feed on crabs, worms, and small fish. Sea bass hit hard and dive straight for cover, so you need to muscle them up quickly. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. The season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with summer providing consistent action.
Captain David's private charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. With only 6 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of space to fish comfortably. The seasonal schedule from April 15 to October 15 covers the absolute best fishing months in Point Pleasant waters. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate trip, or just want to fish with your buddies without dealing with crowds, this is your chance to experience world-class fishing with one of the area's most respected captains. Don't wait – the best dates go first, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that pack a serious punch for their size. Most run 2-5 pounds around here, but we see bigger ones pushing 10+ pounds during peak season. These silver-blue fighters have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match - they'll hit just about anything that moves. You'll find them cruising the surf, around jetties, and over sandy bottom in 10-40 feet of water. Best action happens late spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes blues special is their willingness to bite and the way they fight - pure aggression from hook-up to boat. They're also excellent eating when fresh, with firm white meat. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular line like butter. When you see birds diving, get there fast.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that punch way above their weight class. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-2 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size once hooked. These dark, chunky fish live around hard bottom, wrecks, and rocky structure in 20-80 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Sea bass are fantastic eating - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit squid, clams, or jigs worked near bottom. Travel in schools too, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Best advice: use a sensitive rod to feel those light taps, and fish right on the structure. A 2-3 ounce bucktail with squid strip works great - bounce it along the rocks and hang on tight.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the kings of our local waters, known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and powerful fights. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, though trophy bass over 40 pounds show up during migration periods. These structure-loving fish hang around jetties, bridge pilings, and rocky areas, plus they love moving water where baitfish get pushed around. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, especially when bunker schools are thick. Stripers are tough fighters that make long runs and have great table quality with firm, flaky meat. They're also smart - you need to match the bait they're feeding on. My go-to technique: live eels around structure at dawn or dusk. Work them slow near the bottom where big bass hunt. When the bite gets tough, downsize your tackle.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the chameleons of the seafloor. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 5 pounds. They lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey, using their amazing camouflage to blend in perfectly. Look for them on sandy bottom, around structure edges, and near channel drops in 15-50 feet. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. Fluke are prized for their sweet, delicate white meat - some of the best table fare you'll find. The bite can be subtle since they often just mouth the bait, so stay alert. Here's the key: use a bucktail tipped with squid or spearing, and work it slow along the bottom. Light taps usually mean a fluke is there - set the hook gently but firmly.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain David Riback and Purple Jet Sport Fishing provided an exceptional fishing experience! His knowledge of the local waters an...
Our experience with Purple Jet Sport Fishing and Captain David Riback was outstanding! David's passion for fishing and friendly de...
Captain David was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable, patient, and ensured everyone had a great time. The trip with Purple Je...
Purple Jet Sport Fishing and Captain David Riback provided an outstanding fishing experience! We had a fantastic day on the water ...
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