Point Pleasant Family Fishing Charter
Looking for a special way to get your kids hooked on fishing? Our Point Pleasant family charter is designed specifically for young anglers under 12, giving them the full offshore experience with adult supervision. Captain and crew from Queen Mary Open Boat & Charters know these New Jersey waters like the back of their hand, and they love nothing more than watching kids reel in their first keeper. This shared 7-hour trip targets some of the best eating fish in the Atlantic – stripers, blues, fluke, and sea bass – while keeping things fun and safe for the little ones.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical kiddie fishing trip – we're talking real offshore fishing here. Your group will join other families for a full day on the water, departing from Point Pleasant's bustling marina with tackle boxes loaded and expectations high. The boat needs at least 14 people to confirm the trip, so you'll have plenty of company and the kids can learn from watching other young anglers work their lines. We supply all the spinning gear you need, though you're welcome to bring your own rods if the kids have favorites. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early on weekdays to get everyone checked in, tackle sorted, and safety briefing covered. The crew will get everyone set up with the right gear and show the kids how to handle their rods properly before we clear the inlet.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
We keep things simple but effective for young anglers. Most of the day you'll be using spinning reels with medium-weight tackle – perfect for kids to handle without getting overwhelmed. Depending on what's biting, we might drift over structure for fluke and sea bass using bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. When the stripers are running, we'll switch to chunk bait or live bunker if we can net some fresh. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, wind, and recent reports from other captains. Kids will learn basic knots, how to feel for a bite, and proper fish-handling techniques. Don't worry if your little angler has never held a rod before – our crew has the patience to teach everything from casting to setting the hook.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey fishing, and Point Pleasant puts you right in their migration path. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows, though most keepers run 28-35 inches. Stripers are smart fish that travel in schools and feed heavily during tide changes. Spring and fall offer the best action as they move along the coast, and nothing beats the bend in a rod when a decent striper takes off on its first run. Kids love stripers because they fight hard but don't have sharp teeth, making them perfect for learning proper fish handling.
Bluefish earn their reputation as aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. These toothy customers range from snapper blues that are perfect for kids to handle, all the way up to 15+ pound choppers that'll test anyone's tackle. Blues travel in massive schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're excellent eating when properly bled and iced, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Young anglers get a real thrill from blues because they're willing biters and put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming to land.
Time to Book Your Spot
Point Pleasant offers some of the best family fishing on the Jersey Shore, and this weekday rate makes it affordable to give your kids a real taste of offshore angling. The crew at Queen Mary Open Boat & Charters has been running these waters for years, building a reputation for safe, productive trips that keep families coming back season after season. Your kids will come home with stories to tell, new skills to practice, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner. Remember, trips need 14 anglers to confirm, so don't wait too long to secure your spots. The best fishing days fill up fast, especially when word gets out about good catches.