Weekend Family Fishing Charters Point Pleasant
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
7hour shared charter targeting Striped Bass and BluefishWeekend child rate with required adult supervisionRod rentals available for regular and spinning gear
Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? Our shared 7-hour charter from Point Pleasant is built for young anglers under 12, with plenty of room for adults to join the action. Queen Mary Open Boat & Charters runs these weekend trips targeting the Jersey Shore's best inshore species - striped bass and bluefish that cruise these productive waters year-round. We've got rods available for rent right on the boat, so you don't need to haul your own gear. Just show up ready to fish and we'll handle the rest.
This is a shared charter, which means you'll be fishing alongside other families - great for kids to make new friends and learn from watching other anglers work their lines. We need at least 14 people booked before we head out, so these trips fill up with a good mix of seasoned local fishermen and families looking to create some memories. The boat departs from Point Pleasant's marina, and you'll want to arrive 45 minutes early on weekends to get your gear sorted and grab a good spot on the rail. Our captain knows the local structure like the back of his hand - we're talking wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where the fish stack up. Seven hours gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adjust our strategy based on what's biting.
Don't stress about bringing tackle - we've got you covered with rental rods at $7 for regular gear and $12 for spinning setups. Most kids do better with spinning gear since it's easier to manage, and the lighter action makes every fish feel like a monster. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish want. Bottom fishing with clams and bunker chunks works great for stripers holding near structure, while casting metal jigs and soft plastics can fire up aggressive bluefish when they're feeding up in the water column. The crew will help kids with bait, unhooking fish, and learning proper technique - no one goes home empty-handed if we can help it. We fish the inshore waters where depths range from 15 to 60 feet, perfect for young anglers to feel connected to their catch without dealing with the heavy tackle needed for deeper water.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing, and Point Pleasant sits right in the middle of their migration highway. These fish run anywhere from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to real cows pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall see the biggest numbers as they move up and down the coast, but we get good action throughout the summer too. Stripers are smart fighters - they'll use the current and structure to their advantage, making long runs and trying to wrap you up. Kids love them because they pull hard but don't jump around like some species, so it's easier to keep them buttoned up. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste great grilled or blackened.
Bluefish bring the aggression that gets kids fired up about fishing. These toothy predators hit lures like they're mad at them, and once you hook one, the whole school usually goes crazy. We see them ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids to handle all the way up to slammer blues that'll test your drag system. Summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavily on bunker schools, but we catch them spring through fall. Fair warning - these guys have serious teeth, so the crew handles all the unhooking for safety. Bluefish are oily and rich, perfect for smoking or making fish cakes, and they freeze well if you want to save some for later.
Weekend family charters like this book up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot. Remember, we need 14 anglers minimum to make the trip happen, so don't wait too long to secure your spots. The shared charter format keeps costs reasonable while giving kids the full charter boat experience - professional crew, top-notch local knowledge, and access to productive fishing grounds that shore anglers can only dream about. Whether this is your child's first time on a charter boat or they're already showing signs of becoming serious anglers, seven hours on the water targeting Jersey's best inshore species is time well spent. Book now and get ready to create some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime.
This spacious 85-foot Gulfcraft headboat takes you out into the productive waters off Point Pleasant for some serious fishing action. Built to handle up to 30 anglers, she's perfect for shared trips where kids can learn the ropes alongside seasoned fishermen. The boat went through a complete restoration in 2017, so everything runs smooth and clean. You'll have plenty of deck space to work your lines while targeting striped bass and bluefish that cruise these Jersey waters. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. There's a head onboard for convenience during the long day, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Rod rentals are available right on the boat - regular gear runs $7 and spinning setups are $12. The captain knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish whether they're holding near structure or running in open water. With seven hours on the water, you'll have time to try different spots and techniques.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that make our trips exciting, especially for kids. They average 3-10 pounds around here, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets fast. They're voracious feeders that'll hit just about anything - live bait, chunks, or lures. Summer months are best when they move through our waters chasing bunker and other baitfish. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for young anglers to cut their teeth on. Fresh blues are great eating when prepared right - the key is getting them on ice quickly. Pro tip: bring wire leaders or heavy mono - those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat, and always use pliers when unhooking them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Point Pleasant fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds out here, though we see some real trophies pushing 50+. They're strong fighters that'll give your arms a workout. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, drop-offs, and rocky bottom where they hunt baitfish. Spring through fall are prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: when we're working the wrecks, let your bait drift naturally with the current rather than fighting it - stripers patrol those edges looking for easy meals.
Point Pleasant Beach