Point Pleasant Weekend Kids Fishing Charter
Looking to get your kids hooked on fishing? This 7-hour shared charter out of Point Pleasant, NJ is built specifically for young anglers under 12. Your little ones will experience real inshore fishing action while targeting striped bass and bluefish in the productive waters off the Jersey Shore. Adults can book the same trip, making it a perfect family outing where everyone gets to wet a line. Queen Mary Open Boat & Charters runs a tight ship with experienced crew who know exactly how to keep kids engaged and excited about fishing all day long.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical kiddie fishing trip - we're talking about serious fishing time with 7 hours on the water. The boat heads out to proven fishing grounds where striped bass and blues are actively feeding. Kids get the full charter experience, from learning how to bait hooks to fighting fish that might be bigger than they are. The crew keeps things moving with different techniques throughout the day, so there's always something happening. You'll need to arrive 45 minutes early on weekends (30 minutes on weekdays) to get tackle sorted and safety briefing done. The trip only runs when 14 people book, which means you'll have plenty of other families and kids around to share the excitement when someone hooks up.
Tackle Setup & Techniques
Don't worry about bringing your own gear - rental rods are available right on the boat. Regular tackle runs $7 per rod, while spinning setups cost $12. The spinning gear is usually the way to go for kids since it's easier to manage and less likely to backlash. The crew will rig everything from live bait to artificials depending on what's working that day. Expect to try bottom fishing with clams and worms for stripers, plus some casting with metal jigs when the blues are busting bait on the surface. The captain adjusts techniques based on conditions and what the fish are doing, but kids get hands-on experience with multiple approaches. Crew members stay close to help with tangles, rebaiting, and landing fish - they've got the patience to work with young anglers who are still learning the ropes.
Top Catches This Season
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Point Pleasant fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to keeper bass over 28 inches that'll give kids a real workout. Stripers are smart fish that feed heavily in the spring and fall, making them perfect targets for this type of charter. They fight hard with strong runs and head shakes that get kids pumped up. What makes stripers special is their willingness to bite different baits - from live bunker to cut clams - so there's always a way to get them interested. The bigger fish often show up around structure and current breaks where the boat can position for consistent action.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These aggressive predators hit baits hard and fast, often surprising young anglers with their initial strike. Blues typically run smaller than keeper stripers, but they make up for it with attitude. When a school of bluefish moves through, it's non-stop action with multiple hookups happening at once. Kids love the excitement of hot bluefish bite, and these fish are excellent table fare when handled properly. They're also more forgiving when it comes to technique - bluefish aren't picky eaters and will smash everything from fresh bait to beat-up lures. The crew knows where blues typically school up during different parts of the season.
Time to Book Your Spot
Point Pleasant offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the Jersey Shore, and this family-focused charter gives kids a real taste of what fishing is all about. Seven hours might sound long, but experienced young anglers know that's what it takes to find fish and put together a solid day. The shared boat format keeps costs reasonable while ensuring enough people for a fun, social atmosphere. Remember, you need 14 bookings for the trip to run, so don't wait too long if you see dates filling up. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, and prepare for a day that might just turn your kids into lifelong anglers. The Queen Mary crew has been running these waters for years - they know where the fish are and how to make sure everyone has a shot at some solid action.