Expert Guided Striped Bass Fishing Adventures in New Jersey
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour fly fishing charter targeting Striped Bass inshoreInstruction provided for beginners and experienced anglers alikeSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
New Jersey's coastline offers some of the finest fly fishing opportunities on the East Coast, and our 4-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Whether you've never held a fly rod or you've been working these waters for years, we'll make sure you get the most out of your day chasing stripers along our famous sod banks and rocky jetties. The beauty of this trip is that we cater to every skill level - beginners get hands-on instruction while experienced anglers can jump straight into the productive water they came for.
Your day starts with a quick gear check and safety briefing before we head out to some of New Jersey's most productive inshore waters. The sod banks and jetty structures we fish are legendary among local anglers, and for good reason - they hold fish year-round and offer the perfect backdrop for sight fishing with flies. Our small group size of just 4 anglers means everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching. If you're new to fly fishing, don't worry about bringing anything - we've got top-quality rods, reels, and a selection of proven flies that work in these waters. For the experienced crew, feel free to bring your own setup, though we're always happy to share what patterns have been producing lately. The boat stays close to shore, so you won't deal with big ocean swells, but you'll still get that authentic saltwater fly fishing experience that keeps people coming back.
Saltwater fly fishing is a different beast than what you might be used to in freshwater, but that's what makes it so addictive. We'll start beginners with the fundamentals - proper casting form, line management, and reading the water for signs of feeding fish. The key to success out here is understanding how stripers behave around structure. These fish use the jetties and sod banks as ambush points, so we'll teach you how to present your fly in the strike zone without spooking them. Our gear setup includes 8 and 9-weight rods paired with intermediate and sinking lines, perfect for getting flies down to where the fish are holding. Fly selection varies with conditions, but we always keep a good mix of Clousers, Deceivers, and crab patterns in the box. The real skill comes in stripping technique - saltwater fish want flies that move with purpose, not the gentle twitches you might use for trout. We'll walk you through different retrieves until you find what's working that day.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New Jersey inshore fishing, and they're our primary target on this trip. These fish are built for power - even a schoolie striper in the 20-inch range will give you a memorable fight on fly tackle. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around the structure, making them easier targets. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them consistently through summer too. What makes stripers special is their intelligence - they're not pushovers like some saltwater species. You need to earn every fish, which makes each one that much more satisfying.
White Weakfish, also called sea trout, are another fantastic target that often gets overlooked. These fish have incredibly soft mouths (hence the name), so playing them requires finesse. They average 2-4 pounds in our waters and have a beautiful silver coloration with distinctive spots. Weakfish are most active in late spring through early summer, and they're absolute suckers for a well-presented fly. Their bite is subtle compared to a striper's aggressive take, so they'll teach you to pay attention to your line.
Southern Flounder might seem like an odd target for fly fishing, but they're actually a blast once you figure them out. These flatfish lie in sandy areas near structure, waiting to ambush prey. The trick is getting your fly right down to the bottom where they're sitting. When a flounder hits, there's no mistaking it - they inhale the fly and take off like a freight train. Most of our flounder run 16-20 inches, perfect for the dinner table if you're looking to keep a few.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the inshore waters, and they'll absolutely destroy a fly when they're around. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon. A bluefish blitz is one of the most exciting things you can witness on the water - birds diving, baitfish jumping, and blues slashing through the chaos. They're not picky about fly selection, but they'll test your knots and leader material. Most of our blues range from 2-8 pounds, with the occasional larger fish mixed in during peak season.
This 4-hour fly fishing adventure gives you everything you need for a top-rated New Jersey inshore experience. You'll learn new techniques, target multiple species, and fish some of the most productive waters along the coast. Our small group approach ensures everyone gets the attention they deserve, whether you're casting your first fly or perfecting your saltwater skills. The combination of quality instruction, prime fishing locations, and diverse target species makes this trip a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. Don't wait - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why New Jersey's inshore fly fishing scene has such a dedicated following.
Our restored 1995 Maritime 20' bay boat is your ticket to New Jersey's best inshore fishing spots. This classic ride got a complete makeover in 2020 and runs smooth with a reliable 90HP Yamaha. Perfect for cruising the backwaters and working those productive sod banks where striped bass love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into shallow spots without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps you on your favorite numbers and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. Whether you're learning to cast flies or already know your way around a 9-weight, this boat gets you to the jetties and flats where the action happens. Comfortable for up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for backcasts and room to move around when fighting fish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything when they're feeding. Most run up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and a serious attitude. You'll find schools of them in bays, along surf beaches, and around jetties, especially during summer months. They migrate through our waters chasing baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. They fight hard and are decent eating when handled right, though the bigger ones can be strong-tasting. Watch for bird activity - when you see diving gulls, there's likely a bluefish blitz happening below. Wire leaders are essential since they'll bite through regular line without hesitation.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in bays and shallow coastal waters. Most run 15-18 inches, though they can reach 33 inches and 20 pounds. What's cool about them is both eyes sit on one side of their head, and they change color to match the bottom perfectly. They're ambush predators that wait for prey to swim by. Fall and early winter are prime times when adults move to deeper offshore waters. They make great eating with mild, white meat. The trick with flounder is fishing slow - use light tackle with live minnows or shrimp on a sliding sinker rig, and barely move your bait along the bottom.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make New Jersey fishing special. These fish run 20-40 pounds on average, with their signature dark stripes making them easy to spot. You'll find them along jetties, around structure, and cruising the surf line where baitfish gather. They're here year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them great targets is their strong fight - they'll pull drag and test your skills. Plus, they taste fantastic on the table. The key trick I always share: watch for birds working the water. When you see diving gulls or terns, there's likely a school of hungry stripers underneath pushing bait to the surface.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are the giants of the croaker family, reaching up to 5 feet and 88 pounds, though most we catch run 7-8 pounds around 28 inches. Despite their name, these fish put up a solid fight and make distinctive croaking sounds when you bring them to the boat. They hang around deeper water from surface down to 400 feet, often near squid beds and rocky structure. Best fishing happens in cooler months when water temps hit 58-65°F. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's my go-to tip: use fresh squid for bait and let it drift naturally near the bottom. These fish can be picky, so patience pays off when targeting them.
Atlantic City