World Class Private Ocean Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private fishing trips accommodate up to 6 guests comfortablyTarget bottom fish like flounder or pelagic species trollingAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided for convenience
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that puts you right in the action? Running Tide Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want – a private charter experience where you call the shots. Whether you've got 4 hours to burn or want to make it a full 8-hour day on the water, this Atlantic Ocean fishing trip is built around your crew of up to 6 people. No crowded boats, no fighting for rail space, just you and your group with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Here's the deal – everything's taken care of so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler. Your tackle box stays at home because we've got you covered with quality bait, tackle, and ice-cold water. The real choice comes down to how you want to fish these Atlantic waters. If you're the type who likes to feel that thump on the bottom, our nearshore reef and wreck fishing is where you'll find the action. These underwater structures are fish magnets, holding everything from doormat flounder to chunky sea bass. On the flip side, if you'd rather cover water and feel that screaming drag, trolling for pelagics gets your heart pumping as we pull lures through prime feeding zones. Just let the captain know your preference when you book, and he'll put you on the fish. The boat runs smooth, the crew knows their stuff, and the Atlantic Ocean off our coast has been producing consistent catches all season long.
Reef and wreck fishing means dropping baits to structure where the big boys hang out. We're talking 30 to 80 feet of water, using circle hooks with fresh bait to tempt those bottom dwellers off their hideouts. The captain will position the boat up-current from productive wrecks and reefs, letting you drift your offerings down to where flounder, sea bass, and tautog are waiting. It's all about reading the fish finder, understanding the current, and keeping your bait in the strike zone. When we switch to trolling mode, it's a different game entirely. We'll pull a spread of lures at varying depths and speeds, covering miles of water to intercept schools of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito as they cruise the offshore waters. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into, and the crew will have you hooked up to fish, not tangled in someone else's line. Whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning the ropes, the captain adjusts techniques to match your skill level while maximizing your chances of a successful day.
Summer flounder are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips, and these Atlantic waters have been producing some real slabs. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, waiting to hammer anything that looks like an easy meal. You'll find them in 20 to 60 feet of water, and the bigger "doormat" flounder often hit during the slack tide periods. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is their fight – they pull hard and stay deep, using their flat profile to plane through the water like a submarine. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh flounder fillets on the dinner table. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in deeper water as temperatures cool.
Tautog, or "tog" as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the reef. These hard-fighting fish have crushing jaws designed to crack open crabs and mussels, which means they can straighten hooks and break lines if you're not ready for them. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from their rocky homes, making them perfect targets for wreck and reef fishing. Tog fishing is all about precision – you need to get your bait right in their kitchen and be ready for that subtle pickup before they retreat to their rocky fortress. The best tog fishing typically happens in cooler months, and these fish are prized for their sweet, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish dinner.
Black sea bass round out our target species and they're customer favorites for good reason. These aggressive predators hit hard and fight tough, often trying to dive straight back to structure when hooked. Sea bass are opportunistic feeders that will grab everything from squid strips to metal jigs, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They travel in schools around reefs and wrecks, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more in the area. Sea bass have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, and the current regulations allow for some great fishing while ensuring healthy populations for the future. Their firm white meat makes them excellent table fare, and their willingness to bite makes them perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged throughout the trip.
This private charter experience delivers exactly what Atlantic Ocean fishing should be – personalized, productive, and built around your crew's preferences. With quality tackle provided and a captain who puts you on fish, all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, your favorite beverages, and an appetite for some world-class fishing action. Whether you choose the 4-hour trip for a quick fishing fix or go all-in with the 8-hour adventure, Running Tide Charters has earned their reputation by putting customer satisfaction first. The Atlantic has been fishing well, the weather's been cooperating, and boats are coming back with coolers full of quality fish. Don't let another weekend pass without getting out there – book your private ocean fishing trip today and see why anglers keep coming back to these proven Atlantic waters.
Get ready to fish the Atlantic aboard our 25' World Cat catamaran! This twin-engine beast runs on 150HP Yamaha outboards, cutting through ocean swells at 30 knots to get you to the best fishing spots fast. The spacious catamaran design keeps things stable when you're battling bottom fish on the reefs or trolling for pelagics in deeper water. Stay cool with onboard air conditioning between hookups, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Sea Bass, Flounder, and Tautog on structure. When targeting Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, the wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly without spooking fish. Your catch stays fresh in the icebox, and GPS navigation ensures we hit productive wrecks and reefs every time. Built for serious anglers, this rig comfortably handles up to 6 fishermen with room to move around when the action heats up. Whether you choose 4 or 8 hours on the water, this catamaran delivers the stability and speed needed for productive Atlantic Ocean fishing adventures.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family love hanging around structure and put up a great fight until they hit the surface. Most run under 4 pounds, but 6-8 pounders show up regularly on deeper wrecks. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move inshore to spawn and feed. They're aggressive biters and excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips - they school up tight, so once you find them, you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot before they wise up.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise - they'll change color to match the bottom and ambush prey with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but you might hook into a real doormat pushing 26 pounds. We find them on sandy bottoms near wrecks and reefs, usually in 20-80 feet of water. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. They put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare. The key is keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom - Summer flounder won't chase a static bait like other species will.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are the bulldogs of the wreck - thick, muscular fish with crushing jaws built for eating crabs and mussels. Most weigh 1-3 pounds, but 6-8 pounders lurk around the deeper structure. You'll find them tight to rocky bottoms, wrecks, and jetties where they can hide and feed. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps are stable. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut you off in the rocks, and they're fantastic eating. Here's the trick: crush up some green crab shells and drop the pieces around your fishing spot first - creates a feeding frenzy that'll bring them right to your hook.
Ocean City, MD