New Jersey Fluke and Flounder Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting large Fluke and Flounder on wrecksProfessional gear, fish filleting, and ice included with bookingAccommodates up to six guests with all skill levels welcome
Captain Timothy Mueller knows where the big fluke hide in the New Jersey Bight, and he's ready to put you on them. This six-hour inshore charter with Sandy Hook Charters targets the deep-water wrecks and rough bottom structure where trophy doormat fluke and hefty flounder call home. You'll fish some of the most productive grounds off the Jersey coast, where the combination of structure, current, and baitfish creates perfect conditions for these prized bottom dwellers. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or a seasoned angler chasing that personal best, this trip delivers consistent action with professional guidance every step of the way.
Your day starts early as Captain Mueller fires up the engines and heads to his proven honey holes in the New Jersey Bight. This isn't your typical bay fishing – you'll be targeting deep-water structure where the big fish live. The captain runs a tight operation, positioning the boat over wrecks, rock piles, and irregular bottom contours that hold fluke, flounder, black sea bass, and scup depending on what's biting. The six-person limit means you won't be elbow-to-elbow with other anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines and fight fish without tangling up. Captain Mueller reads the water like a book, adjusting locations throughout the day based on tide, current, and where the fish are showing up on the electronics. You'll spend your time drifting structure, bouncing baits along the bottom, and working the edges where these ambush predators set up to feed.
Captain Mueller comes equipped with top-shelf rods, reels, and terminal tackle designed specifically for inshore bottom fishing. You'll be working bucktails tipped with Gulp baits – a deadly combination that drives fluke absolutely crazy. The captain also brings fresh bait including squid, killies, and strip baits that produce when the artificial stuff isn't getting bit. The tackle is sized perfectly for the species you're targeting – heavy enough to pull fish away from structure but sensitive enough to feel those subtle fluke bites. You'll learn proper drifting techniques, how to work a bucktail with the right action, and where to position your bait in the water column for maximum success. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with hooks and sinkers. All terminal tackle is included, plus the captain provides fish cleaning and bagging services so your catch goes home table-ready.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of this fishery, and the New Jersey Bight holds some genuine slabs. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Summer through early fall offers the best action as flounder move into deeper water to feed heavily before their offshore migration. A keeper flounder – anything over 18 inches – makes excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The real prize is hooking into a doormat flounder pushing 5-6 pounds that'll give you a surprising fight on the way to the surface. These fish hit hard and fast, so stay alert when your bait hits bottom.
Black Sea Bass are another target species that love the same rocky structure and wrecks you'll be fishing. These chunky fighters are aggressive feeders that often school up around structure in impressive numbers. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from keeper size around 15 inches up to trophy bass pushing 4-5 pounds. Sea bass are notorious for their hard-fighting nature – they'll dive straight for the rocks when hooked, testing your drag and the captain's boat positioning skills. The bag limit varies by season, but when they're biting, you'll have shots at multiple keeper fish throughout the day.
Scup, also known as porgy, round out the mixed bag and provide steady action when the bottom fishing is hot. These smaller fighters are abundant in New Jersey waters and eagerly take both natural and artificial baits. While they may not be the glamour species, scup are fantastic eating and fight harder than their size suggests. They school heavily around structure during summer months, often providing non-stop action between fluke and sea bass. A good scup bite can save the day when other species are finicky, and experienced anglers know these underrated fish deserve respect both on the line and on the dinner table.
This top-rated charter fills up quickly during prime fishing season, especially with the six-person limit that ensures a quality experience for everyone aboard. Captain Mueller's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has built Sandy Hook Charters a solid reputation among New Jersey anglers. Your booking includes everything you need except food and drinks – just bring your fishing license, cooler, and appetite for some serious bottom fishing action. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, bait, fish cleaning, and ice for your catch. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or solo fishing adventure, this charter delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait – secure your date now and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Jersey coast has to offer.
This 29-foot center console is your ticket to the productive fishing grounds of the New Jersey Bight. Recently restored in 2022, she's powered by twin 225HP Honda engines that'll get you to the deep-water wrecks at 45 knots where the big fluke are waiting. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Captain Mueller has her dialed in with all the essentials - fish finder to locate those rough bottom areas, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for precise positioning over structure. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're dropping bucktails on the wrecks or working gulp baits along the bottom, this boat puts you right where the fluke, sea bass, and scup are biting in New Jersey waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that average 1-3 pounds, but we regularly see 4-6 pounders around our deeper wrecks. They love structure - sunken ships, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on crabs, squid, and small fish. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight straight down to cover. Plus, they're among the best eating fish we catch. Here's something cool - they're born female and change to male as they grow larger. My go-to technique is dropping squid strips or clams right to the bottom near structure, then working the bait with short hops. They hit hard and fast, so keep that drag snug.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are silver-sided fighters that average 12-15 inches but can reach 18 inches and 4 pounds. These bottom feeders have strong jaws perfect for crushing shells and you'll find them around our wrecks, rocks, and rough structure in 30-80 feet of water. May through October is prime time when they migrate inshore - they head south and deep once cold water hits. What guests enjoy most is their scrappy fight and how they're always willing to bite, making them perfect for kids or anyone wanting steady action. They're also excellent eating and great live bait for bigger fish. Pro tip: use small hooks with squid or clam pieces and jig slowly near the bottom - they'll often hit on the drop, so stay ready when your sinker touches down.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that typically run 15-18 inches, though we've seen them push 25+ inches on good days. What makes them unique is both eyes are on the left side of their head, and they're masters of camouflage - they can change color to match whatever bottom they're sitting on. You'll find them buried in sand or mud along our wrecks and rough bottom areas, usually in 20-60 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Guests love the challenge of finding these ambush predators, plus they're outstanding table fare. My tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom and give it subtle twitches - flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so patience pays off.
New Jersey