New Jersey Fluke and Flounder Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting Fluke and Flounder on deep wrecks.Professional tackle, fish filleting, and ice included with booking.Captain Mueller uses specialized techniques for productive New Jersey waters.
Looking for a solid day of bottom fishing in some of New Jersey's most productive waters? Captain Timothy Mueller's six-hour charter targets the deep-water wrecks and structure-rich areas of the New Jersey Bight where big fluke and flounder make their home. This isn't your typical half-day drift – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish on the productive grounds that separate the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. With room for up to six people, this charter strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands on deck without turning your fishing trip into a crowded mess.
Captain Mueller knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing what makes certain spots productive while others are just pretty to look at. You'll spend your day working over wrecks and rough bottom areas where fluke and flounder set up ambush points for baitfish. The New Jersey Bight offers some of the most consistent bottom fishing on the East Coast, with structure that holds fish year after year. Don't expect to just drop a line and wait – this is active fishing where you'll learn to read the bottom, feel the bite, and work different presentations based on what the fish are telling you. The six-hour timeframe gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without rushing, plus allows for those inevitable moves when the bite slows down or the current shifts.
Captain Mueller comes prepared with an arsenal of proven techniques that put fish in the boat when others are struggling. Bucktails tipped with Gulp artificials are a staple for covering water and triggering aggressive strikes from active fluke. Fresh bait options include squid strips, killies, and spearing – whatever's working best based on recent conditions and seasonal patterns. All the professional-grade rods and reels are provided, along with a full selection of sinkers, hooks, and terminal tackle suited for the depth and current you'll be fishing. The captain adjusts his approach based on tide, weather, and what the fish are showing him on the electronics. Some days call for aggressive jigging presentations, while others require a more finesse approach with lighter tackle and natural baits. You'll learn why certain rigs work better in specific situations and how small adjustments can make the difference between a slow pick and a wide-open bite.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of this fishery, with fish ranging from keeper-sized specimens up to true doormat-class flatfish that'll have you questioning your drag settings. These ambush predators lie in wait near structure and current breaks, often in 30 to 60 feet of water where they can intercept baitfish moving with the tide. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest specimens typically showing up during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What makes flounder so appealing to anglers is the combination of their excellent table fare and the technical challenge they present – feeling that subtle tap and knowing when to set the hook separates novice anglers from experienced bottom fishermen.
Scup, commonly called porgy, provide consistent action when the fluke bite slows down and are particularly active during the warmer months. These aggressive feeders travel in schools and once you find them, you can often fill your cooler quickly. They're not particularly large – most range from half a pound to two pounds – but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Scup are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that works well in various preparations. They're also perfect for newer anglers to build confidence, as they bite aggressively and fight harder than their size would suggest.
Black Sea Bass round out the primary target species and are hands-down one of the most popular bottom fish along the New Jersey coast. These structure-oriented fish rarely venture far from their home wrecks and rockpiles, making them predictable targets when you know where to look. Sea bass are curious and aggressive, often grabbing baits before they reach the bottom. They typically range from one to four pounds in these waters, with occasional larger specimens that'll surprise you. Their season is carefully regulated, so timing your trip during open periods is crucial. What anglers love most about sea bass is their consistent bite and excellent eating quality – firm, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table.
This charter delivers exactly what serious bottom fishermen are looking for – access to productive waters with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The six-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time without feeling crowded, while the included fish cleaning service means you'll head home with properly filleted fish ready for the table. Captain Mueller provides all the gear, tackle, and ice you'll need, so just bring your refreshments and be ready for a legitimate day of fishing. The New Jersey Bight's reputation for consistent bottom fishing didn't happen by accident – these waters produce fish year after year for anglers who know where to look and how to fish them properly. Book your date now and see why this charter keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Timothy Mueller's restored 29-foot center console is built for serious fluke fishing in the New Jersey Bight. This 2006 boat got a complete makeover in 2022 and runs on twin 225HP Honda engines that'll get you to the productive wrecks and rough bottom areas at 45 knots. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers comfortably while you work the deep water for those big flounder. She's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to mark the hotspots, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for precise positioning over structure. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and there's a head for convenience during those long fishing days. Perfect setup for targeting fluke with bucktails and Gulp while staying comfortable on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that love hanging around wrecks and rocky structure in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we see some real doormat males pushing 8+ pounds on the deeper wrecks. They're most active late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn - that's when the big males turn bright blue with prominent humps on their heads. What guests love about sea bass is their aggressive strike and strong initial run before they tire out near the surface. The fillets are outstanding - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's my go-to trick: drop a bucktail tipped with squid or Gulp right to the bottom near structure, then work it with short hops. They'll usually nail it on the fall.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are silver-sided bottom feeders that show up in good numbers during our warmer months from May through October. They typically run 12-16 inches and have strong jaws built for crushing shells and crabs around wrecks and rocky bottom. These fish migrate inshore when water temps rise, making summer our prime time for targeting them. While they're not big fighters, scup are excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also great beginner fish since they bite readily on squid, clams, and worms. Pro tip: when you find one scup, there's usually a school nearby. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom with small jigs or a simple high-low rig - they'll often hit on the drop.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud on the bottom, waiting to strike at passing bait. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 20 pounds. What makes them unique is both eyes are on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. You'll find them around sandy and muddy areas in shallow coastal waters, especially near structure. They're most active during fall migration when they move offshore for winter. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and flaky. Here's a local tip: when drift fishing with live bait, let your rig settle completely and wait for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. Flounder often mouth the bait before fully committing.
New Jersey