Somers Point Family Bay Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Three-hour private charter targeting Black Sea Bass and FlounderEarly morning departure at 8:00 AM for optimal fishing conditionsSeasonal trips available May 25 through September 30
Picture this: you're out on the calm waters of Somers Point at first light, coffee still warming your hands, watching your rod tip dance as black sea bass hammer your bait below. This isn't some crowded party boat scene – it's your private 3-hour fishing charter with Shore Thing Charters, where up to 6 of your crew get the bay all to yourselves. We're talking prime time fishing from May through September, when the water's warm and the fish are feeding heavy. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler, this Somers Point charter hits different than anything you'll find in the bigger ports.
We kick off at 8 AM sharp – and trust me, that early start pays off big time. The fish are most active in those morning hours before the sun climbs high and the recreational traffic picks up. You'll be fishing the productive waters around Somers Point, where the back bay structure holds plenty of keeper-sized black sea bass and flounder. This isn't a cattle boat operation where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers; with just 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of room to work and the captain's full attention when you need help with technique or untangling a bird's nest. The boat's equipped with all the essentials – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can show up ready to fish without hauling a garage worth of gear. We'll move between spots based on what the fish are telling us, reading the electronics and adjusting our approach as conditions change throughout the morning.
This charter's all about bottom fishing with conventional tackle – nothing fancy, just proven techniques that put fish in the boat. We're dropping high-low rigs loaded with fresh squid, clams, and whatever bait's been producing lately. The beauty of fishing around Somers Point is the variety of structure – from shell beds to deeper channels where the big flounder like to hang out. You'll be working 15-30 foot depths mostly, perfect for feeling every nibble and getting a good fight out of even modest-sized fish. The captain will show you how to read your rod tip, when to set the hook, and how to work a fish up from the bottom without losing it to the structure. Kids pick up the technique fast, and experienced anglers appreciate the finesse required when the fish are being picky. We keep the tackle light enough that everyone can handle their own fish, but heavy enough to muscle a good-sized sea bass away from the rocks when you hook into one.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this charter, and for good reason – they're aggressive feeders, fun to catch, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. These chunky fighters typically run 12-18 inches around Somers Point, with the occasional keeper pushing 3-4 pounds when you find the right spots. They love structure, so we'll be working around shell beds, rocks, and channel edges where they set up to ambush baitfish. Sea bass hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad bodies and powerful tails to try bulldogging back to cover. The great thing about targeting them from May through September is you're fishing during their most active feeding period, when water temps are perfect and they're fattening up. They're curious fish too – often you'll see them following your bait up on the fishfinder before committing to the bite.
Flounder fishing adds a different dimension to the charter, requiring a bit more patience and technique than the aggressive sea bass. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in the sand waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Around Somers Point, we typically find them in 15-25 feet of water along channel edges and drop-offs. Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, can be tricky – they might mouth the bait softly before taking it, so you need to stay connected and feel for that subtle weight. When you hook a good one, though, they put up a surprising fight for a flatfish, making long runs and using their flat profile to create maximum resistance. The eating quality is top-notch, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to a classic shore dinner.
This private charter books up fast during peak season, especially weekends when families want to get the kids on the water. The 3-hour format is perfect – long enough to hit multiple spots and fill some coolers, but short enough that younger anglers stay engaged the whole time. You're getting access to prime Somers Point fishing grounds with a captain who knows where the fish are biting, quality gear that's maintained and ready to fish, and the kind of personalized attention you just can't get on a crowded head boat. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating a birthday, or just want to scratch that fishing itch with your buddies, this charter delivers the goods. The season runs May 25 through September 30, so you've got plenty of opportunities to get out there when conditions are right. Don't wait until the last minute – grab your spot now and get ready to see why Somers Point keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our 27-foot World Cat catamaran cuts through the waters around Somers Point with twin 250 Honda engines, giving you the power to reach prime fishing spots quickly. This stable platform handles backcountry waters with ease, whether you're chasing Black Sea Bass or working the flats for Flounder. The wide deck gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer days on the bay. GPS and radar ensure we stay on productive structure, even when morning fog rolls in. The head means no cutting trips short, and with space for six anglers, there's plenty of room for the whole crew to fish comfortably. From the launch at 501 Launch Ave, this cat gets you to where the fish are biting fast, then provides a smooth ride home with your cooler full.
Atlantic City