Somers Point Bay Fishing: Prime Black Sea Bass Action
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the best inshore fishing New Jersey has to offer? Our Somers Point fishing charter puts you right in the heart of productive bay waters where Black Sea Bass and Flounder are actively feeding. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – we keep it intimate with just 6 anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be bumping elbows with strangers all morning. The 8 AM departure gets you on the prime bite when these fish are most aggressive, and three solid hours gives you real time to dial in your technique and fill the cooler.
What to Expect on the Water
This top-rated Somers Point charter targets the productive structure and drop-offs around Great Egg Harbor Bay, where the mixing currents create perfect feeding conditions for our target species. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with all the electronics needed to mark fish and structure effectively. The morning bite is typically the strongest, which is why we get you out there early – by the time recreational anglers are just launching their boats, you'll already be into the action. The bay fishing here is incredibly consistent during our season from late May through September, with the structure holding good numbers of keeper-sized Black Sea Bass and quality Flounder. Weather permitting, we'll hit multiple spots to keep you on active fish throughout the trip. The relatively protected bay waters mean this trip runs in conditions that might cancel offshore charters, making it a reliable choice for your fishing plans.
Tackle Setup & Techniques
We'll have you rigged with medium-heavy conventional or spinning setups spooled with 20-30 lb braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle Black Sea Bass taps and handling their strong initial runs near structure. The primary technique is bottom fishing with high-low rigs and bucktails tipped with squid strips or clam. These Sea Bass are structure-oriented, so we'll be working around pilings, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs where they hole up during the day. You'll want to keep steady pressure and be ready for that characteristic head shake when a bass grabs your bait. For Flounder, we'll drift the sandy edges with spinner rigs and live or fresh bait, covering ground until we locate schools. The key with Flounder is patience – they'll often mouth the bait before committing, so resist the urge to set the hook on the first tap. Our experienced crew will coach you through reading the bottom structure on the fish finder and adjusting your technique based on what the fish are telling us that particular morning.
Top Catches This Season
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this charter, and Somers Point's bay structure consistently produces quality fish in the 12-16 inch range with plenty of keepers over the 15-inch minimum size limit. These fish hit hard and fight strong for their size, making multiple runs toward structure to try and break you off. The rocky areas and artificial reefs around Great Egg Harbor Bay hold good concentrations throughout our fishing season, with the best action typically from June through early September when water temperatures are optimal. During peak summer months, it's not uncommon to boat 20-30 Sea Bass per trip with half being keeper size. The Flounder fishing adds variety to the mix, with these flatfish averaging 16-20 inches and providing excellent table fare. Summer Flounder move into the bay systems to feed on the abundant baitfish, and the sandy bottom transitions near structure are prime real estate. Both species are aggressive feeders in these productive waters, and the relatively shallow depths mean you'll feel every bite clearly – no wondering if there's something down there.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Sea Bass are the star attraction on this Somers Point charter, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish are pound-for-pound fighters that will test your drag and give you a real battle near structure. They're most active during our May through September season when water temperatures climb into their preferred range of 60-75 degrees. Black Sea Bass are curious by nature and will often investigate anything that moves near their territory, making them relatively cooperative targets when you present bait properly. What makes them so exciting to catch is their unpredictability – one minute you're feeling gentle taps, the next your rod is doubled over from a 3-pound bass making a beeline for the nearest piling. They school up around hard bottom and structure, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area. The 15-inch size limit ensures you're keeping quality fish, and their firm white meat makes them one of the best eating fish in these waters. Peak action typically occurs during the summer months when these fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves, and the bay's abundant structure provides endless opportunities to target them effectively.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite charter books up quickly during peak summer months, especially weekends when families want to get the kids on some fast action. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable and gives everyone plenty of chances at the rod without feeling rushed. Shore Thing Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish consistently, and this Somers Point trip delivers the goods for both experienced anglers and newcomers looking to learn proper bottom fishing techniques. The early morning departure maximizes your chances during the prime feeding window, and three hours gives you solid fishing time without turning it into an all-day commitment. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with fresh fillets or just want to bend some rods in productive waters, this world-class bay fishing experience delivers the quality action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on some of the most consistent inshore fishing the Jersey coast has to offer.