Somers Point Flounder Fishing Adventure
If you're looking for some serious flounder action in South Jersey waters, you've found the right trip. Shore Thing Charters runs a top-rated 4-hour afternoon fishing charter that puts you right where the summer flounder are hanging out. Starting at 12:30 PM, this private trip gives your group of up to 6 anglers the perfect window to hit those productive afternoon bite times when the fluke are most active. We fish both bay and coastal waters around Somers Point, adjusting our game plan based on where the fish are biting best that day.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – you're getting a private charter experience where the captain can focus entirely on putting your group on fish. The afternoon timing works perfectly for flounder fishing since these flatfish tend to feed more aggressively as the day warms up and baitfish become more active. You'll be fishing prime fluke territory in the back bays and near-shore waters that Somers Point is famous for. The captain knows every productive drift, every piece of structure, and every tide change that makes the difference between a slow day and a cooler full of keeper fluke. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing trip or you're seasoned anglers wanting to get away from the crowds, this setup gives everyone room to fish comfortably and learn proper flounder techniques.
Drift Fishing Techniques
Flounder fishing is all about working the bottom with the right presentation, and that's where this charter shines. You'll be drift fishing over sandy bottoms, drop-offs, and structure where summer flounder like to ambush baitfish. The boat carries all the tackle you need – medium-heavy spinning setups spooled with braided line for better bottom contact, plus a full selection of bucktails, fluke rigs, and sinkers to match the conditions. The key technique here is the bounce and drag method – letting your rig hit bottom, then slowly lifting and dragging it to mimic a wounded baitfish. Squid strips and spearing are the go-to baits, though gulp artificials work great too when the fish are aggressive. The captain will show you how to feel for that subtle flounder bite – it's not always the hard slam you might expect, but more like picking up weight or a soft tap-tap on your rod tip.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Summer flounder are the star of this show, and for good reason – they're some of the best eating fish in New Jersey waters and put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish. These guys typically range from 14 inches up to doormat-sized fish pushing 25+ inches and several pounds. The season runs from May 16th through September 15th, which perfectly matches when these fish migrate into our local waters to feed heavily before heading back offshore. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – one drift might produce nothing, then the next drift you're doubling up on keeper fish. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand with just their eyes showing, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. When they strike, they often hit fast and head straight back to the bottom, which means you need to set the hook quickly and keep steady pressure. The bigger fish are incredibly strong and will use their broad, flat bodies to fight you all the way to the boat. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of perfectly filleting a fresh fluke and knowing you've got some of the finest table fare the ocean has to offer waiting for dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Shore Thing Charters has built a solid reputation running these flounder trips because they consistently put anglers on fish while providing a relaxed, educational experience on the water. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different spots without feeling rushed, and the private charter setup means you're not competing with dozens of other lines in the water. The afternoon departure works great if you want to sleep in a bit or take care of morning errands before heading out. With the seasonal window from mid-May through mid-September, you're fishing during peak flounder activity when these fish are most abundant in local waters. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak summer months when the fluke fishing is at its absolute best.