Fall Striped Bass Fishing – 6 Hour AM Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour morning trip targets legendary fall striped bass runAccommodates up to six guests with all tackle and bait includedPrime Highlands location along key striped bass migration route
When the leaves start turning and that crisp fall air hits the Jersey coast, you know it's time for some of the best striped bass fishing of the year. Teacher's Pet Sport Fishing runs this top-rated 6-hour morning trip right out of Highlands, positioning you perfectly along one of the most productive stretches of the striped bass migration route. We're talking about fish that have been feeding hard all summer, now moving south in schools that can make your drag scream. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to get in on the legendary fall run that brings anglers back to Highlands year after year.
We kick off at 6:00 AM sharp, which puts us on the prime spots right when the fish are most active. The early start might sound rough, but trust me – striped bass are feeding machines in the morning, especially during the fall months when they're bulking up for their southern journey. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers aboard a well-equipped boat with an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. All your bait and tackle are provided, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or what lures to bring. The captain will have you set up with the right gear for the conditions, whether we're casting plugs, working live bait, or trolling along structure. Highlands sits right in the sweet spot where the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers meet the Atlantic, creating the perfect ambush points for hungry stripers. The rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and current breaks in this area hold fish consistently through the fall season.
Fall striper fishing around Highlands is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. When we find birds working over baitfish, we'll fire up the engines and get you into position for some fast-paced casting with topwater plugs or metal jigs. There's nothing quite like watching a 30-pound striper blow up on a surface plug in the early morning light. If the fish are holding deeper along the channels or near structure, we'll switch to live bunker or chunks, letting the current do the work while we wait for that telltale thump on the rod tip. The captain carries a full arsenal of tackle suited for everything from schoolie stripers to the big cows that cruise through these waters. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy spinning rods matched with reels that can handle long runs and serious pressure. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait fishing, helping ensure clean releases for any fish you decide to put back. The boat is rigged with quality fish finders and GPS, so we can mark productive spots and track schools as they move through the area.
Striped bass are the absolute kings of the New Jersey fall fishing scene, and Highlands puts you right in their path during the peak migration period. These fish range from scrappy 18-inch schoolies that fight like fish twice their size, all the way up to massive 40-plus pound cows that can take you into your backing before you know what hit you. Fall stripers are aggressive and well-fed, having spent the summer months gorging on bunker, sand eels, and other baitfish. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictability – one minute you're catching steady 20-pounders, and the next minute a 35-pound fish crushes your bait and takes off on a blistering run. The best fishing typically happens from late September through November, when cooler water temperatures trigger the fish to feed heavily before their migration south. Striped bass are also incredibly smart fish, which means every hookup is earned. They'll test your drag, wrap you around structure, and make you work for every fish you bring to the boat. That's exactly why landing a quality striper feels so rewarding – these fish don't give up easy, and the fight is just as memorable as the catch.
The fall striper run doesn't wait for anyone, and the best fishing windows fill up fast with repeat customers who know what Highlands delivers this time of year. This 6-hour morning trip gives you serious time on the water without burning your whole day, leaving you with plenty of energy to clean your catch and plan your next trip. With only 6 spots available, you're getting personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're a seasoned striper veteran looking to add to your fall tally or someone who's been waiting for the right opportunity to target these world-class gamefish, this trip puts you in the right place at the right time. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is locked in before you commit. The fall bite is happening now, and every day you wait is another day of prime fishing that's slipping by. Book your spot with Teacher's Pet Sport Fishing and get ready to experience why Highlands, New Jersey is considered one of the premier destinations for fall striped bass fishing on the entire East Coast.
Hit the waters off Highlands aboard this well-equipped 38' Topaz motorboat, built for serious striped bass fishing during the peak fall run. The spacious cockpit comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you work the productive inshore waters where migrating stripers move through. Stay comfortable in any weather with full air conditioning and protection from the elements. The boat's powerful engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, maximizing your time on productive water. Essential amenities include a full-size private bathroom, kitchen, and even a bed for longer trips. Modern fish finder and GPS help locate schools, while the onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wide beam design provides stable fishing platform whether you're battling fish or moving between spots along this legendary striped bass corridor.
Highlands, NJ