Fishing Charter Brigantine | Striper in the Bays
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target trophysized Striped Bass in Brigantine's productive bay watersExperienced guides provide safety expertise and local fishing knowledgeSmall group charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Looking for some serious striper action without the long haul to the deep water? Our Brigantine bay fishing charters put you right where the fish are feeding, and trust me – these stripers don't mess around. We're talking about some of the most productive waters along the Jersey coast, where the back bays hold trophy fish year-round. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines while our experienced captains put you on the fish. The protected bay waters mean we can fish in conditions that would keep other boats tied to the dock, making this your go-to option when the weather gets sketchy offshore.
The moment we push off from the dock, you'll see why Brigantine's back bay system is legendary among local anglers. These waters are like a massive nursery and feeding ground rolled into one – shallow flats that warm up quick in spring, deep channels where big fish cruise, and structure that holds baitfish like a magnet. We'll be working everything from the marshy edges where stripers ambush prey to the deeper holes where they stack up during tide changes. The beauty of bay fishing is the variety – one cast you're working a shallow flat, the next you're dropping down into a 20-foot channel. Our boats are rigged specifically for this type of fishing, with shallow drafts that let us get into spots the bigger charter boats can't reach. You'll spend your day covering water, reading conditions, and learning why the locals guard these spots so closely.
Bay fishing for stripers is all about matching your approach to the conditions and the fish's mood. We'll start most trips with live bait – bunker, herring, or eels depending on what's around – because nothing beats the real deal when these fish are feeding. We run both conventional and spinning tackle, typically in the 20-30 pound class, which gives you enough muscle to turn a big fish away from structure but still lets you feel every head shake. When the fish are actively feeding, we'll switch to artificials – bucktails tipped with soft plastics work magic in these waters, and topwater plugs during dawn and dusk can produce some heart-stopping strikes. The key is staying mobile and reading the water. We use our fish finder to locate bait schools and structure, but a lot of it comes down to experience – knowing which points hold fish on different tides, where the current creates ambush spots, and how water temperature affects fish behavior. Bring a good pair of pliers and be ready to learn some new knots, because these bay fish can be surprisingly tackle-shy.
Striped Bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason – Brigantine's bays produce some of the most consistent striper fishing on the East Coast. These fish range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to true cows pushing 40 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time when the fish are migrating, but don't sleep on summer fishing – the resident population stays active if you know where to look. Stripers are ambush predators that use structure, current, and cover to their advantage. They'll sit in a deep channel waiting for baitfish to get swept by the current, or cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and worms. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictability – one minute they're slamming topwater plugs in two feet of water, the next they're hugging bottom in the deepest part of a channel. When you hook into a keeper striper, you'll know it immediately. They make powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump, especially the smaller fish.
Bluefish are the aggressive cousins that show up in numbers when conditions are right. These fish are pure predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Blues typically run in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're most active during warmer months and absolutely destroy baitfish schools, creating some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll experience. The best part about targeting blues is their willingness to hit artificials – they'll crush spoons, poppers, and soft plastics with reckless abandon. A feeding blitz of bluefish is something every angler should experience at least once. Just make sure to bring a wire leader, because those teeth will slice through mono or fluorocarbon like it's not even there.
Black Sea Bass round out the trio and are absolute fun on light tackle. While not as large as their offshore cousins, bay black sea bass are scrappy fighters that make excellent table fare. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around rocks, wrecks, and any hard bottom they can find. What makes them great targets for bay fishing is their year-round presence – even when stripers and blues are scarce, you can usually count on finding some sea bass around structure. They're also perfect for anglers who want to put some fish in the cooler, as they're one of the best eating fish in our waters. Most of our bay sea bass run 12-16 inches, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, they fight harder than almost anything else we target.
This type of fishing is exactly why so many anglers become completely obsessed with the sport. You get all the excitement of offshore fishing – multiple species, consistent action, and the chance at trophy fish – without the long runs or rough seas. Our Brigantine bay charters are perfect whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a productive day on the water or someone just getting into saltwater fishing. The protected waters mean we can fish when other boats are stuck at the dock, and the variety of species keeps things interesting all day long. With only 6 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. These bay fishing spots have been producing for decades, and they're not going anywhere – but the fish don't wait around forever. Book your
Get ready to chase stripers through Brigantine's productive bay waters aboard this beautifully restored 35-foot Henriques Downeast. Originally built in 1981 and lovingly refurbished in 2002, she's powered by a reliable 350 HP Cummins that'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the hot spots at a steady 20 knots. The fish finder will help locate those schooling bass while the GPS keeps you on productive structure. When the fog rolls in, the radar ensures safe navigation back to port. Between fishing runs, grab a cold drink from the icebox or take a break in the comfortable cabin. With onboard facilities including a head and sleeping quarters, you're set for those extended sessions when the fish are biting.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that are perfect for families and anglers wanting steady action. They typically run 1-4 pounds around our local wrecks and structure, with occasional 6+ pounders keeping things interesting. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water from late spring through summer when they move inshore. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their bulldogging fight - they'll try to get back to their rocky hideouts. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's something cool - they start life as females and change to males as they grow. My go-to technique is dropping squid strips or clam on a two-hook rig right to the bottom near structure. Keep your bait moving slightly - they like a little action.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that show up in our Brigantine waters from late spring through early fall. Most run 2-10 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they fight like fish twice their weight. You'll find them in schools attacking baitfish in the surf, around jetties, and in the back bays where they create feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Summer is prime time when they're actively hunting in shallow water. What guests love about blues is their willingness to hit almost anything and their acrobatic fights. They're also great eating when fresh - just bleed them right away and keep them cold. Fair warning though: watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them. Pro tip from years of guiding here - when you see diving birds or baitfish jumping, get your lures in there fast. Blues don't stay in one spot long.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our bay fishing here in Brigantine. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we see trophy fish pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. They love structure - look for them around jetties, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action as they follow their migration route along our coast. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they'll test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when the water temperature hits that 55-68 degree sweet spot, fish the moving water during tide changes. That's when these fish really turn on and start feeding aggressively.
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