Fall Fishing Charters in South Amboy, NJ
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesCaptain Frank guides trips through Raritan Bay watersSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests
Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when fall rolls around, there's no better time to get out on Raritan Bay. This 6-hour inshore charter runs from October through November, targeting some of the hottest fishing action you'll find in New Jersey. We're talking prime striped bass season here, plus bluefish, flounder, weakfish, and scup all mixing it up in the same waters. You'll fish both Raritan Bay and New York Harbor - two completely different but equally productive fisheries that'll keep your rods bent all day long.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. With just 6 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Captain Frank runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed - he's the kind of guide who'll adjust the plan based on what's biting and what you want to target. The boat launches from South Amboy, giving you quick access to both the bay's shallow flats where flounder hang out and the deeper channels where stripers cruise. October and November are money months here because the water temps are dropping, bait is moving, and predator fish are feeding heavy before winter. You'll spend time drifting structure, working drop-offs, and maybe even sight-casting if conditions line up right. Bring layers because fall weather can change fast, but the fishing just gets better as it cools down.
Captain Frank matches techniques to what's working that day, but you can expect a mix of live bait fishing, jigging, and some light tackle action. For stripers, we're talking bucktails with gulp trailers, live eels when they're around, and chunk baits on the bottom. Bluefish will hit just about anything that moves - spoons, poppers, or cut bait work great. The flounder fishing involves bouncing bucktails or dropper rigs along the bottom, while weakfish respond well to soft plastics and small jigs. All tackle and bait are provided, but if you've got favorite rods, bring them along. The boat's equipped with quality gear, electronics to find fish, and Captain Frank knows exactly where to set up based on tides, weather, and recent reports. Don't worry about experience level - whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, the captain will put you on fish and help you improve your technique.
Striped bass are the main attraction during this fall window, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders in cooler water, with most running 20-35 inches and plenty of keepers in the mix. They school up around structure, following baitfish, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Stripers fight hard, make long runs, and taste fantastic on the table. Bluefish are another fall favorite - they show up in huge schools and absolutely demolish anything you throw at them. These toothy predators average 2-8 pounds and provide some of the most exciting light tackle action you'll find. Summer flounder stick around through October, lying flat on sandy bottoms and striking baits with surprising aggression. A good fluke will test your drag and your net skills.
White weakfish, also called sea trout, are underrated fighters that show up in decent numbers during fall. They're beautiful fish with soft mouths that require finesse but reward you with excellent table fare. Scup, or porgies, might not be glamorous but they're willing biters that keep action going between bigger fish. They're perfect for kids or anyone who just wants to stay busy, plus they make great bait for bigger predators. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - you never know what's coming up next, and Captain Frank positions the boat to maximize your chances at multiple species throughout the day.
Fall fishing in New Jersey doesn't last forever, and these prime weeks from October through November book up fast with returning customers. Captain Frank's local knowledge and small group approach mean you're getting a premium experience without the premium price tag. The combination of Raritan Bay and New York Harbor gives you backup options when one area's slow, and the variety of species keeps everyone engaged. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or just want to feel that rod bend with a solid striper, this charter delivers. October and November weather is usually stable, the fish are feeding, and you'll have stories to tell all winter. Don't wait too long - the season's short but the fishing's world-class when conditions align.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight once hooked. These blue-green fish with sharp teeth typically run 3-8 pounds in our waters, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love to hunt in schools, attacking baitfish like bunker and anchovies near the surface. You'll find them around structures and drop-offs throughout Raritan Bay. Fall fishing from October through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south for winter. They're excellent eating when properly bled and iced - the smaller "snappers" are especially sweet. Pro tip: use a wire leader since those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds. When you see birds diving, head that way fast.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are scrappy little fighters that show up in good numbers from May through October. These silver, deep-bodied fish usually run 8-14 inches and are perfect for kids or anyone wanting steady action. They hang around rocky areas, bridge pilings, and hard bottom in 15-50 feet of water. Fall fishing can be excellent when they school up before heading offshore. Don't let their size fool you - they fight hard for their weight and make great table fare with sweet, white meat. They're also fantastic live bait for bigger stripers. Simple bottom rig with small hooks and pieces of clam or squid works best. Fish right on the bottom and be ready - they bite fast and light.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of our local waters and what most anglers dream about hooking. These silvery fish with distinctive black stripes typically range from 20-40 pounds in our area. They're structure-oriented, hanging around bridge pilings, channel edges, and rocky areas where baitfish congregate. October and November are peak months when they're migrating south and feeding aggressively on bunker and herring. What makes them special is their powerful runs and the way they fight all the way to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating. Look for birds working or bait breaking the surface - that's where you want to be. Circle hooks with live eels at dusk near structure is hard to beat for consistency.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to grab whatever swims by. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see keepers up to 5-6 pounds around here. They love sandy flats, channel edges, and anywhere current meets structure in 10-40 feet of water. September through November is money time when they're fattening up before moving offshore. Guests love the challenge of finding them and the sweet, flaky meat that makes them New Jersey's favorite table fare. My go-to trick: use a bucktail with a long strip of squid and bounce it slow along the bottom - that flutter drives them crazy.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish, or sea trout, are beautiful silver fish with a soft mouth that gives them their name. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. They prefer deeper holes and channel edges in 15-30 feet of water, especially around soft bottom areas. Spring through fall is best, but October can be really productive when they school up. Guests enjoy their delicate fight and the way they hit lures with authority. They make excellent eating with sweet, tender meat. The key is using light tackle - 10-12 pound test max - and being gentle when fighting them since that soft mouth tears easily. Squid strips on a small jig head worked slowly along the bottom produces consistently.
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