Get ready for a day of splashing good fun and fishing action tailored just for the little anglers in your life! Our 6-hour private kids' fishing trip off the beautiful New Jersey coast is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the joys of reeling in their very own catch. With patient guidance from our experienced captain, easy-to-use gear, and plenty of fish waiting to bite, this trip promises to create lasting memories for the whole family.
From the moment you step aboard, our focus is on making sure the kiddos have a blast while staying safe. We've designed this trip with shorter attention spans in mind, packing in just the right amount of action to keep young fishers engaged without overwhelming them. Our captain will be right there to show everyone the ropes, from baiting hooks to casting lines and even how to properly handle their prize catches. Parents can kick back and relax, knowing your little ones are in good hands and having the time of their lives.
We keep things simple and fun with gear that's perfect for small hands. No complicated setups here – just straightforward rod and reel combos that make it easy for kids to feel like pros in no time. We'll start with the basics, teaching proper casting techniques and how to feel for those telltale nibbles. As the day goes on, we'll introduce more tips and tricks, like how to "set the hook" when a fish bites and the best ways to reel in different types of fish. It's hands-on learning that feels more like play than a lesson.
Striped Bass: These silver-sided beauties are a favorite target for anglers of all ages. Kids love stripers for their fighting spirit – even smaller "schoolies" can put up an exciting battle on kid-sized gear. We often find them cruising near structure or chasing bait fish, and their distinctive horizontal stripes make them easy for young anglers to identify. The best time to target striped bass is typically in the spring and fall, but we can find some year-round in New Jersey waters.
Scup (Porgy): These tasty little pan fish are perfect for introducing kids to the satisfaction of catching their own dinner. Scup are abundant in the summer months and are known for their quick, light bites that keep young anglers on their toes. They may not be the biggest fish in the sea, but their scrappy nature and willingness to bite make them a hit with the kids.
Tautog (Blackfish): Tautog, or "tog" as we call them, are the masters of structure. These buck-toothed bottom-dwellers love to hang out around rocks and reefs. Catching tog requires a bit of finesse, making them a great species for teaching kids about patience and feeling for subtle bites. They're most active in the cooler months, offering a chance for some off-season action.
Black Sea Bass: With their striking black and white coloration, sea bass are always a crowd-pleaser. These fish are curious by nature and often travel in schools, which means when you find one, you've likely found many. Kids get a kick out of how aggressively sea bass can hit a bait, and their firm, white meat makes for some fantastic fish tacos back at home. We typically target them from late spring through fall.
There's something special about watching a child's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. It's not just about catching fish – it's about building confidence, learning new skills, and spending quality time together away from screens and distractions. Our trips are designed to create those "proud parent" moments, whether it's a first fish, a personal best, or just seeing your kid totally in their element out on the water.
We take the responsibility of having your kiddos on board seriously. Our boat is equipped with all the necessary safety gear, including life jackets sized for little ones. We'll go over basic boat safety before heading out, making sure everyone knows the do's and don'ts of being on the water. But don't worry – we keep it light and fun, mixing in safety tips with fish facts and jokes to keep the mood upbeat.
To make sure your crew has the best day possible, we recommend packing a few essentials: - Sunscreen (even on cloudy days) - Hats and sunglasses for eye protection - Light, layered clothing (it can be cooler on the water) - Non-slip shoes - Snacks and drinks (we've got coolers on board) - Camera or smartphone for those "first fish" photos - Motion sickness medication if anyone's prone to seasickness
One of the best parts of our kids' trips is seeing how the experience sticks with them long after we've docked. Many of our young anglers go home with newfound enthusiasm for fishing, marine life, and the outdoors. Parents often tell us how their kids can't stop talking about their big catch or how they want to learn more about the fish they encountered. It's not uncommon for families to book return trips, with kids eager to show off their improved skills and try for even bigger fish.
Ready to give your kids an adventure they'll be bragging about for years to come? Our 6-hour private kids' fishing trip in New Jersey is the perfect way to introduce young ones to the joys of fishing or to build on their budding angler skills. With personalized attention, kid-friendly equipment, and a focus on fun and safety, this trip is designed to create lasting memories for the whole family. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season and school breaks, so don't wait to secure your spot. Book now and get ready to watch your little ones light up with excitement as they reel in their very own catch of the day!
Black sea bass are a staple for bottom fishing trips, especially popular with kids. These fish typically run 1-4 pounds, with some trophy specimens pushing 8 pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 60-120 feet of water. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and put up a good scrap on light tackle. They're most active from late spring through fall when they move inshore. Anglers love targeting sea bass for their willingness to bite and excellent table fare. A simple two-hook rig baited with squid or cut fish works great. Here's a tip: When you feel a bite, reel quickly to get the fish off the bottom before it can duck back into structure. Sea bass make for some fast action, and their firm white flesh is delicious. It's hard to beat a day of catching these tasty fish.
Scup, also called porgy, are fun little battlers that kids love to catch. These silver-sided fish usually run 8-12 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them near rocky bottoms, pilings, and wrecks in depths of 20-120 feet. Scup show up in our waters from May to October when it's warm. They're bottom feeders, so a simple rig with squid or clam bait works great. Drop it down, let it hit bottom, then reel up a couple turns. Scup have small mouths but sharp teeth, so watch your fingers! Kids get a kick out of their iridescent scales that shimmer like a rainbow. As a bonus, scup are tasty eating with delicate white meat. For the best action, fish the early morning incoming tide near structure. Scup may be small, but they're a blast to catch and perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing.
Striped bass are a favorite target for anglers in New Jersey waters. These powerful fish typically range from 20-40 pounds but can grow over 70 pounds. Look for them near structures like jetties, bridges, and rocky shorelines. They prefer cooler water, so early morning and evening are prime times. Stripers put up an impressive fight and make excellent table fare. Spring and fall are the best seasons as they migrate along the coast. To hook one, try live bait like herring or eels near moving water. A local trick is to fish the outgoing tide at inlet mouths – the bass stack up to ambush bait being swept out. Stripers can be finicky, so match your presentation to what they're feeding on. The thrill of battling a big striper and their delicious white meat keep anglers coming back for more.
Tautog, or blackfish, are a real favorite for bottom fishing enthusiasts. These stout, powerful fish love structure - you'll find them around rocks, wrecks, and jetties. Most run 2-6 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't uncommon. Tautog are notorious bait stealers with their buck teeth, so a sensitive rod is key. Green crabs are the go-to bait, but be ready to re-bait often. These fish put up a stubborn fight, using the structure to their advantage. Fall is prime time as they fatten up for winter. Tautog are prized for their delicious white meat, often compared to lobster. Here's a local tip: When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish take the bait and move off, then reel down and lift. Patience is key with these wary fish, but the challenge and great eating make it worthwhile.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yanmar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 19
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 315