Ready for a quick getaway on the water that'll still put some fish in the cooler? Our Half Day Morning Fishing Trip out of Wildwood, NJ is just the ticket. We'll spend about 2-3 hours actively fishing, with a short cruise out and back. Whether you're itching to troll for some hard-fighting bluefish or try your luck at bottom fishing for tasty sea bass, we've got you covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the Jersey shore!
We'll meet up at the dock about 10 minutes before cast-off time. Once everyone's aboard, we'll motor out to the fishing grounds - usually takes us 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where the fish are biting. No need to fuss with gear or licenses; we've got all that sorted for you. The morning air can be a bit crisp, so layer up. As we get further out, keep your eyes peeled for diving birds - that's often a dead giveaway for where the fish are schooling up. We'll spend a solid chunk of time either trolling or bottom fishing, adapting our approach based on what's biting that day.
On this trip, we'll likely use two main fishing methods: trolling and bottom fishing. When we're trolling, we'll be cruising along at a steady clip, dragging lines behind the boat. This is how we target those speedy fish like bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and bonito. It's a great way to cover water and find the active schools. When we switch to bottom fishing, we'll drop anchor or drift over productive spots. We'll use weighted rigs to get our bait down where the black sea bass and flounder hang out. Both techniques are beginner-friendly, but they'll give even seasoned anglers a good time. I'll walk you through everything, so don't sweat it if you're new to this.
"Captain Joseph Lyons and Tara Anne Sport Fishing provided an unforgettable fishing experience in Wildwood! Joseph's expertise and friendly demeanor ensured we had a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend!" - Matthews
"Captain Joseph Lyons and Tara Anne Sport Fishing exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly attitude made our fishing trip both fun and productive. A must-do in Wildwood!" - Michael
"Our experience with Tara Anne Sport Fishing and Captain Joseph Lyons was phenomenal! Joseph's passion for fishing and dedication to customer satisfaction made our trip perfect." - Emily
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. We usually find them in schools, so when we hit a hot spot, it can be non-stop action. They're most active in the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Anglers love targeting Spanish mackerel for their fight and their tasty, firm flesh.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They're aggressive feeders with a mouthful of sharp teeth, so hang on tight when you hook one! Bluefish can show up any time from spring through fall, but they're especially thick during their fall run. These guys are popular for their strong flavor and the sheer excitement of the catch.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers are a favorite for their excellent table fare. They've got a distinctive black coloration (hence the name) and can grow to a decent size. We find them around structure like wrecks and reefs. The bigger ones, which anglers call "humpbacks," put up a good fight on light tackle. They're available year-round, but the bigger ones tend to move inshore during summer.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Flounder fishing is an art form around here. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. When you're reeling one up, they often spiral, creating a unique feel on the line. They're most active in the warmer months, hence the name "summer" flounder. Anglers prize them for their delicate, sweet flavor.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their size fool you - bonito pack a punch! These small tuna relatives are speed demons, known for their powerful runs. They typically show up in our waters during the warmer months, often mixed in with mackerel schools. Bonito are a blast to catch on light tackle, and they make for some excellent eating if you like stronger-flavored fish.
So there you have it, folks - a morning of fishing that packs in all the excitement without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy some time on the water, this trip's got something for everyone. We keep the group size small, maxing out at 6 people, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the fish! So why not grab your crew and join us for a morning of reel fun on the Jersey shore? The fish are waiting, and so are we. Let's make some waves and memories!
August 10, 2023
Captain Joseph Lyons and Tara Anne Sport Fishing exceeded our expectations! His knowledge of the area and friendly attitude made our fishing trip both fun and productive. A must-do in Wildwood!
August 18, 2023
Our experience with Tara Anne Sport Fishing and Captain Joseph Lyons was phenomenal! Joseph's passion for fishing and dedication to customer satisfaction made our trip perfect.
June 16, 2023
What an incredible fishing adventure with Tara Anne Sport Fishing! Captain Joseph Lyons's expertise and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. Highly recommend!
May 18, 2023
Our family had a wonderful experience with Tara Anne Sport Fishing and Captain Joseph Lyons. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories.
October 12, 2023
Atlantic Bonito are speed demons that'll make your reel sing. These streamlined members of the tuna family usually run 2-6 pounds but can top 10. You'll find them in fast-moving schools near the surface, often chasing bait in coastal waters. Bonito show up here in late spring and stick around into fall. They're lightning-fast and put up an awesome fight on light tackle. While not as prized for eating as their tuna cousins, they're still good on the grill. To catch bonito, try trolling small lures or casting metal jigs into feeding schools. A local tip - watch for birds diving on bait. That often means bonito are feeding below. These fish can be picky, so experiment with lure sizes and retrieval speeds. When you find the right combo, hang on tight - bonito can rip line off your reel in a hurry!
Black Sea Bass are bottom-dwellers with attitude. These tasty fish typically run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them hanging around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 60-120 feet of water. The season here opens in May and fishing stays good through fall. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're also one of the best-eating fish in the ocean. To catch 'em, drop baited hooks or jigs right to the bottom. Squid, clams, and cut fish all work well. Here's a tip - when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Sea bass tend to school up, so work an area thoroughly once you get bites. The bigger males, with their distinctive blue humps, often hang in slightly deeper water.
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll test your skills. These toothy predators average 3-5 pounds but can top 20 pounds. You'll find them cruising in schools near the surface, often in our bays and along the coast. Bluefish season here kicks off in June and runs into October. They're famous for their feeding frenzies - you might see them churning up the water as they attack bait schools. That's when the action gets wild. Bluefish hit hard and fight dirty, making them a blast to catch. They're also good eating when prepared right. To land one, try casting metal lures or live bait like bunker chunks. A word of advice - watch those teeth when unhooking them. Bluefish have a nasty bite, so pliers are your friend. When they're on, the fishing can be non-stop excitement.
Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. These streamlined fish typically range from 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. Look for them in large schools near the surface, often in coastal waters less than 100 feet deep. They're most active here in Wildwood from late spring through fall when water temps warm up. Mackerel put up an exciting fight on light tackle and make great eating too. To catch 'em, try trolling small, shiny lures or live bait like sardines or mullet. A local trick is to watch for diving birds - that often means a school of Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. These fish can be finicky, so vary your retrieve speed until you find what works. Just be ready for some lightning-fast runs when you hook up!
Summer Flounder, also called fluke, are oddball flatfish that are a ton of fun to catch. They typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters. The season here usually runs May through September. Flounder are ambush predators - they lie camouflaged on the bottom, then pounce on prey. They put up a unique fight, using their flat bodies to resist being reeled in. And man, are they good eating. To catch fluke, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or soft plastics near the bottom. Here's a local trick - when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth. Then reel steadily to hook 'em in the corner of the jaw.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 330
Captain Joseph Lyons and Tara Anne Sport Fishing provided an unforgettable fishing experience in Wildwood! Joseph's expertise and friendly demeanor ensured we had a fantastic day on the water. Highly recommend!