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Atlantic City's Best Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Atlantic City
- $550 - $4,400 price range
Summary
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Big Catches of the Day
A massive Striped Bass caught after an epic battle on the open water!
A big striped bass caught on a partly cloudy day!
Hooked a massive striped bass while fishing the Jersey Shore!
This massive striped bass was a catch of a lifetime!
An impressive 23-inch Striped Bass reeled in at 500 Bayshore Ave!
Reeled in a trio of tasty striped bass, flounder, and bluefish off the Atlantic City coast!
Striped bass caught while employing a variety of fishing techniques on a partly cloudy day!
Hooked a big striped bass using various techniques on a partly cloudy day!
Reeled in a big striped bass at 500 Bayshore Ave under partly cloudy skies!
A massive Striped Bass caught after an epic battle on the open water!
A big striped bass caught on a partly cloudy day!
Hooked a massive striped bass while fishing the Jersey Shore!
This massive striped bass was a catch of a lifetime!
An impressive 23-inch Striped Bass reeled in at 500 Bayshore Ave!
Reeled in a trio of tasty striped bass, flounder, and bluefish off the Atlantic City coast!
Striped bass caught while employing a variety of fishing techniques on a partly cloudy day!
Hooked a big striped bass using various techniques on a partly cloudy day!
Reeled in a big striped bass at 500 Bayshore Ave under partly cloudy skies!
A massive Striped Bass caught after an epic battle on the open water!
A big striped bass caught on a partly cloudy day!
Hooked a massive striped bass while fishing the Jersey Shore!
This massive striped bass was a catch of a lifetime!
Reel in the Big One: AC's Top Fishing Charter
Trip Overview
Hey there, angler! Ready for some serious fishing action off the Jersey Shore? Jessie James Charters has you covered with our 4 to 8-hour trips out of Atlantic City. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick morning trip before hitting the casinos or want to spend a full day on the water, we've got options to fit your schedule. We'll be targeting a mix of hard-fighting gamefish like striped bass, bluefish, and black sea bass, plus tasty flatfish like summer flounder. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a productive day no matter which species are biting. And hey, if you're new to our boat, we'll hook you up with a free Jessie James Charters t-shirt to remember your trip by!
What to Expect on the Water
Once we clear the inlet, it's time to get down to business. Depending on the season and what's running, we might start by drifting for fluke over sandy bottoms or anchoring up on a wreck to jig for sea bass. If the stripers are in, we could end up trolling bunker spoons or live-lining eels along the beach. Our crew will get you set up with the right tackle and show you the ropes if you're new to saltwater fishing. Don't worry if you're not an expert - we welcome anglers of all skill levels and will do our best to put you on fish. Just remember to bring some snacks and drinks, as meals aren't included. Oh, and don't forget to throw the mate a tip at the end of the day - these guys work hard to make sure you have a great time!
Top Catches This Season
Atlantic City's fishing grounds are known for producing some real quality catches. In the spring and fall, we often see striped bass in the 30-40 pound range, with some true cows pushing 50+ pounds not uncommon. Summer brings out the fluke, and while we catch plenty of tasty keepers in the 3-5 pound range, there's always a chance at a doormat over 10 pounds. Black sea bass fishing can be red hot, with limits of chunky 2-4 pounders a regular occurrence when we hit the right spots. And let's not forget about the bluefish - when these choppers show up, it's non-stop action with fish up to 15 pounds that'll test your drag and your forearms. No matter what time of year you join us, there's always something willing to bend a rod!
Customer Stories
"Captain Mark treated us like family from the moment we stepped aboard. Even though it wasn't the best day for fishing conditions, he still put us on the fish and shared some of his favorite flounder spots. His passion for what he does was obvious, and his crewmate Kurt brought great energy and care; especially when it came to making sure my grandfather was comfortable and included in the fun. We ended up with some keepers, and Captain Mark filleted them right there at the dock, even offering tips on how to best cook them. The experience was exceptional in every sense of the word. If you're thinking about booking a charter, do it with these guys. You won't regret it." - Matthew
"Had a great time will definitely book again" - Eric
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tautog, or blackfish as we call 'em around here, are some of the tastiest fish in the ocean. These buck-toothed bottom dwellers hang around rocky structure and put up a mean fight on light tackle. They're notoriously picky eaters, so when you feel that tell-tale tap-tap-tap, you better be ready to set the hook hard! Tautog season typically runs in the spring and fall, with some of the biggest fish showing up when the water starts to cool down. A 5-pounder is considered a nice catch, but double-digit fish aren't unheard of for those who know how to target them.
Bluefish are the bullies of the Atlantic. These toothy predators show up in force during the warmer months, often busting bait on the surface and creating what we call "blitzes." When the blues are running, it's non-stop action that'll leave your arms sore and your fish box full. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from topwater poppers to metal jigs. While most weigh in at 2-5 pounds, we occasionally tangle with "gator" blues pushing 15 pounds or more. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and table fare. These structure-loving fish can be found around wrecks and reefs, often stacked up like cordwood. We target them with diamond jigs or bait, and when you find a good spot, it's not uncommon to limit out quickly. The average keeper runs 2-3 pounds, but trophy "humpbacks" over 5 pounds are possible. Sea bass season usually kicks off in May and runs through the fall, with some of the biggest fish showing up offshore in the cooler months.
Summer flounder, better known as fluke, are the flatfish that keep anglers coming back year after year. These ambush predators lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms, ready to pounce on any baitfish that swims by. We target them by drifting with bucktails or live bait rigs, and the bite can be subtle - you've got to stay on your toes! Most keepers are in the 3-5 pound range, but every year we see some true doormats over 10 pounds come over the rail. Fluke season typically runs from May through September, with some of the biggest fish showing up in the dog days of summer.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and for good reason. These powerful gamefish can reach sizes over 50 pounds, and they put up a fight that'll test both your tackle and your stamina. We target stripers using a variety of methods, from trolling bunker spoons to casting plugs along the jetties or even live-lining eels at night. The spring and fall runs are prime time for trophy bass, but we can find resident fish throughout the summer as well. There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a big striper crush a topwater lure at first light!
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler with some of AC's finest, Jessie James Charters is the way to go. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the passion to make sure you have an awesome day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll put you on the fish and show you a great time. And remember, every trip comes with that sweet complimentary t-shirt for new clients - it's like a wearable fish story! So what are you waiting for? Give us a call and let's get your next fishing adventure on the books. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting!
Customer Reviews
Hooked on Fun
Matthew Smith-Stewart
June 16, 2025
Had a great time will definitely book again
Eric Eltz
July 17, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are bottom-dwellers with a tasty white flesh. Most weigh 1-4 pounds, but they can reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and other structure in 60-150 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months when water temps are above 55°F. Sea bass hit a variety of baits and lures, with squid and cut fish being top choices. Use a simple dropper rig with circle hooks to avoid gut-hooking these aggressive biters. When you feel that telltale thump, reel steadily - no need to set the hook hard. Sea bass put up a decent fight for their size and are excellent eating. For the biggest ones, try fishing deeper water later in summer. Just remember to check regulations, as seasons and limits can change.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you an exciting fight. They average 2-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for them near inlets, jetties, and along the coast from spring through fall. Blues travel in schools, so when you find one, you've found many. They're voracious feeders and will hit just about any lure or bait. Topwater plugs, metal jigs, and live bait all work well. Blues have razor-sharp teeth, so use wire leaders to avoid cutoffs. These fish are fun to catch but can be a handful - watch those teeth when unhooking them. For the best eating, bleed and ice them immediately. Smaller "cocktail blues" under 5 pounds are tastiest. Try grilling them with lemon and herbs for a real summer treat.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are hard-fighting fish that can reach impressive sizes. Most weigh 5-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. They migrate along the coast, so timing is key. Spring and fall are prime, with fish following bait schools. Look for them around inlets, jetties, and rips. Stripers hit a variety of lures and baits - live eels, bunker, and swimming plugs are all effective. They often feed aggressively at dawn and dusk. When hooked, stripers make powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. It's a thrill you won't forget. For eating, smaller "schoolies" under 10 pounds are best. Larger fish can be released to breed. One tip: if you see birds working over bait, get there fast - stripers are likely feeding below.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the bottom. They typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach 20+. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and along the coast in depths of 20-60 feet. They're most active from May through September when water warms. Fluke are aggressive feeders and will chase down moving baits. Try drifting with bucktails tipped with strip baits or live minnows. Work your rig with short hops along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive thump, set the hook immediately - fluke have soft mouths. They put up a decent fight and are excellent table fare. For bigger fish, try deeper water or around structure. And remember, with fluke, sometimes bigger baits catch bigger fish.
Tautog
Tautog, or blackfish, are tough fighters that hang around rocky structures. They typically weigh 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 28 pounds. You'll find them near jetties, reefs, and wrecks in waters up to 120 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are 55-65°F. Tautog put up a stubborn battle and taste great, making them popular targets. They have strong teeth for crushing shellfish, so use sturdy hooks. My go-to rig is a simple high-low setup with green crabs or clams. Work it slowly along the bottom near structure. Be patient - when you feel that distinctive tap-tap, set the hook hard and get ready for a tug-of-war. Just watch out for snags in those rocky areas.
About the T. Jason (Downeast)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 450
Captain Mark treated us like family from the moment we stepped aboard. Even though it wasn’t the best day for fishing conditions, he still put us on the fish and shared some of his favorite flounder spots. His passion for what he does was obvious, and his crewmate Kurt brought great energy and care; especially when it came to making sure my grandfather was comfortable and included in the fun. We ended up with some keepers, and Captain Mark filleted them right there at the dock, even offering tips on how to best cook them. The experience was exceptional in every sense of the word. If you’re thinking about booking a charter, do it with these guys. You won’t regret it.