Hey there, angler! Ready to hit the waters off Atlantic City for some serious fishing action? Captain Mark Schrenk and the crew at Jessie James Charters have got you covered with a 4-hour trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this charter's the real deal for anyone looking to land some of Jersey's finest fish.
Picture this: You're cruising out of AC, the skyline fading behind you as the open ocean beckons. Captain Mark's got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, and he's all about getting you to the hot spots. We're talking prime fishing grounds for stripers, weakfish, fluke, blues, and even some toothy sharks. The crew's got your back, whether you need a refresher on tying knots or want to level up your technique. And hey, flexibility's the name of the game here – start times shift with the tides and conditions, so you're always fishing at the prime moment.
Alright, let's talk tackle. Jessie James Charters comes fully loaded with all the gear you need to land the big ones. We're talking sturdy rods, quality reels, and a mix of bait and lures that the local fish can't resist. Depending on what's running, you might be bottom fishing for fluke, trolling for blues, or casting plugs for stripers. The crew's always got a few tricks up their sleeve, like using circle hooks for catch-and-release or switching up to wire leaders if those sharks come calling. And don't worry if you're new to this – they'll walk you through every cast and retrieve until you're reeling 'em in like a pro.
"Even though we got a lot of bites didn't really catch alot due to the time of year. Captain and First Mate were great. Very knowledgeable and friendly, really made the trip enjoyable." - KANDICE
Bluefish: These bad boys are the brawlers of the bunch. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, blues can range from 2 to 20 pounds. They're typically in full force from spring through fall, and trust me, when a school of blues moves in, it's non-stop action. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their tasty fillets when properly prepared.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Don't let their flat appearance fool you – these bottom-dwellers put up a great fight. Fluke season usually kicks off in May and runs through September. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom, but once hooked, they'll give your rod a good workout. The bigger ones, known as "doormats," are the trophy catches everyone's after.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Jersey fishing, stripers are the fish that dreams are made of. These silver-sided, black-striped beauties can grow to over 50 pounds! Spring and fall are prime striper seasons, with many anglers chasing the famous "cow" bass – the big females that'll test your arms and your drag. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper crushing your lure.
White Weakfish: Also known as sea trout, these fish are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they present. Weakfish are most active in the spring and fall, often found around structure and in deeper channels. They're known for their soft mouths, so finesse is key when reeling them in. A good-sized weakfish can put up a surprisingly strong fight for its size.
Sandbar Shark: For those looking for a real adrenaline rush, hooking into a sandbar shark is hard to beat. These impressive predators can reach lengths of over 7 feet and put up a battle that'll have you talking for weeks. While they're typically caught and released, the sheer power and majesty of bringing one alongside the boat is an experience you won't forget. They're most common in the warmer months, adding an extra level of excitement to summer fishing trips.
Listen, if you're itching to feel that rod bend and that reel scream, Jessie James Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing Atlantic City has to offer. With Captain Mark's know-how and a boat full of eager fish waiting to be caught, you're in for a treat. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your trip. Oh, and a little insider tip – bring some cash to tip the crew (20% is standard) because trust me, after seeing how hard they work to put you on fish, you'll want to show your appreciation. So what are you waiting for? Book now and get ready to make some serious fishing memories off the Jersey coast!
August 6, 2023
Bluefish are a hard-fighting game fish that show up in our waters from mid-June through October. They typically range from 3-15 pounds but can get up to 20 pounds or more. You'll find them in open water chasing bait schools, often creating surface feeding frenzies. Bluefish are aggressive and will hit just about any lure or bait. They put up an exciting fight on light tackle. We usually troll or cast lures like poppers and metal jigs for them. Live bait like bunker also works great. One local tip - look for birds diving on the water, that's often a sign of bluefish feeding on the surface. Just be careful handling them, they have razor-sharp teeth! Bluefish are good eating when prepared fresh, with a rich, oily flavor. Overall, they're a blast to catch and a summertime favorite for many anglers.
Sandbar sharks are one of the larger coastal shark species we encounter, typically 5-7 feet long. You'll find them in nearshore waters over sandy or muddy bottoms, especially in summer when they move into bays and estuaries. They're not as aggressive as some sharks, but still put up a strong, determined fight. We usually fish for them from an anchored boat using heavy tackle and wire leaders. Fresh oily baits like mackerel work best. Sandbar sharks aren't considered good eating, so we practice catch and release. Late summer is prime time when water temperatures peak. One local tip is to chum the water to draw them in - the scent trail brings curious sharks from a distance. Overall, hooking into one of these powerful predators is an exciting experience for anglers looking for a challenge.
Striped bass are one of our most prized gamefish here in New Jersey. These powerful fish average 15-30 pounds but trophy fish over 50 pounds are caught every year. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and rivers, often near structure or following bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate along the coast. They put up an epic fight, making blistering runs and diving deep. We catch them trolling, jigging, or casting lures and live bait. Stripers are excellent eating, with firm white meat. One local tip is to look for birds working the water - that often means stripers are feeding on bait below. Overall, hooking into a big striper is an unforgettable thrill that keeps anglers coming back year after year. There's nothing quite like the power of a big bass on the end of your line.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a popular flatfish we target from spring through fall. They average 2-5 pounds but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find fluke on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure like wrecks or reefs. They're ambush predators, lying camouflaged on the bottom waiting to pounce on prey fish. We usually drift fish for them, bouncing jigs or live bait along the bottom. Fluke put up a decent fight for their size and are excellent table fare. The meat is white, flaky and mild-tasting. Summer is prime time, when they move into shallower bays and inlets to feed. One local trick is to use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish - that combo is irresistible to big fluke. Overall, they're a fun species that both novice and experienced anglers enjoy targeting.
Weakfish, also called sea trout, are a colorful species we target from spring through fall. They typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 15 pounds. You'll find them in bays, inlets and nearshore waters, often around structure like jetties or bridges. They feed actively at dawn and dusk. Weakfish put up a good fight on light tackle and are known for their soft mouths, which can make them tricky to land. We usually catch them drifting or casting soft plastics, jigs, or live bait. They're excellent eating, with delicate white flesh. Spring and fall are prime seasons when big spawning fish move inshore. One local trick is to use a pink soft plastic lure - weakfish seem to love that color. Overall, they're a fun species to target and a great option when other fish aren't biting.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
Even though we got a lot of bites didn't really catch alot due to the time of year. Captain and First Mate were great. Very knowledgeable and friendly, really made the trip enjoyable.