Somers Point Fishing Charters
Somers Point fishing charters work the back bays, tidal creeks, and nearshore waters for flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and tautog.
Top Rated Charters in Somers Point
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Somers Point, New Jersey —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Somers Point, NJ Fishing Guide
Somers Point, NJ, is a gateway to both the protected back bay fishery of Great Egg Harbor Bay and the productive nearshore Atlantic waters just outside the inlet. Most local charters offer half-day and full-day trips, with spring and fall striped bass runs being big draws. Specialty options include night trips for weakfish and striper, as well as wreck and reef runs targeting tautog, sea bass, and triggerfish. Inshore trips often stay within a few miles of shore, fishing channels, flats, and sod banks, while nearshore runs may push 5–15 miles out to hit reefs like the Ocean City Reef or Great Egg Reef.
The back bay fishery is built on winding channels such as Rainbow Channel and Ship Channel, along with flats that hold summer flounder in warmer months. Launch points are typically from Somers Point Municipal Boat Ramp or nearby marinas along Bay Avenue. From spring through late fall, the bite shifts with the migrations — April and May are prime for stripers in the backwaters, summer brings steady flounder action, and fall sees the bass return with cooler water. Winter charters focus mainly on tautog around structure.
Techniques vary by season. Light tackle drifting with live minnows or Gulp! for flounder is common in summer, while fall and spring striper fishing often involves jigging bucktails, working soft plastics, or trolling umbrella rigs along the inlet edges. Wreck trips use bottom rigs baited with crab or clam for tautog and sea bass. Fly anglers also find opportunities in the back bays during summer for schoolie stripers and bluefish on the flats.
Close to Somers Point, anglers can also fish the Atlantic City Reef, Little Egg Inlet area, and the bridges and sod banks that line Great Egg Harbor Bay. With quick access to both calm inshore waters and open ocean, Somers Point fishing offers year-round options for both casual anglers and seasoned fishermen.
Fishing Seasons in Somers Point
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Somers Point kicks off with striped bass and weakfish in the back bays and tidal rivers. The action starts in April when water temps climb into the low 50s, with bass staging along sod banks, bridges, and channel edges. Light tackle jigging with soft plastics or drifting bloodworms produces well. Weakfish show in May, often caught on pink soft plastics or small bucktails. Flounder season usually opens late spring, adding variety. This season often features half-day back bay trips as winds can still be brisk, but the fish are concentrated close to town.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings consistent flounder fishing in Great Egg Harbor Bay and the nearshore reefs. Most charters drift sandy channel edges with live minnows, squid strips, or Gulp! Swimming Mullets. Bluefish, sometimes in big numbers, move through the inlet and nearshore waters. In calm weather, boats run to reefs like Ocean City Reef for sea bass, triggerfish, and the occasional cobia. Early mornings and evenings are best for avoiding boat traffic, and night trips for weakfish and schoolie stripers can be productive under dock and bridge lights.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime time for striped bass as water temps drop into the 60s and baitfish migrate out of the bays. Trolling the inlet rips with bunker spoons or mojos, casting metal lures into blitzing fish, and drifting live spot are all proven methods. Sea bass and tautog fishing also fire up on the wrecks and reefs, with crabs being the go-to bait for tog. Many charters shift to full-day trips to allow time for both bass inshore and bottom fish offshore. The fall run is a favorite among locals for its variety and fast action.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing focuses mainly on tautog around nearshore wrecks and rock piles. Cold water means short feeding windows, so charters often leave mid-morning to catch the warmest part of the day. Green crabs are standard bait, with jigs also effective for bigger fish. Sea bass season may still be open in early winter, giving anglers a chance to fill coolers before the year ends. Back bay fishing is limited due to cold water, but hardy anglers still work deep holes for the occasional striper. Winter trips are weather-dependent, with fewer boats running but lighter crowds on the grounds.
Gamefish in Somers Point
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Caught spring and fall in back bays, inlets, and nearshore rips by trolling mojos, drifting eels, or casting soft plastics.
- Summer Flounder – 2–6 lbs. Found in sandy channels and inlet edges in summer, taken drifting live minnows, squid, or Gulp!.
- Bluefish – 2–10 lbs. Hit lures and bait aggressively in spring and summer around the inlet, bridges, and nearshore waters.
- Tautog – 2–8 lbs. Caught on crabs around wrecks, reefs, and bridge pilings, especially in fall and winter.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Found on offshore wrecks and reefs in summer and fall, taken on clam or squid strips.
- Weakfish – 2–5 lbs. Appear in spring and summer in back bays and channel edges, often on soft plastics and small bucktails.
- Triggerfish – 1–3 lbs. Found in summer on reefs and wrecks, caught on small hooks baited with clam or squid.
Somers Point Fishing FAQs
Where do most charters launch in Somers Point?
Most charters depart from the Somers Point Municipal Boat Ramp or marinas along Bay Avenue, giving quick access to Great Egg Harbor Bay and the inlet.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day trips run 4–5 hours and usually fish the back bays or inlet, while full-day trips allow runs to offshore wrecks, reefs, or multiple fishing grounds.
What gear is provided?
Most captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Some also provide ice, fish cleaning, and bottled water — check ahead with your captain.
Do I need a fishing license in Somers Point?
No saltwater fishing license is required in New Jersey, but anglers must register for the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry before fishing.
When is the best time to fish here?
Striped bass fishing peaks in April–May and October–November. Flounder are best June–September, and tautog shine in late fall and winter.
What techniques are most common?
Light tackle drifting for flounder, jigging for bass, trolling for migratory fish, and bottom fishing for wreck species are the main approaches.
What species can we expect inshore?
Flounder, bluefish, striped bass, and weakfish are common in the back bays and inlet
How many anglers can go on a trip?
Most boats take 4–6 anglers comfortably, though some larger vessels can accommodate more for private charters.
Are night fishing trips available?
Yes, some captains offer night trips targeting striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish under dock and bridge lights during summer and early fall.