Ready to introduce your little ones to the joys of fishing? Our 2-hour Back Bay Kids trip in Avalon, NJ is the perfect way to get them hooked! As a 5th generation fishing family, we know a thing or two about creating memorable experiences on the water. We'll cruise the calm back bays, teaching kiddos the basics while targeting some of the area's most exciting species. It's hands-on fun that'll have them begging to come back for more!
Picture this: You and your crew (up to 4 guests total) aboard our comfy boat, gliding through Avalon's picturesque back bays. The water's calm, the sun's shining, and the fish are biting. Our seasoned guides are there every step of the way, showing the kids how to bait hooks, cast lines, and reel in their catches. We've got all the gear and know-how, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. From spotting local wildlife to feeling that first tug on the line, it's two hours of non-stop excitement that'll create lasting family memories.
We keep things simple and fun for our young anglers. We'll start with the basics - how to hold a rod, tie a knot, and cast without tangling (trust us, it happens to the best of us!). Then it's time to drop lines and see what's biting. We use light tackle that's easy for kids to handle, and our guides are always nearby to lend a hand. We might try bottom fishing for flounder or casting for bluefish - it all depends on what's running that day. And don't worry if they don't catch the big one right away. Half the fun is in the trying, and we guarantee plenty of laughs and "almost got it!" moments along the way.
There's something special about Avalon's back bays that keeps families coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a youngster's face light up as they reel in their first fish. Or the way the worries of the world seem to melt away as you drift along, surrounded by nature. Our trips are more than just fishing - they're about connection. Connection to the water, to family, and to the simple joy of being outdoors. Plus, our guides have a knack for making even the tiniest catch feel like a trophy, ensuring every kid leaves feeling like a pro.
Black Sea Bass: These feisty bottom-dwellers are a kid-favorite! With their big eyes and chunky bodies, they're like cartoon characters come to life. Black sea bass hang out near structures like wrecks and reefs, so we might do some precision casting to tempt them. They put up a good fight for their size, making them exciting catches for young anglers. The best part? They're delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner!
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Flat as a pancake and masters of camouflage, fluke are the ninjas of the back bay. We'll teach the kids how to detect their subtle bites and the special "fluke flip" technique to set the hook. Flounder fishing is all about patience and finesse - great skills for budding anglers to learn. Plus, there's always the chance of hooking into a doormat (that's fishing-speak for a big one)!
Striped Bass: The rock stars of the Atlantic coast, stripers are the fish that dreams are made of. While the big ones are usually found in the ocean, we often catch schoolie-sized bass in the back bays. They're hard-fighting and acrobatic, often leaping out of the water when hooked. Watching a kid's face as they battle their first striper is priceless. Just remember, striped bass have strict catch-and-release rules, so we'll make sure to get a quick photo before sending them back.
Atlantic Croaker: Don't let their size fool you - these little guys pack a punch! Croakers get their name from the grunting sound they make when caught. Kids get a kick out of hearing their "croaks" and feeling their strong vibrations. They're often found in schools, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Perfect for keeping young attention spans engaged!
Sea Trout: Also known as weakfish (though there's nothing weak about them), sea trout are beautiful fish with spotted backs and purple hues. They're known for their soft mouths, so landing one takes a bit of finesse - a great chance for kids to practice their reeling technique. Sea trout tend to feed in the early morning or late evening, so if we're targeting them, we might adjust our trip timing for the best chance of success.
There you have it, folks - our 2-hour Back Bay Kids trip in a nutshell. It's the perfect intro to fishing for young anglers, packed with fun, learning, and the chance to create some amazing family memories. Whether you're locals looking for a new weekend adventure or visitors wanting to experience the best of Avalon, this trip delivers. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm (and maybe a snack or two). Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your spot. Give us a call or book online today, and let's get your kids hooked on fishing!
Summer Flounder, also called fluke, are a favorite flatfish around here. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find flounder in back bays, estuaries, and along the coast. They love hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like jetties or wrecks. The bigger ones tend to stick to deeper water. Flounder fishing is best from late spring through summer. They're ambush predators, so a slow-moving bait along the bottom is your best bet. Live minnows, mullet, or sea worms are top choices. These fish are prized for their fight and their sweet, flaky meat. Here's a tip: 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 in steadily. Patience is key with these crafty fish.
Sea Trout are a favorite catch in our back bays. These silvery fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds, though some monsters over 40 pounds have been landed. They love hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper spots up to 160 feet down. Sea Trout put up a nice fight and have a mild, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. Their white, flaky meat is on the softer side, so be careful not to overcook it. For the best luck, try fishing the grass flats or shallow areas after dark. Artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, and plastic shrimp work well. If you're having trouble, try slow trolling those areas. One local trick: Sea Trout are suckers for live shrimp. Thread one on a jighead and work it slowly along the bottom. The trout can rarely resist.
Black Sea Bass are a blast to catch and even better to eat. These chunky fish are usually dark gray to black, with white-centered scales giving them a speckled look. Most run 1-4 pounds, but some can hit 8 pounds or more. You'll find sea bass around underwater structures like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms. They tend to stay in waters less than 120 feet deep during summer, moving offshore in winter. Late spring to summer is prime time for sea bass fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits - squid, clams, and cut fish all work well. Jigs and bottom rigs are popular tactics. Sea bass put up a good scrap until they break the surface. They're also one of the tastiest fish in the sea. Here's a local trick: If you're having trouble locating them, try drifting until you find a school. Once you do, drop anchor and get ready for some fast action.
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are a real treat to catch in our waters. These powerful fish can grow up to 5 feet long and 70 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for their distinctive 7-8 dark stripes running along silvery sides. Stripers like to hang around structures near shore - bridges, piers, and rocky areas are good bets. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. These fish put up a great fight and are delicious to boot. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they've got strength to spare. Use live bait like herring or eels for best results. An 8-14 foot rod with 20-30 pound line will serve you well. Here's a local secret: Look for "baitfish volcanoes" erupting from the water, especially in fall. That's a sure sign stripers are feeding, and you're in for some exciting action.
Atlantic Croaker are fun, easy catches that are perfect for kids just starting out. These pink-silvery fish with brown spots usually run about 18 inches and a pound, though the record is 27 inches and 8 pounds. They get their name from the croaking sound they make - you'll hear it when you reel one in. You'll find croakers in brackish waters, estuaries, and coastal areas. They like muddy bottoms in 25-30 feet of water. The Chesapeake Bay is a hotspot from March through October. Croakers are bottom feeders, so keep your bait down deep. Ghost shrimp are their favorite snack, but bloodworms, squid, or clams work too. Use a double hook bottom rig with small hooks - sizes 3 or 4 are good. Here's a tip: Add a bit of weight to keep your bait on the bottom, and look for channels or deep holes. Fish just before or after high tide for the best results. Croakers might not be big, but they're tasty and fun for all ages.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
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