Ready for a real-deal backwater fishing adventure? Diamond Jig Charters has you covered with our 4-hour bay fishing trip right here in Avalon, NJ. We're not talking about some fancy yacht cruise – this is the nitty-gritty, fish-sliming action you've been craving. Our 20' Skiff might not win any beauty contests, but it's perfect for sneaking into those skinny water hotspots where the big boys are hiding. Whether you're a seasoned pro or still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, we've got room for up to 4 anglers to get in on the action.
Look, here's the scoop: We'll pick you up bright and early (or whenever the fish are biting) and head out to our secret honey holes. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand – we're talking every hidden creek, sunken structure, and tidal sweet spot. We're after the heavy hitters: Striped Bass, Sea Trout, Southern Flounder, and Bluefish. And don't sweat the gear – we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you need. Just bring your A-game and maybe a cooler for your catch (and hey, a few cold ones wouldn't hurt).
Now, let's talk strategy. In these back bays, we're not just randomly chucking bait and praying. We'll be working the flats, drifting live bait along channel edges, and maybe even doing some light tackle casting if the conditions are right. Expect to use a mix of techniques – from bottom fishing for those crafty flounder to topwater lures for aggressive blues. And when a striper decides to take your offering? Hold on tight, buddy. These aren't your average pond fish – they'll give you a workout and a story to tell.
"Great bay fishing! On time, knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I will do this again! Thanks team!" - Ricki
"Great trip with Capt Doug. Landed 12 Fluke. Amazing service and wonderful stories. I would recommend these guys to anyone who wants to catch fish and have a relaxing time. Thanks for everything. Mark" - Mark
"Me and my four teenage boys plus one of their friends went out with Captain Doug. We all caught fish and had an amazing time. I think we caught around 15 fish and one keeper. At the end we fought with a 75 pound cow head stingray for at least 25 minutes and it was awesome! The fight went over our allotted time but Captain Doug let us fight him until he surrendered and was next to the boat. Captain Doug, who is a retired game warden, was also very knowledgeable, open to questions, and extremely friendly. The biggest and best advice I can give anyone reading this is to listen to the Captain about wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes. Just deal with the heat. Don't be like me who wore shorts and flip flops because the greenheads will eat you alive! If you are debating this vs a party boat I would highly recommend going this route. We will definitely be back to fish with Diamond Rig Charters!!!" - John
Alright, let's break down the stars of our show. First up, the Striped Bass – these bad boys are the heavyweight champs of the bay. They can push 40 pounds or more, and when they hit, it's like hooking into a freight train. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, but we can find 'em year-round if you know where to look (and trust me, we do).
Next, we've got the Sea Trout, also known as Weakfish. Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing weak about these fighters. They're known for their soft mouths, so finesse is key. These silver beauties love to hang around structure and will absolutely crush a well-presented bait.
Southern Flounder are the ninjas of the bay. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But once you figure out their game, it's like finding money on the seafloor. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're tasty as all get-out and make for some prime table fare.
Last but not least, the Bluefish. These toothy critters are like the punk rockers of the bay – always ready to party and pick a fight. They'll hit just about anything that moves and put up a scrappy battle all the way to the boat. Just watch those chompers when you're unhooking 'em!
Listen, we could keep yakking about fish all day, but the tides wait for no one. If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that sweet pull of a bay bruiser, it's time to lock in your spot. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't be the guy telling stories about the "one that got away" – be the one showing off pictures of your monster catch. Give us a shout, and let's get you on the water. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you're in, you're all in. Trust me, once you've experienced Avalon's backwater action with Diamond Jig Charters, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
June 12, 2024
Great trip with Capt Doug. Landed 12 Fluke. Amazing service and wonderful stories. I would recommend these guys to anyone who wants to catch fish and have a relaxing time. Thanks for everything. Mark
July 9, 2024
Me and my four teenage boys plus one of their friends went out with Captain Doug. We all caught fish and had an amazing time. I think we caught around 15 fish and one keeper. At the end we fought with a 75 pound cow head stingray for at least 25 minutes and it was awesome! The fight went over our allotted time but Captain Doug let us fight him until he surrendered and was next to the boat. Captain Doug, who is a retired game warden, was also very knowledgeable, open to questions, and extremely friendly. The biggest and best advice I can give anyone reading this is to listen to the Captain about wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes. Just deal with the heat. Don’t be like me who wore shorts and flip flops because the greenheads will eat you alive! If you are debating this vs a party boat I would highly recommend going this route. We will definitely be back to fish with Diamond Rig Charters!!!
June 30, 2025
We went out with Captain Doug. Captain was very knowledgeable about the local fishing grounds. The weather didn’t cooperate but we still managed to put a few flounder in the cooler. Great trip!
May 25, 2024
Awesome trip with Captain Jerry!
July 22, 2024
Bluefish are like the bullies of the bay - aggressive and always hungry. Most run 2-5 pounds, but they can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find schools of blues churning up the water as they attack bait fish, a sight called a "bluefish blitz." They're in our waters from late spring through fall, with peak action in summer. Anglers love blues for their hard fights and the chaos when a school moves through. To catch them, try casting metal lures or topwater poppers into feeding frenzies. Live bait like mullet or spot works great too. One local trick is to use wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them! While some folks find larger blues too oily, smaller ones make great eating when prepared fresh.
Sea trout, also called spotted or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. Most run 2-5 pounds, with trophy fish reaching 10+ pounds. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush prey, so work lures like jigs or topwater plugs near structure. Fall and spring are prime seasons as the trout school up. Anglers enjoy their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky white meat. To up your odds, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. One local trick is to fish the falling tide when trout concentrate in deeper holes and channels. Their distinctive speckled pattern makes them a beauty to catch and release too. Just remember not to overwork your catch, as sea trout have soft mouths.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though trophy fish can reach 20+ pounds. Look for them in shallow bays, estuaries, and near shore waters, especially around structure. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder are prized for their fight and excellent table fare. To target them, try drifting or slow trolling with live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, as flounder lie in wait to ambush prey. One local tip - when you feel a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift. Their firm white meat makes great fish tacos!
Striped bass are a real trophy in our local waters. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 40 pounds, though the big ones can top 70 pounds. You'll find them cruising near structure along the shores, especially in moving waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass migrate through. Anglers love stripers for their strong fights and tasty white meat. To land one, try live bait like herring or eels, or use lures that mimic their favorite prey. Cast near bridges, jetties or other structures where stripers ambush baitfish. Early morning and dusk are great times to target them when they're actively feeding near the surface. One local tip - keep your drag set light and let them run, as these fish can make sudden powerful surges. Nothing beats the thrill of a big striper on the line!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
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Horsepower per Engine: 90
Great bay fishing! On time, knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I will do this again! Thanks team!