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Looking for a quick fishing fix without burning your whole day? Captain Dave's 2-hour reef fishing trip out of Somers Point is exactly what you need. This top-rated charter keeps things simple but productive – you'll hit the local reefs where flounder, sea bass, and tautog hang out, depending on what's biting that day. With room for up to 4 people, it's perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to wet a line without the commitment of an all-day trip. The boat's set up for comfort and easy movement, so you're not bumping elbows while fighting fish. Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand and focuses on keeping everyone's lines active with light tackle that won't wear you out.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – it's private fishing only, which means more personal attention and better fishing spots. You'll launch from Somers Point and cruise out to the productive reefs where the fish stack up. Captain Dave reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, so you're always fishing where the action is hottest. The 2-hour window keeps things focused and intense – no downtime, just solid fishing from start to finish. The boat's designed for easy movement, so rotating spots or switching sides when the fish move is no problem. Don't worry about experience level either – Captain Dave's patient with beginners but knows how to keep seasoned anglers engaged. The light tackle approach means you'll feel every bite and fight, making even smaller fish a blast to bring in.
Captain Dave specializes in light tackle bottom fishing techniques that maximize the fun factor while keeping things manageable for everyone aboard. You'll be using sensitive rods that telegraph every tap and bump from below, paired with just enough weight to reach the bottom without overkill. The rigs are simple but effective – usually high-low setups or fish finder rigs depending on what's working that day. Bottom fishing around these reefs means you're targeting structure-loving species that like to hang tight to cover. The light tackle approach lets you feel the difference between a fish pickup and just dragging bottom, which is huge when you're targeting finicky biters like tautog. Captain Dave keeps spare gear ready and will retie rigs as needed, so you spend more time fishing and less time fumbling with tackle. The boat's positioned to drift naturally over productive spots, keeping your bait in the strike zone longer.
Tautog are the heavyweight champions of these local reefs, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These chunky, dark-colored fish love hanging around structure and can weigh anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds, with occasional trophies pushing double digits. Fall and early winter are prime time for tog fishing, when they're feeding heavily before their winter slowdown. They're notorious bait stealers with crusher mouths, so feeling that first tap and setting the hook quickly is key. What makes tautog special is their fight – they'll use every rock and crevice to try breaking you off, turning even a 3-pounder into a real battle on light tackle.
Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the flatfish kings of New Jersey waters. These masters of disguise can range from barely legal 18-inchers up to doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds. Peak season runs from May through September, when they're actively feeding on the reefs and adjacent sandy areas. Fluke are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and strike fast, making for exciting fishing when they're active. Their pure white undersides and spotted brown tops make them beautiful fish, and they're considered some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. The light tackle really shines with fluke – you'll feel their characteristic head-shaking fight as they try to throw the hook.
Striped bass are the most popular gamefish along the Jersey coast, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can show up year-round but are most active during spring and fall migrations. School bass in the 18 to 28-inch range are common around the reefs, with larger fish occasionally mixed in. What makes stripers special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when they're on the bite, they'll hit almost anything you put in front of them. They're strong fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to jump, giving you a real show on light tackle. The resident population around Somers Point means you've got a good shot at them even during slower periods for other species.
If you're tired of wondering whether the fish are biting and want to actually find out, this 2-hour charter delivers the goods without eating up your entire day. Captain Dave's local knowledge and focus on light tackle fishing creates the perfect mix of productivity and fun for small groups. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, testing the waters as a beginner, or just need a quick fishing fix between other plans, this trip hits the sweet spot. The private boat setup means you're not dealing with crowds, and the reef fishing consistently produces action when conditions cooperate. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather and pick your day wisely. Book with JD Marine LLC and get ready to see why Somers Point's reef fishing has such a solid reputation among local anglers.
Stripers are the classic inshore fighter with those distinctive dark stripes running down silver sides. They typically run 20-40 pounds around here and can hit 70+ pounds. These fish love structure - around jetties, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they hunt bunker, herring, and eels. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action when they're feeding aggressively. Guests love their powerful runs and the fact they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. They prefer moving water and low light conditions, so early morning and evening bites are prime time. Local tip: when you see diving birds or bait breaking the surface, get your lines in fast - that's stripers feeding below.

Summer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish change color to match the bottom perfectly. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms in estuaries and near shore reefs. Both eyes are on their left side, and they lie flat waiting to ambush baitfish, crabs, and squid. Peak season runs September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter. Guests love the challenge of detecting their subtle bites and the fight these fish put up. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, flaky meat. My go-to technique is hooking live minnows through the eyes on circle hooks. Use enough weight to stay on bottom, and watch for that gentle tap-tap bite.

Also called blackfish, tautog are built like tanks with thick, rubbery skin and powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. These dark, mottled fish average 1-3 pounds but can hit 28 pounds. They love rocky structure - jetties, reefs, boulders - where they hunt crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Best fishing is late April through August when they're most active and territorial. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your tackle against the rocks. Green crabs work great as bait, but here's the trick: crush up some crab shells and let the pieces drift down to create a feeding frenzy. Change your bait every 5 minutes or it loses effectiveness. Tautog make excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 400