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Top-Rated Back Bay Blowfishing for Beginners
- Published Date: October 5, 2025
- Fishing
- Tuckerton, NJ
- $200 - $400 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels & Catches
When Stanley Jackson is at the helm, you know it’s going to be a solid day.
Reelin’ it in at Tuckerton Bay
Tuckerton tides and tight lines
Jersey coast, solid hookups
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Always a good time on the water with Captain Stanley Jackson.
Stanley Jackson knows how to turn a day on the water into memories.
Another great trip in the books with Stanley Jackson—couldn’t ask for better company.
When Stanley Jackson is at the helm, you know it’s going to be a solid day.
Reelin’ it in at Tuckerton Bay
Tuckerton tides and tight lines
Jersey coast, solid hookups
null
null
null
Always a good time on the water with Captain Stanley Jackson.
Stanley Jackson knows how to turn a day on the water into memories.
Another great trip in the books with Stanley Jackson—couldn’t ask for better company.
When Stanley Jackson is at the helm, you know it’s going to be a solid day.
Reelin’ it in at Tuckerton Bay
Tuckerton tides and tight lines
Jersey coast, solid hookups
Back Bay Blowfishing: Beginner's Paradise
Ready for a laid-back morning on the water? Our Half Day Back Bay Blowfishing Trip is tailor-made for newcomers to the sport and small groups looking to wet a line without the pressure. We'll cruise the calm back bays aboard a rock-solid 21' Carolina Skiff, giving you the perfect platform to learn the ropes of inshore fishing. With a max of four guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention as we target a mix of local favorites like stripers, blues, and flounder. And who knows? We might even run into a bluefin tuna or blue shark if the conditions are right. No experience? No problem. We've got all the gear and know-how to get you hooked on fishing in no time.
What to Expect on the Water
Our 4-hour trips run Friday through Sunday, kicking off at 8 AM sharp. That means we're on the water when the fish are most active, giving you the best shot at landing a keeper. The back bays are a beginner's dream - protected waters, plenty of structure for fish to hang around, and enough variety to keep things interesting. We'll start you off with some light tackle jigging and bottom fishing, techniques that are easy to pick up but still give you that satisfying tug when a fish takes the bait. And don't sweat the gear - we provide quality rods, reels, and tackle, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two.
One of the best parts of this trip? The flexibility. Depending on what's biting and where, we might bounce between a few honey holes or stick to a productive spot if the fish are really fired up. And with our seasoned guides at the helm, you're not just fishing - you're getting an insider's tour of the local ecosystem. We'll point out bird activity, explain how tides affect fish behavior, and share some local fishing lore along the way.
Techniques & Tactics
On our Back Bay trips, we keep things simple but effective. Light tackle is the name of the game here - it's more fun for you and gives those inshore species a sporting chance. We'll show you the ropes of jigging, a technique that involves bouncing a lure off the bottom to mimic an injured baitfish. It's a killer method for flounder and stripers hanging near structure. Bottom fishing is another go-to, where we'll use bait to tempt fish holding close to the sea floor. This is often how we'll target those tasty flounder or any larger predators cruising through.
For the bluefish and occasional pelagics like bluefin tuna, we might switch it up to some light trolling or casting with topwater lures if they're busting on the surface. It's all about reading the water and adjusting our approach. And here's a pro tip: pay attention to the tide changes. That's often when the bite really turns on, as fish get more active with the moving water. Throughout the trip, we'll explain why we're using certain lures or baits, how to work them effectively, and how to recognize those subtle bites that can turn into your biggest catch of the day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass: The rockfish, as we sometimes call them, are the kings of the back bay. These silver-sided bruisers can range from schoolies in the 20-inch class up to monster cows over 40 inches. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to hang around structure like bridge pilings or submerged wrecks. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper crushing a topwater lure at dawn.
Bluefin Tuna: While not an everyday catch in the back bays, when these torpedo-shaped powerhouses show up, it's game on. Even the smaller "footballs" in the 30-pound range will test your tackle and your stamina. Bluefins are typically a late summer to early fall visitor, chasing schools of bunker (menhaden) close to shore. Landing one of these beast from our 21-footer is a story you'll be telling for years.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. But don't let their looks fool you - they're aggressive predators with a mouthful of teeth and a taste for live bait. We target flounder from spring through fall, with the biggest doormats usually showing up as the water cools in autumn. Jigging for flounder requires a bit of finesse, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on the subtle take and the delicious fillets.
Bluefish: If you're looking for pure, drag-screaming action, blues are your fish. These chomper-toothed marauders travel in schools and when they're on the feed, it's a frenzy. Blues can range from 2-pound "snappers" to 15-pound "gators" that'll test your gear and your fish-fighting skills. They're around from spring to fall, with the biggest specimens typically showing up in the cooler months. Catching blues on light tackle is an adrenaline rush, and they're not bad eating if you bleed them right away.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our Back Bay trips are a hit with beginners and families for good reason. The calm waters mean less seasickness and more fishing time. Plus, the variety of species keeps things exciting - you never know if your next cast will bring up a tasty flounder or a hard-fighting blue. It's also a great way to learn the basics of inshore fishing techniques that you can use anywhere. Many of our first-timers catch the fishing bug hard and end up booking offshore trips or investing in their own gear after getting a taste of back bay action.
The four-hour timeframe is perfect too - long enough to get into some good fishing, but not so long that the kids (or adults) get antsy. And let's be honest, there's something special about being on the water as the sun climbs higher, watching ospreys dive for their breakfast while you wait for that telltale tap on your line. It's a morning well spent, whether you're filling the cooler or just enjoying the peace of the back bays.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and try your hand at some inshore fishing, our Half Day Back Bay Blowfishing Trip is the perfect starting point. It's low-pressure, high-fun, and guaranteed to give you a real taste of what fishing these waters is all about. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, plan a laid-back outing with friends, or just want to learn the ropes yourself, we've got you covered.
Remember, we run these trips Friday through Sunday, starting bright and early at 8 AM. With a max of four guests, spots can fill up fast, especially during peak season. And here's a bit of friendly advice - if you're on the fence, just do it. We offer free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, so you've got nothing to lose. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, as noted on our Trips & Rates page.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's hit the back bays. Who knows? You might just land the catch of a lifetime or, at the very least, come away with some great stories and a new favorite hobby. Book your spot now and get ready for a morning of fishing you won't forget. The back bays are calling, and the fish are waiting!
Learn more about the species
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of our waters. These massive fish average around 550 pounds but can top 1,400. You'll find them in deeper offshore waters, often hunting in schools. They're incredibly fast and powerful swimmers, so be ready for an intense fight if you hook one. Late spring through fall is prime bluefin season here. Anglers love the thrill of battling these giants, plus their meat is prized for sushi. Trolling with small fish like herring or mackerel is a good bet. If you're jigging, try dropping your lure deep and reeling up quickly to trigger their predatory instincts. Pro tip: watch for birds diving - that often signals a school of tuna feeding near the surface.
Bluefish
Bluefish are feisty fighters that usually weigh up to 20 pounds, though some monsters hit 40. You'll find them in coastal waters, often churning up the surface in feeding frenzies we call "blitzes". They're most active here from summer through mid-fall. Anglers love blues for their aggressive strikes and strong runs. Plus, smaller ones make great eating when prepared right. These guys will hit just about any lure, but oily baitfish like mackerel or mullet are top choices. Watch out for those teeth though - they're razor sharp. A local tip: if you see birds diving and bait jumping, that's a good sign blues are feeding nearby. Cast into the fray and hold on tight!
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach up to 33. These flatfish are ambush predators, so they're usually caught by still fishing or drifting near the bottom. Fall is the best time as they move offshore to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting flounder for their delicate, mild flavor. Light tackle with live bait like bull minnows or mullet works well. Here's a local secret: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel in slowly. It's all about patience with these guys.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) Description
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), or Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, is a popular game fish for recreational and commercial fishers. As the name suggests, it has seven to eight stripes running down the sides of its body; its color can vary from light green and olive to brown and black. It also has a shimmering white belly and plump bodies that can grow as heavy as 70 pounds and as long as 5 feet, making it easily distinguishable from other species.
Although this fish mostly lives in saltwater during its adult life, it’s anadromous as it spawns (and is even known to adapt well) in a freshwater environment.
It can naturally be found along the East Coast (from as far north as Canada to down south in the Gulf of Mexico). However, you can find it in most water bodies in North America as the species was introduced across the continent for recreational fishing and for controlling the gizzard shad population, which the Striped Bass is known to prey upon.
Interesting Facts
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater and many of the Stripers become landlocked because of dams and other human-made obstructions; but, as earlier mentioned, they adapt well and can thrive in a freshwater habitat.
If you’re fishing for food, the Striped Bass is excellent for eating not only for its plump and meaty body but also for its exquisite, sweet taste, similar to its close relative, the Black Sea Bass.
Striped Bass Size and Speed
For those of you who are planning to fish for this species, yes, they are known to be powerful swimmers, but they’re not particularly fast, making them reasonably easy to catch. Although they can grow much bigger, most caught weigh around twenty to forty pounds.
Where do Striped Bass Live?
You can fish for Striped Bass pretty much any time of the year and can find them in nearly every body of water in the United States. It’s also worth noting that the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is the major producer while the Hudson River in New York and New Jersey is the second.
However, if you’re on the West Coast, you may want to try your luck in the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding coastline. Colorado rivers and lakes such as Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, and Lake Mohave are also known to have a great abundance of Striped Bass.
Striped Bass is a structure-oriented fish meaning they can be found around physical structures such as coral reefs, sand bars, and drop-offs. They stay at the bottom of the ocean along the shores as it looks for food. And because they love to swim in moving waters, you can most locate Stripers within yards of the shorelines.
Striped Bass Migration
One of the most exciting aspects of striped bass is their annual migration patterns. These fish are known to migrate long distances, sometimes thousands of miles, which makes them a fascinating subject for study. Striped bass prefers moderate temperatures between 55° F and 68° F. To stay within this temperature range, most striped bass migrate up and down the Atlantic coast from spring to fall.
Scientists have been studying striped bass migration for many years, and they have discovered that these fish travel from estuaries to the open ocean and back again each year. Striped bass can migrate up to 2,000 miles during their lifetime! They typically move northward in the spring and summer months when water temperatures warm up, then head south towards warmer waters in the fall.
The spring striped bass migration begins from the deeper waters off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. In the spring, the stripers start their northern migration stopping to spawn in the rivers, estuaries, and bays such as the Delaware River, the Hudson River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Stripers continue north and eventually spend their summers in the cool waters in New England, and sometimes further North to Canada.
The striper migration bait typically begins in the fall as the water cools. If you want to experience this unique opportunity, you'll want to head for one of the most amazing events that an angler can experience. Striper bait, including pogies, peanut bunker, and silversides, will come out of bays and into the ocean early. The hungry stripers want to fatten up for the cold season as winter approaches, so they're actively searching out prey. Stripers seek out the enhanced bait pods that create feeding frenzies. Look for baitfish volcanoes erupting from the water or birds signaling the wounded baitfish. If you are truly fortunate, you will see whales coming from below the baitfish volcano. Fall migration continues all the way until December around the New Jersey coast and parts of January in the Virginia region.
Check out this detailed Striped Bass Migration article.
Is Striped Bass Good to Eat?
Striped bass, also known as "striper," is a popular saltwater fish that can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Many people wonder if striped bass is good to eat, and the answer is yes! Striped bass is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health.
One of the benefits of eating striped bass is its high omega-3 content. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body, improve brain function, and even lower your risk of heart disease. Striper meat contains about 0.5 grams of omega-3s per 100 grams, making it an excellent nutrient source. Additionally, striped bass is rich in protein - a crucial component for building and repairing tissues in your body. A serving size of just 100 grams provides approximately 20 grams of protein.
Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be caught year-round and in almost any condition; you can, however, increase your chances if you know exactly what, when, where, and how to look. Stripers are known to swim around and feed in moving waters, near structures along the shores, and you will find them where the water is cooler near the surface during dusk and dawn. Cast your lines out early or late in the day from bridges, piers, bulkheads, or even while wading in the surf.
Choosing the Right Bait
Striped Bass are mostly finicky predators being picky about the baits they will take. It’s best to use live baits such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, anchovies, bloodworms, or shad as it will help attract them with the live bait’s movement.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Although you can use almost any rod and reel for Striped Bass fishing, you can be more successful using rods that are 8 to 14 feet in length, especially for fly fishing. You should use a thinner and more sensitive yet stronger line with little stretch like a braided line. If you prefer using the monofilament type, make sure that it’s strong enough to withstand up to 20 pounds of weight as these fish are not only big, heavy fish, but also strong fighters.
Find fishing tips, techniques, and the best destinations for Striped Bass Fishing
Why are Striped Bass Called Striper?
Striped bass, or Morone saxatilis, is a popular game fish native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It is widely known as "striper," which begs the question: Why do they call striped bass striper? The answer to this question lies in the distinct markings on the fish's body.
The name "striped bass" comes from its characteristic stripes running along its sides. These stripes are typically seven to eight in number and run from just behind the gills to the base of the tail. When viewed from afar, these stripes can appear like bars or lines that make up a striped pattern on their silver-green skin.
Given that this species has such distinctive vertical stripes, it makes sense why they are called stripers. The name has become so widely used among anglers and fishing enthusiasts that it is now more common than calling them by their scientific name.
What is the Hybrid Striped Bass?
Hybrid striped bass is a popular fish species among anglers and seafood enthusiasts. As the name suggests, it's a crossbreed between two different types of bass: striped and white. The hybridization process has resulted in a fish with desirable traits such as rapid growth, aggressiveness, and resistance to diseases and parasites.
Hybrid striped bass can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh as much as 15 pounds. They have streamlined bodies with dark stripes running along their sides, which give them an attractive appearance. Moreover, these fish are known for their delicious taste and versatility in cooking methods.
Due to its popularity, hybrid striped bass is widely farmed across several regions in the United States. It's commonly used by chefs in various dishes such as sushi rolls, grilled fillets, or stews.
Striped Bass Population
The wild striped bass population is an essential aspect of marine fisheries conservation efforts. Striped bass are a popular game fish that attract recreational anglers from all over the world. Stripers also play an essential role in the natural resources ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean and the many tributaries like Delaware Bay, Delaware River, Hudson River, and many coastal rivers. Striped bass are a top predator in many coastal habitats, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Unfortunately, the striped bass population has been under pressure for several decades due to overfishing and habitat loss. One of the primary conservation efforts underway is the implementation of regulations aimed at protecting striped bass populations from overfishing. This includes restrictions on fishing methods and gear, as well as limitations on catch limits for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Additionally, many states have implemented size limits for the fish that can be caught to allow younger fish to reach their reproductive age.
Despite these efforts, the future of the striped bass population remains uncertain. Climate change is causing significant shifts in ocean temperatures and currents that could impact the availability of prey species for striped bass.
A Few Striped Bass Resources:
-Striped Bass Migration, article tracking the Striped Bass Atlantic Coast migration
-Striped Bass Lures, expert guides weigh in with the best striped bass lures
-Striped Bass Bait, top 10 striped bass baits
-Striped Bass Cape Cod, expert guide talks about catching striped bass on Cape Cod
-Striped Bass Chesapeake Bay, expert guides talk about catching striped bass on Chesapeake Bay
About the South Jersey Outfitters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
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