Kids' Fishing Adventure in Barnegat Light, NJ

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Barnegat Light
$500 price range

Summary

Looking to introduce your kids to fishing? This 4-hour trip in Barnegat Light, New Jersey is perfect for young anglers. Captain Alan takes you to calm waters where kids can learn the basics in a safe, fun environment. Using light tackle (or bring your own fly gear), they'll target local species like flounder, bluefish, and striped bass. The flexible start time makes it easy to fit into your schedule. Don't forget to pack snacks, drinks, and sun protection. With a group fishing license included, all you need to do is show up ready for some family fun on the water. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and maybe even catch dinner! Whether your kids are fishing novices or looking to improve their skills, this trip offers hands-on experience in beautiful Barnegat Light.

Kids' Fishing Adventure in Barnegat Light, NJ

Kids' Catch of the Day

Two summer flounder fish caught in New Jersey

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Two summer flounder, 17 inches long, caught while fishing at Barnegat Light

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LBI Fishing Days Done Right

One fisherman with a 12-inch catch at Barnegat Light

Barnegat Bay fluke On Deck

Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun in Barnegat Light

Looking for a perfect way to introduce the little ones to fishing? Captain Alan's half-day kids' fishing trip in Barnegat Light, New Jersey is just the ticket. This 4-hour adventure is tailor-made for young anglers, exploring the calm waters of Barnegat Bay where fish are plentiful and the learning curve is gentle. It's hands-on fun that'll have kids hooked on fishing in no time!

Trip Overview

Picture this: you're cruising through Barnegat's protected bays and coves, the sun warming your face as your kids learn the ropes of fishing. Captain Alan's got all the gear set up - light tackle that's easy for small hands to handle. He'll show the kiddos how to bait their hooks, cast like pros, and reel in their catch. The shallow flats we'll be fishing are teeming with flounder, bluefish, and even the occasional striped bass. It's the perfect spot for beginners to get their sea legs and score their first big catch. And don't worry about licenses - we've got that covered for the whole group.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average fishing charter - it's all about the kids having a blast. We'll use light spinning rods and reels that are just right for young anglers. If you've got fly fishing enthusiasts in the family, bring your gear along! Captain Alan knows all the sweet spots where fish are biting, and he'll teach the kids how to read the water and spot where the fish are hiding. We might try bottom fishing for flounder or casting lures for bluefish, depending on what's running. The best part? The flexible start time means you can plan the trip around nap times or other activities. Just remember to pack some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen - hungry, thirsty kids make for grumpy fishermen!

Why Families Keep Coming Back

Parents love this trip because it's more than just fishing - it's quality family time on the water. Kids get to learn new skills, gain confidence, and connect with nature. There's nothing quite like seeing a child's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. And even if the fish aren't biting, there's plenty to see - from osprey diving for their lunch to dolphins playing in the bay. It's a chance for kids to unplug, get their hands dirty, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, with a max of two guests, you get Captain Alan's full attention - perfect for answering all those "why" questions kids love to ask!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Bonito: These speedsters are like mini torpedoes in the water. Kids love catching bonito because they put up a good fight for their size. They typically show up in Barnegat waters during the summer months, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. When a bonito hits, your young angler will feel the excitement of a real run - it's like hooking a rocket!

Little Tunny: Also known as false albacore, these guys are the perfect game fish for kids. They're fast, they're strong, and they're just the right size for a junior angler to handle. We usually find them chasing bait schools near the surface, so keep an eye out for bird activity. When you hook one, it's like trying to reel in a little NASCAR - they'll zip around the boat and give the kids a real thrill.

Tautog: These buck-toothed bottom-dwellers are a favorite for kid-friendly fishing. They hang out around structure like jetties and wrecks, so we'll do some precise casting to get them. Tautog (or blackfish as we call 'em) are known for their tasty white meat, so if we catch a keeper, you might have dinner sorted! They're most active in the cooler months, making them a great target for fall and spring trips.

Southern Flounder: Flatties are perfect for teaching kids patience and the art of feeling for bites. These masters of camouflage lie flat on the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush their prey. We'll drift over likely spots, bouncing our baits along the bottom. When a flounder takes the bait, it's a subtle tap-tap that kids learn to recognize. And the best part? If we catch a few keepers, you've got the makings of a delicious fish fry!

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to create some fishing memories with your kids? This half-day trip with Captain Alan is the perfect way to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing. Whether they're reeling in their first flounder or marveling at the marine life in Barnegat Bay, it's an experience they'll be talking about long after you're back on dry land. Spots fill up fast, especially during school breaks and summer weekends, so don't wait to book. Grab your sunhat, round up the kids, and let's go make some waves (and catch some fish) in Barnegat Light!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Southern flounders are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically grow 15-18 inches long and weigh around 5 pounds. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, often lurking near structure to ambush prey. Late fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a single-hook rig. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that telltale "thump" when a flounder strikes. A local trick: give a quick pause after feeling the bite before setting the hook - flounder often need a moment to get the bait fully in their mouths.

Little Tunny

Tautog, or blackfish, are stubborn fighters that love structure. These stout wrasses average 1-3 pounds but can reach upwards of 20. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas, reefs, and wrecks in coastal waters. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Anglers prize tautog for their tasty white meat and the challenge of pulling them from their rocky lairs. To land one, use sturdy tackle and crab or clam baits. Drop your rig right into the structure and be ready for a strong, dogged fight when you hook up. A pro tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let the tautog take the bait for a few seconds - their rubbery lips make it tough to hook them on the first nibble.

Southern Flounder

Tautog

Little tunny, also called false albacore, are speedsters that'll test your light tackle skills. These small tuna relatives usually run 5-10 pounds and swim in large schools near the surface. Look for them in coastal waters, often chasing bait around inlets and jetties. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they follow migrating baitfish. Anglers love "albies" for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. To catch one, watch for feeding frenzies and cast small, flashy lures into the action. Use light spinning gear with 10-15 lb test line for the best sport. Here's a local secret: when you spot a school, cast well ahead of them and retrieve your lure across their path. These fish are moving fast, so you need to lead them to get a strike.

About the Kencraft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: 2024 Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Captain Alan's fishing charter is the perfect way to introduce kids to the joys of angling. This 4-hour trip explores the calm waters around Barnegat Light, giving young fishers a safe and fun environment to learn the ropes. Using light tackle provided by the captain or your own fly gear, children can try their hand at catching local favorites like flounder, bluefish, and striped bass. The flexible start time makes it easy to plan around, and with a group fishing license included, you're all set to go. Remember to bring along some snacks, drinks, and sun protection in a small cooler. Comfortable clothes suited to the weather are a must. It's a great chance for families to bond while enjoying the outdoors and maybe even catching dinner! Whether your kids are first-timers or looking to improve their skills, this trip offers a fun and educational fishing experience they'll love.

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