Shark Bait Fishing Charter FAQ: Ocean City NJ Guide
Planning a fishing trip in Ocean City for next summer? These are the questions families ask us most about Shark Bait Family Fishing Charters, answered straight from how the trips actually run.
What is a Shark Bait fishing charter?
It's a private fishing trip on the back bays of Ocean City, NJ. Your group gets the boat to yourselves, with a USCG-certified captain and crew who help with casting, baiting, and landing fish. It's built for families, so first-timers and kids are the norm, not the exception.
How many people fit on the boat?
Up to 6 people per private charter. That's a family of four with grandparents, a couple of friends, or two families splitting a trip.
How long are the trips?
You can book 2 hours or 4 hours.
- 2 hours works best for younger kids, first-timers, and anyone fitting fishing into a full beach day.
- 4 hours gives older kids and adults more time to work different spots, ride out slow stretches, and chase a keeper.
How much does a charter cost?
The Shark Bait fishing charter page lists the 2-hour private boat charter at $440 and the 4-hour private boat charter at $880, for the whole private boat. Check the booking page for current rates and dates when you plan.
Is it good for kids and beginners?
Yes. Trips are for all ages and all skill levels. The crew shows kids how to cast, keeps the pace right for the group, and makes the day about having fun, not about being an expert. Our kids fishing charter guide has more parent tips.
What can we catch in the back bays?
Shark Bait groups target local back-bay fish like flounder, striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and more. What's biting depends on the tide, wind, and time of season, and the captain picks spots to match the day.
What's included?
- Rods and reels
- Bait
- Ice
- Fish cleaning: catch a keeper and the crew will clean and fillet it so you can take it home
You don't need to own any gear or know how to rig a line. Just show up ready to fish.
What should we bring?
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses (polarized helps you see the water)
- A light layer, since it can feel cooler on the bay than on the beach
- Comfortable shoes that can get wet
- A small cooler or bag to carry your fillets home
- A phone or camera for the first-fish photo
Where do trips leave from?
Shark Bait is based at 228 Bay Ave in Ocean City, NJ 08226. Your booking confirmation has the check-in details for your trip.
Can we book a group or party trip?
Yes, as long as the group is 6 or fewer per boat. Birthdays, dads-and-kids trips, and friend groups are popular. See our group fishing charter guide for ideas.
Can I give a Shark Bait trip as a gift?
A fishing charter makes a great holiday gift for next summer. Our Ocean City gift card guide covers Shark Bait along with The Yard and Beachy Tiki.
How do I book for summer 2027?
Use Book Online to check available dates for your trip, or call 609-398-9000 with questions. You can also email Info@OCNJwatersports.com. Summer weekends are the first to fill, so it pays to plan early. If it's your first charter, read what to know before your first charter.
Want more to do while you're in town? The Yard at 741 West Ave (609-398-3345) has outdoor Sky Net play and an indoor sports simulator, and Beachy Tiki runs private tiki boat cruises on the bay.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your Shark Bait fishing charter and let the crew handle the gear, the bait, and the fillets.
