Any suggestions on party boat first timer boat New Jersey Area?

[PositiveVibe]

Hey all, im taking my friend who has never fished before and wanted to know whats a good party boat out there thats not so crowded and are newbie friendly. Date and time is flexible so, when are the least people fishing during the weekday? Also which is better in NJ this time of the year. Point pleasant or belmar?
Want to go stripe fishing and i have been surf fishing along time but only a couple times on party boats.
Any tips would be greatly apprciated.
Thank you

[Rick-D]

The Sponsor boats that post frequent reports are probably your best bet.

Nor a newbie, look at Point Pleasant over Belmar. Gambler or Norma K are very good. Let the mate know you are fishing with a new guy and they are more than happy to provide assistance. I don't think you will have any issue with crowds on a weekday.

If you are looking at Atlantic Highlands, all the boats are good. Atlantic Star is where I took my kids on their first trips.

[PAMonger]

I've taken first timers on the Gambler, Angler, and Fisherman and had great experiences.

[GDubya07]

I've taken first timers on the Gambler, Angler, and Fisherman and had great experiences.

x 2 - Angler and fisherman are in Atlantic Highlands though - Gambler is closer - Also the Norma -K -

Go during the week make sure the boat is targeting Strypers before you go - they should be but you are in the middle of Stryper/Fluke/SeaBass openings this weekends

Also 1/2 day or 3/4 day - check the boat again whichever you go on - make sure your crew can handle it - sucks when somebody doesnt feel well

Good luck post up and HAVE FUN

Fish-On - Gdubs - :cool: :cool:

[jjjm973]

Atlantic Highland boats as well as most party boats are all there for you, their lively hood depends on customers. As with any industry, everyone has favorites and everyone can always find a negative about any boat. As for myself, have usually always fished the Sea Horse out of Atlantic Highlands. I'm old school and a little loyal. When I first started fishing with my son (25 yrs ago) I remember taking him on the Sea Horse for the first time and when it was time to collect fares, the mate said Capt. Bunt said my son was on him. At the time Capt Eddie was the mate. Always remembered that to this day. I'm sure we all have stories from all the boats. Hopefully what ever boat you pick, your day will be one to remember. Good Luck

[torchee]

Pick a less crowded boat as a first timer.

[bunker dunker]

The Gambler Is A Great Boat For First Timers.they Have A Great Crew
That Works Hard To Make Sure All Customer Enjoy Their Day Of Fishing.

[jmurr711]

The Gambler Is A Great Boat For First Timers.they Have A Great Crew
That Works Hard To Make Sure All Customer Enjoy Their Day Of Fishing.
if your going out of Point you cannot go wrong with gambler,cock robin or the Norma K all are great boats and creews try to go on a weekday though

[aduma1107]

Atlantic Highland boats as well as most party boats are all there for you, their lively hood depends on customers. As with any industry, everyone has favorites and everyone can always find a negative about any boat. As for myself, have usually always fished the Sea Horse out of Atlantic Highlands. I'm old school and a little loyal. When I first started fishing with my son (25 yrs ago) I remember taking him on the Sea Horse for the first time and when it was time to collect fares, the mate said Capt. Bunt said my son was on him. At the time Capt Eddie was the mate. Always remembered that to this day. I'm sure we all have stories from all the boats. Hopefully what ever boat you pick, your day will be one to remember. Good Luck

X2 for the Seahorse. PM me when your going and I will give Bunt or Al a heads up you'll be fishing with a new comer. They will be more than happy to help out. Only thing is they may be switching to fluke fishing come this Saturday. They will be running afternoon trips on the weekends as well.

[dfish28]

Fish stix open boat, only six max for a few dollars more and hands on teaching...

[emcjim]

Not so crowded? Pick a Monday PM or Tuesday PM trip from AH. Boats will be fishing the bay, so ocean swells should not be an issue. The 1/2-day boats will be switching to fluke on 5/18. Fluke may be more reliable than stripers, as of now. See the recent report for the Atlantic Star. Until school is over, in latter June, the 3, or possibly 4, 1/2-day boats, in AH, may be travelling so light on Monday PM and Tuesday PM, that some of them might not even get out. If you decide on Belmar, or PP, check the forecasts not only for wind, but swells.

[bubbatog]

The Miss Belmar out of belmar great boat,crew and captain.They go the extra mile for their customers.

[Take a kid fishing]

Drive the extra few minutes and get out on the fisherman from AH. Capt Ron will do all he can get you on the fish and the crowd and crew work together so newbie or not you'll make out. Bring spinning gear for Stripers as whether you are clamming or jigging you'll want to get out away from the boat. Had my son out last Sunday and all worked to make sure he got his fish and got them in the boat. :)

[1captainron]

Hey all, im taking my friend who has never fished before and wanted to know whats a good party boat out there thats not so crowded and are newbie friendly. Date and time is flexible so, when are the least people fishing during the weekday? Also which is better in NJ this time of the year. Point pleasant or belmar?
Want to go stripe fishing and i have been surf fishing along time but only a couple times on party boats.
Any tips would be greatly apprciated.
Thank you
Sorry my friend but a "Good Party Boat" that's not crowded is tough to come bye, that's why they are crowded. I can tell you that in the past 3 weeks I have claimed 15 Striper Virgins too add to my list, enough said. Love the newbie's cause they don't expect too much and love life when they do catch one. Chance's are they win the pool as it happens all the time......
A crowded Restaurant is a good restaurant.:)

[PositiveVibe]

Thank you sooo much everyone. Makes me feel a bit comfortable thinking they are newbie friendly. I decided to go on the Fisherman tommoorw. Hopefully everything works out great because we're planning on fishing 2~3 times per week during our break which is next 6 months. So hope i have a great first experience and find a great boat!

Any suggestion on if i should bring my rod and reel? I have a lamiglas BL 7030C boat rod I got recently to go boating and a Penn Torque 5 spinning reel i had already for my surf with surf rod. But im gonna leave my surf rod home.

Would the lami 7030c be ok for boat striper fishing? Reel is ok too?

Also do i bring lures or is it mostly live baiting and jigging?
Thank you again!

[aduma1107]

Definetly can't go wrong on the Fisherman

[Gerry Zagorski]

Vibe - I've not heard of any party boats jigging this year yet, they've all been bait fishing, mostly clams and some Bunker.

Your set up should be fine for Stripers so bring it and ask the mate for a rig.

If anything, I might bring a few Bunker to cut up and chunk. Heads have been working well... You can use the same basic rig you use for clamming but larger hook might help. If it's slow clamming for everyone try the Bunker. The mates will show/tell you everything you need to know.

[CadiShackFishing]

The mates on the Fisherman are great. :D Capt Ron will do whatever it takes to get on the fish. :)

[1captainron]

After all this, the bite has gone to crap and the man probably thinks I'm full of *****. We did give it hell though.:)

[JMM727]

Not to worry Capt. Ron, they'll be back soon. In the meantime, starting Saturday, it would be our pleasure to introduce him to fluke on the Atlantic Star. Usually this time of the year weekday trips, either morning or afternoon, are less crowded.;)

[seazu]

After all this, the bite has gone to crap and the man probably thinks I'm full of *****. We did give it hell though.:)
I AM SURE THEY WERE TREATED LIKE KING'S, AND HAD A GREAT TIME ANYWAY. CANT HELP THE LADIES ARE TURNING THE BOYS HEADS RIGHT NOW AND NOT THE BAIT :D

[arat]

I say just find an open 6 pack boat. The jersey key out of Keyport is only a $100 for an open boat. with morning and evening trips available. and Capt. Mike is on the fish. Def. worth a look he is a sponsor you can find him on the charter boats.

you will learn way more on this kind of trip as a oppose to a party boat no question.

[1captainron]

I say just find an open 6 pack boat. The jersey key out of Keyport is only a $100 for an open boat. with morning and evening trips available. and Capt. Mike is on the fish. Def. worth a look he is a sponsor you can find him on the charter boats.

you will learn way more on this kind of trip as a oppose to a party boat no question.
BS!! Do any of these OPEN boat captains have 36 years of experience! I have customers who are 3rd generation that are older than most of these guys...they come back because they learned on a Party boat.
NO offense Capt. Mike, I don't even know who you are, but this just hit a nerve.:mad:

[JMM727]

X2 Capt.

[lunkertaker]

Hey all, im taking my friend who has never fished before and wanted to know whats a good party boat out there thats not so crowded and are newbie friendly. Date and time is flexible so, when are the least people fishing during the weekday? Also which is better in NJ this time of the year. Point pleasant or belmar?
Want to go stripe fishing and i have been surf fishing along time but only a couple times on party boats.
Any tips would be greatly apprciated.
Thank you
Your call ALH to PP...all Sponcer boats will put you on the best possible fishing experience possible! Weekdays usually are better as far as crowds IMP. This is their living and they live up to it. For a more personalized experience $$ you elect a charter option.

[njfisherman1975]

Fisherman and Atlantic star are both excellent party boats. I think almost everyone started out on a party boat as a kid. I am 38, and still remember the first time fishing on a party boat. Couldn't sleep the night before...and still can't till this day.

[arat]

[QUOTE=1captainrocaptain.!! Do any of these OPEN boat captains have 36 years of experience! I have customers who are 3rd generation that are older than most of these guys...they come back because they learned on a Party boat.
NO offense Capt. Mike, I don't even know who you are, but this just hit a nerve.:mad:[/QUOTE]

Not bashing ya capt. But all I know is that i went with capt mike yesterday and had 20-25 fish up to 26 lbs with an 7 year old a 10 year old and a dad who never caught a bass on board. Capt. Mike put us on the meat when alot of boats struggled.

[Ryelof]

I have been on the Fisherman many times and many charter boats (6 packs)
Capt Ron will give you his knowledge, his kindness and effort everyday and twice on Tuesdays. To assume charters are the only way to go is insane.

[arat]

I'm not saying its the only way to go. But a at 100 bucks a head for an open six pack its really only 40-45 more than the head boat. No rod rental if your newbie you may need that. No providing rigs jigs or other terminal tackle that you will have to buy. And it gives you options. You could troll plugs or spoons. Run to the ocean and jig chunk live line clam. Drift anchor. I know captain Ron and party boat captains are very knowledgeable but you get a one to one experience when its a capt. Mate and 3-6 other guys.

[a/c steve]

gambler in pt is great also for first timer atlantic star in high lands

[Jerzfishermen]

NORMAK3 IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH. GOOD BOAT, GOOD CAPTAIN AND CREW. www.normakfishing.com