thoughts about a charter trip

[bulletbob]

Just looking for some good advice... We are talking about chartering a boat as soon as our school district gets out.. We all work for Ithaca City Schools Transportation Dept.
Last week of June, maybe 1st week of July, on a weekday..
There will be some experienced fishermen, but some that are not well versed in salt water fish and techniques..

I was thinking about stripers originally, but daytime striper fishing might be winding down by late June, and I really want these guys to take some fish home...

Fluke???.. They would catch plenty, but keepers might be scarce, and as everyone knows some years ocean fluking isn't that great in June if we get a ton of south wind..
I personally feel the best bet would be sea bass/ling, and maybe a shot at small blues if they pop up on the way out .

any one agree or disagree??..
It will be 10-20 guys, not sure yet how many..
We will need a bigger boat, can't use a 6 pack size boat.. I have several in mind.
The closer to north Jersey the better, as its a VERY long drive from central NY state[ Most guys from the Ithaca area]. Miles count, the less the better.

Without naming specific boats here, maybe some of you would PM me about your thoughts on who would give us the best trip for bottom fish.


any other thoughts would be welcomed of course.. We need to get started on this pretty soon... bob

[Reelron]

There are several excellent Charter & party boats listed here. Why not give the Captains a call, tell them just like you posted here and see what they have to say.

Every year is a little different but most good Captains keep log books over many years and they should have an idea of what to expect. Also they can tell you on the spot if they have the date you need open.

[frugalfisherman]

If you charter a boat you tell the captain what you want to fish for. In your situation I would do 1/2 trip drifting for fluke and 1/2 anchored for seabass. At that time of year I would definitly go out of Atlantic Highlands. Good drifting for fluke close by and near enough to the rocks and reefs to anchor for seabass. The bigger the boat the better with plenty of room in the cabin when peeps get tired of fishing. Most important tell all your friends to take seasick pills!

[Pauls1976]

When you book the boat, just tell them you want to catch fish and that you are fine with splitting the day or changing plans if needed. Between their log book, current conditions and bite info, they will give you the best scenarios available.