PrimeTime Fishing Charters 

4.9
(73 reviews)
 1 Marina on the Bay court, Highlands, NJ 07732, United States–

PrimeTime Fishing Charters 

Highlands, NJ, United States
–
20 ft
3
4.9
(73 reviews)

Whether you're looking for the reel-screaming thrill of fighting a trophy-sized fish or you want to provide your family a relaxing day spent outdoors, PrimeTime Fishing Charters has a trip for you! Captain Karl McKenna will put you on the hottest bite in the waters of New Jersey.

You'll fish from a 20' Grady White walkaround, built in 1990. She's proven the quality of her build time again and again and still takes anglers with the same gusto as the day she was launched. She can handle 2 anglers and the captain at the same time. The engine is a 200 HP Yamaha outboard that'll get you to your fishing grounds quickly.

Capt. Karl will provide you with the equipment and instruction for a wide range of fishing techniques. You'll do bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, spinning, and drift fishing with conventional or fly rods. You should bring your own fly rods, though.

This mix of techniques is there for a reason; there's a great variety of species to target. Striped Bass, Flounder, Tautog, Ling, Bluefish, Scup, and whatever else you run into can be hooked up.

Remember to pack a cooler for your catch, the captain will clean and fillet your fish free of charge. Fishing licenses aren't needed, the captain's license will cover you. Later departure times are available upon request.

Explore the waters of New Jersey the right way. Book a trip with PrimeTime Fishing Charters and cast off on a fishing adventure!

Whether you're looking for the reel-screaming thrill of fighting a trophy-sized fish or you want to provide your family a relaxing day spent outdoors, PrimeTime Fishing Charters has a trip for you! Captain Karl McKenna will put you on the hottest bite in the waters of New Jersey.

You'll fish from a 20' Grady White walkaround, built in 1990. She's proven the quality of her build time again and again and still takes anglers with the same gusto as the day she was launched. She can handle 2 anglers and the captain at the same time. The engine is a 200 HP Yamaha outboard that'll get you to your fishing grounds quickly.

Capt. Karl will provide you with the equipment and instruction for a wide range of fishing techniques. You'll do bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, spinning, and drift fishing with conventional or fly rods. You should bring your own fly rods, though.

This mix of techniques is there for a reason; there's a great variety of species to target. Striped Bass, Flounder, Tautog, Ling, Bluefish, Scup, and whatever else you run into can be hooked up.

Remember to pack a cooler for your catch, the captain will clean and fillet your fish free of charge. Fishing licenses aren't needed, the captain's license will cover you. Later departure times are available upon request.

Explore the waters of New Jersey the right way. Book a trip with PrimeTime Fishing Charters and cast off on a fishing adventure!

Karl McKenna
Captain
Karl McKenna
26 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
5 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Nov 30
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
+2
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
7 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
7 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Oct 15
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
+3
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
73 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (69)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
94%
Caught fish

Reviews (73)

  • Mark Penson
    Mark Penson
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    great time on choppy seas

    5 Hour Trip on July 26, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Capt. Karl was cool and patient with children and novice anglers. He got us on fish and was a phenominal teacher showing us the ropes to snag our targeted fish. I’d recommend and I’m looking forward to doing another trip in the future. thanks Capt!

  • Andy Sprague
    Andy Sprague
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    gteat trip

    7 Hour Trip on July 14, 2026 • 3 adults

    Catain karl was very helpful in al aspects. help us get on board safely told and showed us howcto fisn for best catch. took us to several spots and caugt fish at all areas. 1st time salt water fishing he made it enjoyable.

  • Paul Zensky
    Paul Zensky
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Great Captain and Experience

    5 Hour Trip on August 16, 2026 • 3 adults

    Perefect trip with Catain Karl and the Prime Time boat. Nice to be on what felt like a private trip with an old friend. We highly recommend Captain Karl and his boat

  • Mrs. Catherine Johnson
    Mrs. Catherine Johnson
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    First time saltwater fishing!

    5 Hour Trip on August 17, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Our 8-year-old son, Hunter, had the ultimate saltwater fishing experience today—his dream come true! Captain Karl is absolutely top-notch. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he was also patient, encouraging, and especially great with Hunter. We reeled in flounder, snappers, and even got a surprise ray! Couldn’t have asked for a better day. Thank you, Karl, for making it so memorable. Highly recommend 100%!

  • Edd. Salot
    Edd. Salot
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2018
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    5 Hour Trip on August 5, 2024 • 2 adults • 1 child

    Captain Karl was enthusiastic and determined to keep us on fish the entire trip. Captain Karl consistently engaged in fishing conversations with my eight year old the entire trip. We caught several different species of fish. We also observed several pods of dolphins and even a Humpback Whale breached the water 20 yards from the vessel. It was a pleasure to spend the morning with Captain Karl. My son and I will be on the water again with him in the next two weeks. Guaranteed. Ed

  • Dion Rivera
    Dion Rivera
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Best birthday present ever

    5 Hour Trip on May 17, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Karl made my birthday one of the most memorable days of my life! Great job showing me and my kids the bay and what fish are in season. Also having the patience to answer all my questions. I highly recommend anyone book a trip with captain Karl. I will be see you soon sir. Thanks again.

  • Vincent Moretti
    Vincent Moretti
    us
    Rhode Island, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    7 Hour Charter

    7 Hour Trip on July 26, 2023 • 2 adults • 1 child

    This was my 12 year old’s first fishing trip. He loves to fish, but to date had only fished in fresh water. Captain Karl was a wonderful host and Captain; my son and I both learned a tremendous amount. We were able to fish in several different spots throughout our trip, and caught a variety of fishes (sea bass, fluke, skates, etc.). Captain Karl is very patient and extremely friendly; we wouldn’t hesitate going out with him again. The boat was clean and comfortable. We even got to video a humpback that Captain Karl spotted. He took us close so we could get as close-up as possible as soon as he spotted it. An absolutely wonderful day and experience. Don’t hesitate to book with Captain Karl and Prime Time. We will be again soon.

  • Jr Miller
    Jr Miller
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun day of fishing.

    5 Hour Trip on July 24, 2023 • 2 adults

    Captain Karl was a very nice and professional guide. Unfortunately we did not land the flounder we were hoping for (we caught some, but were undersized and had to put them back). However, we were fortunate to land bluefish, porgie and tons of black sea bass. Highlands is a very nice town (I prefer it over Long Island). Has a lovely beach, church and various seafood options (although they can be expensive). Definitely recommend for a weekend get away for anyone in the New York metropolitan area.

  • Adriana Novello
    Adriana Novello
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Father’s Day Fishing Trip

    5 Hour Trip on July 13, 2023 • 2 adults

    My dad used to fish for flounder when he was a teenager, so for Father’s Day, I surprised him with this fishing trip :) We truly had the best time. Captain Karl is incredibly kind and knowledgeable. I haven’t fished too many times, so his guidance was extremely appreciated. With his help, I was catching fish left and right! After we left, my dad said it was the “perfect day,” and I think that sums everything up pretty perfectly :) Thank you so much Captain!!!

  • Rita Faulkner
    Rita Faulkner
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Karl

    5 Hour Trip on August 31, 2025 • 2 adults

    The Captain was knowledgeable and very helpful. We had a great fishing experience and also learned new skills. i would highly recommend using this charter.

FAQs about PrimeTime Fishing Charters

PrimeTime Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - 5 Hour Trip (5 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 7 Hour Trip (7 hours)
When you book a trip with PrimeTime Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radio
  • Sonar
Trips booked with PrimeTime Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (All bait included )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning included at no charge. )
  • Fishing license (Fishing license included. )
PrimeTime Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
PrimeTime Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with PrimeTime Fishing Charters include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Flounder
  • Hake (Red)
  • Scup (Porgy)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Tautog

Your captain

Karl McKenna
Karl McKenna
Highlands, New Jersey, United States
249 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
73 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2014
Captain Karl McKenna has been fishing all over the Sandy Hook and the Raritan Bay area almost all of his life. He has over 4 decades of experience fishing and diving in the waters of New Jersey. A lifetime of fishing has taught him all the tricks necessary for catching the popular species that stalk these waters. He's also been diving in this area since 1974.
Our Team
Karl M.
Karl M.
Captain
Karl McKenna
Karl McKenna
Fully verified
249
reports
73
reviews
2014
member since
~1h
response
Captain Karl McKenna has been fishing all over the Sandy Hook and the Raritan Bay area almost all of his life. He has over 4 decades of experience fishing and diving in the waters of New Jersey. A lifetime of fishing has taught him all the tricks necessary for catching the popular species that stalk these waters. He's also been diving in this area since 1974.
The crew
Karl M.
Karl M.
Captain

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Red Hake
Red Hake
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Tautog
Tautog
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Red Hake
Red Hake
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy)

Real catches by this captain

  • An angler proudly displaying two Black Sea Bass caught during a fishing trip, showcasing the excitement of a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Black Seabass
    Worked hard for these keepers today.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Flounder while fishing on a boat, with a scenic backdrop of the water and a sailboat in the distance.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Slow day today but a nice 4.5 lbs keeper mafe up for it.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Black Sea Bass and a Flounder at the marina after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Seabass
    Fluke and seabass action today.
  • A family proudly displaying their catch of Flounder on a fishing trip, with a young boy in a life jacket smiling between two adults.
    Fish 1
    Flounder
    Nice fluke action today. Lots of action and some nice keepers for dinner.
  • Angler reeling in a Bluefish while enjoying a day on the water, showcasing the excitement of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Tope Shark
    Tough conditions today. Only kept seabass.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Flounder and a smaller fish at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    6.5 lbs Fluke was the top catch today.
  • An angler proudly displaying two large Flounder at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Nice size keepers today.
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Flounder while enjoying a day out on the water.
    Fish 1
    Flounder
    Paul Z.
    Paul Z.
    Perefect trip with Catain Karl and the Prime Time boat. Nice to be on what felt like a private trip with an old friend. We highly recommend Captain Karl and his boat
  • Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Flounder on a fishing trip, with a scenic marina backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Flounder
    A couple nice keepers today and lots of shorts
  • An enthusiastic angler proudly displaying two large Flounders on a fishing boat, with additional catches laid out on the deck.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Slammed the fluke today. Lots of shorts and several keepers to 5 lbs.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
1990
Boat manufacturer
Grady White
Boat type
Walkaround
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
25 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radio
Sonar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
All bait included
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning included at no charge.
Fishing license
Fishing license included.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
All kids are welcome.
No alcohol
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash

What’s biting in Highlands right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
FlounderFlounder
Scup (Porgy)Scup (Porgy)
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
TautogTautog

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
PrimeTime Fishing Charters
PrimeTime Fishing Charters
4.9
(73)
20 ft
Group size 1 - 3
1 - 3
Fish 1
Fish 2
+5
5 hour trip • 3 persons
US $500