Meet the Fly Fishing Captain Changing How We Experience Brigantine’s Back Bays
Photo Courtesy of @IslandFly_Fishing Instagram
If you’re planning a trip to Brigantine, NJ or spending a weekend near Atlantic City, chances are you’ve thought about the beach, the boardwalk, maybe a round of mini golf. But there’s a totally different side of this coastal town — one that starts with a boat, a fly rod, and a guide who knows these waters better than most.
We recently sat down with Captain Jason Moore, the owner of Island Fly, to talk about what makes saltwater fly fishing in Brigantine so different — and why it might be the best thing you haven’t tried yet.
From Emergency Medicine to the Flats
Captain Jay isn’t your typical fishing guide. He holds a PhD in public health and works as a PA in emergency medicine, balancing science and adventure every day. His unique background gives him an edge not just in safety, but in how he creates calm, thoughtful experiences out on the water.
“It’s not just about catching fish,” he says. “It’s about helping people unplug and reconnect — with the environment, with themselves, and with each other.”
Photo Courtesy of @IslandFly_Fishing Instagram
What Makes Fly Fishing in Brigantine So Unique?
The back bays of Brigantine, bordered by the Forsythe Preserve, are home to tidal creeks, sandbar islands, and more wildlife than most locals even realize. “People are blown away the first time they get out there,” Jay explains. “It’s not just a fishing trip — it’s a whole experience.”
Island Fly focuses on catch-and-release fly fishing, keeping the ecosystem healthy and the fish population thriving. Trips are usually full-day and fully personalized, with all the gear provided.
Beginner or Pro? It Doesn’t Matter
Whether you’ve never cast a line or you’ve fished your whole life, Island Fly meets you where you are. “I’ve taken out first-timers, families, even seasoned anglers who’ve never tried saltwater,” he says. “It’s about attitude, not experience.”
And if you're wondering — no, you don’t have to tie your own knots.
Photo Courtesy of @IslandFly_Fishing Instagram
More Than Just Local
In addition to Brigantine trips, Island Fly hosts small group adventures in places like Nicaragua, Colombia, Argentina, and The Bahamas. These trips combine fly fishing with real travel — think hammocks on remote islands, five-star jungle lodges, and serious adventure. With Jay’s medical background, these remote experiences also come with a level of preparedness you won’t find elsewhere.
A New Way to See Brigantine
Most people never leave the beach. Island Fly gives locals and visitors a rare chance to see what makes Brigantine special — quiet, wild, and still very much alive.
If you're looking for something different to do in Brigantine, NJ or want a break from the usual Atlantic City itinerary, give Island Fly a call. “You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere totally new,” Jay says.
Book Your Trip
www.islandfly.net
Instagram: @islandfly_fishing
Coming soon: The Why Behind Wilderness Medicine — a new book by Captain Jay