About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
I grew up on boats. My summer home was on a wooden 32' Pacemaker that my dad owned from the time I was a toddler until my college years. As a teenager, my cousin and I shared a 17' Montauk Boston Whaler which we would take offshore to the extent of its range and do all sorts of fishing. That boat remained in my family long enough to teach my own kids how to fish off of it. For longer Tuna and Shark trips, I would run my father's 36' Delta and more recently, his 42' Post. My current boat is a Wellcraft 230 Coastal, which is a perfect boat for both inshore fishing in the river as well as wreck and drift fishing at the nearby manmade reefs. A fishing trip with me is meant to be relaxing and fun! While the hardcore guys are looking to be ankle-deep in blood, I'm more into enjoying the water, listening to some tunes, getting some sun, having some laughs, and oh yeah, reeling in some fish! My cousin and I always...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan

Independent Guide
I grew up on boats. My summer home was on a wooden 32' Pacemaker that my dad owned from the time I was a toddler until my college years. As a teenager, my cousin and I shared a 17' Montauk Boston Whaler which we would take offshore to the extent of its range and do all sorts of fishing. That boat remained in my family long enough to teach my own kids how to fish off of it. For longer Tuna and Shark trips, I would run my father's 36' Delta and more recently, his 42' Post. My current boat is a Wellcraft 230 Coastal, which is a perfect boat for both inshore fishing in the river as well as wreck and drift fishing at the nearby manmade reefs. A fishing trip with me is meant to be relaxing and fun! While the hardcore guys are looking to be ankle-deep in blood, I'm more into enjoying the water, listening to some tunes, getting some sun, having some laughs, and oh yeah, reeling in some fish! My cousin and I always had a saying when we were out on that old Whaler: "When you're out on the water, there are only good days and great days!"
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
350 lb. Mako Shark
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Surf & Turf on the (charcoal) BBQ
What’s your favorite band?
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band (RIP Jimmy)
What’s your favorite movie?
Slap Shot / Animal House / Captain Ron (depends on my mood)

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
350 lb. Mako Shark
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Surf & Turf on the (charcoal) BBQ
What’s your favorite band?
Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band (RIP Jimmy)
What’s your favorite movie?
Slap Shot / Animal House / Captain Ron (depends on my mood)
What’s your favorite sports team?
New York Rangers
What’s your drink of choice?
Non-alcoholic: Iced Tea Alcoholic: Margarita
What was your last halloween costume?
Captain Merrill Stubing (Love Boat)
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Snow
How did you get started guiding?
I've been interested in getting my captains license for many years, but finally decided to pull the trigger and do it. I've always loved bringing inexperienced friends out on the water to see what it's all about. Once I got my OUPV, I decided to build a charter business that would carry that same feel.
What makes you different from other guides?
I want a fishing trip on my boat to feel like you're out with a friend, whether you're as hard core about getting into the fish as I am... or whether you're throwing a line in the water as an excuse to get some sun out on the ocean, I want your day to be as intense or relaxed as you want it to be. You dictate the trip, I'll offer advice and guidance, but will never force a spot. So if you're nervous about going out in the ocean, I'll happily stay in the river or bay. I'm always honest, and will let you know if our chances are better to catch in one spot or another, but I'd rather you have a carefree experience with one or two fish caught than a uneasy or nervous experience with 20 fish caught. While I will always do my best to get you on the bite, the overall enjoyment of your trip is what matters most.
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Fins Up Family Charters, Trips

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach

2 Hour Trip – Quick Soak

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River in Point Pleasant Beach

4 Hour Trip

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Boat Cruise, Sunset Cruise in Point Pleasant Beach

Yacht Rock Sunset Cruise

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $375
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River in Point Pleasant Beach

2/3 Hour Trip – After Work Soak

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $250

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Recent Reviews of Fins Up Family Charters,

5.0
based on 1 review

Lori

Verified Review

Captain Michael was fantastic—knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about fishing. He put us on the fish right away and made the whole trip enjoyable from start to finish. The boat was clean and comfortable, and his experience really showed. Highly recommend booking a trip with him!

Lori

Verified Review

Captain Michael was fantastic—knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about fishing. He put us on the fish right away and made the whole trip enjoyable from start to finish. The boat was clean and comfortable, and his experience really showed. Highly recommend booking a trip with him!
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Response from Michael:
Thank you Lori! I'm glad you all had a nice evening. Enjoy the rest of your vacation and let's go Phillies!!

Response from Michael:

Thank you Lori! I'm glad you all had a nice evening. Enjoy the rest of your vacation and let's go Phillies!!
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Sight Casting
Trolling

Fins Up Family Charters, Photo Gallery

2 Hour Trip – Quick Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
4 Hour Trip
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2/3 Hour Trip – After Work Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
4 Hour Trip
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2 Hour Trip – Quick Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2/3 Hour Trip – After Work Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Yacht Rock Sunset Cruise
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Yacht Rock Sunset Cruise
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Yacht Rock Sunset Cruise
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
4 Hour Trip
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2/3 Hour Trip – After Work Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2 Hour Trip – Quick Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
4 Hour Trip
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2/3 Hour Trip – After Work Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
2 Hour Trip – Quick Soak
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Yacht Rock Sunset Cruise
June 27th, 2025
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
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