Hey there, fellow fishing enthusiasts! Ready to wet a line in Cape May's rich waters? This 4-hour trip with Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters is perfect for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to land some of New Jersey's finest inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered for a day of fish-filled action on the Atlantic.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Cape May on a sweet 44-foot Henriques, powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines. That means a smooth ride and plenty of space for up to six people. We'll spend about two hours motoring to the prime fishing spots, giving you plenty of time to soak in the coastal views and get pumped for the action ahead. Once we hit the honey holes, it's all about dropping lines and filling the cooler. We've got two solid hours of fishing time, whether you prefer trolling for the big ones or bottom fishing for a mixed bag.
On this trip, we're mainly after bluefish, but don't be surprised if you hook into some striped bass, Spanish mackerel, or even a doormat flounder. We'll set you up with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. If you're new to fishing, no sweat – our crew will show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to proper casting techniques. For the more experienced anglers, we're always happy to swap stories and share local tips. We'll likely mix it up between trolling and bottom fishing, depending on what's biting. Trolling's great for covering water and tempting those aggressive blues and Spanish mackerel, while bottom fishing might land you a tasty flounder or black sea bass.
Customer reviews not provided for this trip.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They typically show up in Cape May waters from late spring through early fall, with the peak action in July and August. Averaging 2-4 pounds, they're not just fun to catch but also delicious on the grill. When a school of Spanish mackerel moves through, get ready for non-stop action!
Bluefish: The bulldogs of the sea, bluefish are hard-fighting and always hungry. They can range from 2-pound "snappers" to 15-pound "choppers" that'll test your gear and your arms. Blues are most abundant from May to October, with some of the biggest fish showing up in the fall. Their aggressive nature makes them perfect for newcomers – when they're biting, it's not uncommon to have a fish on every line!
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers are prized for their firm, white flesh and can be found around structure year-round. The bigger "knuckleheads" often hang in deeper water, so when we're bottom fishing, be ready for some good pull. The average catch is 1-3 pounds, but 5-pounders aren't unheard of. Sea bass fishing really heats up in late spring and fall.
Summer Flounder (Fluke): Flatties are the masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. But once hooked, they put up a respectable fight. Fluke season typically runs from May to September, with the biggest fish often caught in July and August. Landing a "doormat" (a fluke over 10 pounds) is a true Cape May bragging right!
Grey Triggerfish: These odd-looking fish might not win any beauty contests, but they're a fun catch and great eating. Triggerfish hang around structure and reefs, typically showing up in Cape May waters from June through September. They're known for their tough mouths (hence the name "triggerfish"), so a quick hookset is key. While most are in the 1-3 pound range, hooking into a bigger one is always a treat.
Alright, folks, there you have it – a 4-hour fishing adventure that packs in all the excitement Cape May has to offer. From the rush of hooking into a hard-fighting bluefish to the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fillets, this trip's got it all. Remember, fishing isn't just about what you catch; it's about the memories you make on the water. So round up your crew, grab your sunscreen, and let's get out there! The fish are waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of that first big hit of the day. Book your spot now, and I'll see you at the dock!
Black Sea Bass are bottom-dwelling fish that put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Most run 1-3 pounds, but trophy fish can reach 8+. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-180 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love sea bass for their tasty white meat and the fun of bottom fishing. To catch 'em, try dropping cut squid or clams on a two-hook rig right to the bottom. A local trick is to use a strip of squid on one hook and a small live minnow on the other - sea bass can't resist the combo. When you feel the telltale taps, set the hook quick. These guys have small mouths, so circle hooks work great for catch-and-release fishing.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you an exciting fight. They usually run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters, often in big schools churning up the surface as they attack bait. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when they migrate through. Anglers love bluefish for their hard-hitting strikes and powerful runs. They're not the best eating, but make great smoked fish dip. To catch 'em, try casting topwater poppers or metal lures into feeding frenzies. A local tip: bring wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. When you hook one, hang on tight - they're known for aerial acrobatics and blistering runs. Just be careful handling them in the boat!
Grey Triggerfish are odd-looking but hard-fighting fish found around reefs and wrecks. Most run 2-4 pounds, but can reach up to 13. You'll find them in 60-300 feet of water, often mixed in with snappers and groupers. Summer and fall are prime seasons as water warms up. Anglers love triggerfish for their firm, sweet meat and the challenge of getting them to bite. To catch 'em, try dropping small chunks of squid or shrimp on circle hooks. A local tip: when you feel nibbles, don't set the hook right away. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers, so let them really take it before reeling. Watch out for their sharp teeth and spines when handling them. These tough little fish put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size!
Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming, schooling fish that put up a great fight. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them near the surface in open water, often chasing bait fish. Spring through fall is prime time, with peak action in summer when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their speed and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating fish with a rich, oily flavor. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish Mackerel are feeding on bait balls below. When you spot them, cast metal jigs or spoons and retrieve quickly to mimic fleeing baitfish. Just watch those teeth when unhooking!
Summer Flounder, aka fluke, are flat ambush predators that make for fun sight fishing. Most run 2-5 pounds, but doormat-sized 10-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters. Late spring through early fall is prime time. Anglers love flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of enticing a bite. To catch 'em, try drifting or slow-trolling with live minnows or strip baits. A local trick is to use a bucktail jig tipped with a long strip of squid or fish - the fluttering action drives flounder crazy. When you feel weight, drop your rod tip and wait a few seconds before setting the hook. These guys have soft mouths, so don't horse them in!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 700