Epic Cape May Seabass Charter | Gone Fishin'

Cape May's Spring Seabass Bonanza

Hey there, anglers! Ready to get in on some of the hottest bottom fishing action off the Jersey coast? Captain Mark and the crew at Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters have got you covered with our 8-hour deep water seabass trips. We're talking about heading 30-40 miles offshore to hit the wrecks and reefs where the big boys hang out. Trust me, when those jumbo seabass start biting, you'll be glad you came along for the ride.

What to Expect on the Water

First things first - we'll be cruising out on our 44-foot Henriques, a real beauty powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines. She's built for comfort and speed, getting us out to the fishing grounds quick so we can maximize our time dropping lines. We can take up to six guests, so grab your buddies and make a day of it. Once we hit our spots, it's non-stop action from start to finish. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put us right on top of the fish. Just be ready to reel 'em in!

Bottom Fishing Breakdown

If you're new to bottom fishing, don't sweat it. We'll get you up to speed in no time. We'll be using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with strong line - those big seabass can put up a fight! Your rig will typically have a sinker at the bottom and a couple of hooks above it, baited up with clams, squid, or cut fish. When you feel that telltale thump-thump, it's time to set the hook and start cranking. It's a workout, but man, is it worth it when you see that fat seabass coming over the rail. And here's a pro tip: keep your bait close to the bottom, that's where these fish like to hang out.

Top Catches This Season

While we're primarily after those jumbo seabass, don't be surprised if you hook into some other tasty bottom-dwellers. Scup (also known as porgy) are common catches and make for some great eating. Lingcod and pollock might show up too, adding some variety to your cooler. And if we're really lucky, we might even tangle with some Atlantic cod. The spring season is prime time for these species, but remember, the exact dates can shift based on state regulations. We always stay up to date, so you can focus on the fishing and leave the paperwork to us.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Sea Bass: These are the stars of the show, folks. In the spring, we're talking about fish in the 3-5 pound range, with some real monsters pushing 8 pounds or more. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight for their size. Plus, that white, flaky meat is hard to beat on the dinner table. Sea bass tend to school up around structure, which is why we target those wrecks and reefs. They're most active in the cooler months, making spring the perfect time to load up the cooler.

Scup (Porgy): These silver-sided fighters might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch and delicious to boot. Scup typically run in the 1-2 pound range, but we occasionally see some jumbos pushing 3 pounds. They've got small mouths, so a sensitive touch helps in feeling those bites. Scup are abundant and make for steady action when the seabass bite slows down.

Lingcod: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't actually cod at all. Lingcod are aggressive predators with big mouths full of sharp teeth. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and wrecks, often in the same areas as our seabass. A big lingcod can push 20 pounds or more, and they put up one heck of a fight. Their white, flaky meat is prized by seafood lovers.

Atlantic Cod: While not as common as they once were in these waters, we still see some cod, especially in the cooler months. These are the classic groundfish of the North Atlantic, known for their mild, sweet flavor. A good-sized cod can run 10-20 pounds, and they're always a welcome addition to the catch.

Pollock: Another member of the cod family, pollock are sleek, silver fish that school up in the water column. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters, often hitting baits or jigs meant for other species. Pollock in the 5-10 pound range are common, but bigger ones are out there. They're versatile in the kitchen and make for some great fish and chips.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I can tell you why folks keep booking with us. It's not just about the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's about the whole experience. There's nothing like being out on the open water, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic as we cruise out to our spots. The camaraderie on board, swapping stories and sharing laughs between bites. And let's not forget the rush when someone hooks into a big one and the whole crew is cheering them on. Add in the fact that you're likely to go home with a cooler full of fresh, delicious fish, and it's no wonder people can't wait to get back out there.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, anglers, if you're itching to get in on this spring seabass action, now's the time to lock in your date. These trips fill up fast, especially once word gets out that the fish are biting. Remember, we're limited to six guests per trip, so don't wait too long. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time dropping a line, we'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. So grab your sunscreen, pack a lunch (we don't provide meals on board), and get ready for some serious fishing. The wrecks are calling, and those jumbo seabass aren't going to catch themselves. See you on the boat!