Premier Cape May Fishing Charter | Gone Fishin'

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Cape May, NJ
$700 - $3,700 price range

Summary

Hop aboard Gone Fishin' for a 4-hour fishing adventure off Cape May, NJ. This family-friendly trip takes you out on a spacious 44-ft Henriques motorboat, equipped with powerful engines for a smooth ride. You'll spend about two hours cruising to prime fishing spots, then dive into two solid hours of trolling or bottom fishing. Bluefish are the main catch, but you might also reel in Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, or Flounder. With room for up to six guests, there's plenty of space to cast your line and enjoy the ocean breeze. The boat's quick 25-knot cruising speed means less time traveling and more time fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip offers a great mix of action and relaxation on the water. Bring your camera to capture the catches and coastal views – it's a perfect day out for families, friends, or anyone looking to experience the thrill of fishing in the Atlantic.

Premier Cape May Fishing Charter | Gone Fishin'

Reels and Catches

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Limit out with Gone Fishin’ Sport Fishing Charters

Two striped bass caught on a fishing trip in Cape May

Striper Fishing In Cape May

A lone angler fishing in the waters of Cape May

Tuna Madness In Cape May

Family-Friendly Fishing in Cape May's Hotspots

Trip Overview

Get ready for a fun day out on the water with the whole family! Our 4-hour charter trip aboard the 44-foot 'Gone Fishin'' is perfect for groups up to 6 looking to wet a line and make some memories. We'll zip out to Cape May's prime fishing grounds at a cool 25 knots, powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines. That means more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. Once we hit the sweet spots, we'll spend a solid 2 hours either trolling or bottom fishing, depending on what's biting. Bluefish are usually the stars of the show, but don't be surprised if you also reel in some Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, or even Flounder. The boat's got plenty of room to move around, so everyone can get in on the action without feeling cramped. Just bring your excitement – we'll take care of the rest!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard 'Gone Fishin'', you'll notice how spacious and comfortable she is. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Once we're out of the harbor, we'll cruise to where the fish are biting. If we're trolling, we'll set up multiple lines and cruise slowly, waiting for that telltale zing of the reel. For bottom fishing, we'll drop anchor and send our lines down deep where the big ones hide. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew is always ready to lend a hand, whether it's baiting hooks, showing you how to cast, or helping you reel in a fighter. And when you land that big one, we'll be right there to snap a photo for your bragging rights back home!

Top Catches This Season

Cape May's waters are teeming with a variety of fish, and what's biting can change day to day. Bluefish are our bread and butter – these aggressive fighters put up a great fight and are a blast to catch. We also see plenty of Spanish Mackerel, especially in the warmer months. They're fast swimmers and great eating fish. Summer Flounder, also known as Fluke, are another popular catch. They might not look like much, but they're tricky to hook and delicious on the plate. Grey Triggerfish are fun to catch with their small mouths and strong jaws – they're a real test of your hook-setting skills. And if we're lucky, we might run into some Atlantic Bonito. These smaller cousins of the tuna family are lightning-fast and put up a fight way above their weight class. Remember, fishing's all about the experience, so even if the big ones aren't biting, we'll make sure you have a great time out on the water.

Customer Stories

"Great trip! Caught fish from moment we arrived to fishing grounds until time to leave. Captain Mark and Brian made it fun and easy!!" - Christopher

"Had a good time with Mark and Joe. They are professional and tell you all you need to know and are very helpful. They bait the hooks for you. Clean the fish and help you overall with the experience. My only issue was the water was rough so I got seasick which of course is not their fault. I would do it again if the water was calmer and my stomach allowed lol" - Will

"Captain Mark found himself without a First Mate, so he had to be both captain and mate. It limited our choices of fish, but we still had a great time reeling in our capacity of bonitos and bluefish. We would book 'Gone Fishing' again." - David

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a summer favorite in Cape May. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Typically weighing 2-4 pounds, Spanish Mackerel are perfect for light tackle fishing. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill – firm, white meat with a slightly sweet flavor.

Bluefish: The bulldogs of the sea, Bluefish are pure muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about any lure and fight all the way to the boat. We see them from spring through fall, with the biggest ones (10-15 pounds) showing up in the cooler months. Bluefish are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies, which can whip the water into a foam. It's an exciting sight that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping.

Summer Flounder: Also known as Fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They lie on the bottom, blending in with the sand, waiting to ambush their prey. Catching them requires a bit of finesse – you'll need to feel for the subtle bite and set the hook just right. But when you do, you're in for a treat. Flounder in Cape May can reach up to 10 pounds, though 2-4 pounders are more common. They're at their peak in the summer months and are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor.

Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you – Triggerfish are tough customers. They have small, strong mouths and powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. This makes them a challenge to hook, but a lot of fun to catch. They're most common in the warmer months around rocky areas and reefs. While they typically weigh 1-3 pounds, their firm, white meat is excellent eating.

Atlantic Bonito: These little powerhouses are like miniature tuna. They're fast, strong, and put up a fight that'll make your arms ache. We usually see them in the late summer and early fall, chasing schools of baitfish near the surface. Bonito typically weigh 2-5 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're also great eating, with dark, rich meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks – a 4-hour fishing adventure that packs in all the excitement of Cape May's waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced crew will make sure you have a blast. You'll get the thrill of the catch, the joy of being out on the water, and maybe even some fresh fish for dinner. And let's not forget those priceless family memories you'll be talking about for years to come. Spots on 'Gone Fishin'' fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your trip. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a day of reeling in the fun. See you on the water!

Customer Reviews

Fish Frenzy Triumph

Great trip! Caught fish from moment we arrived to fishing grounds until time to leave. Captain Mark and Brian made it fun and easy!!

Christopher Boyle

August 26, 2024

Pro Crew Seasick Sea

Had a good time with Mark and Joe. They are professional and tell you all you need to know and are very helpful. They bait the hooks for you. Clean the fish and help you overall with the experience. My only issue was the water was rough so I got seasick which of course is not their fault. I would do it again if the water was calmer and my stomach allowed lol

Will G

July 5, 2025

Solo Captain Success

Captain Mark found himself without a First Mate, so he had to be both captain and mate. It limited our choices of fish, but we still had a great time reeling in our capacity of bonitos and bluefish. We would book 'Gone Fishing' again.

David Dube

August 24, 2024

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito are like small, supercharged tuna. These streamlined speedsters typically run 3-8 pounds and can hit 40 mph when chasing bait. Look for them from spring through fall, often in large schools at the surface. You'll find bonito anywhere from just off the beach to several miles out. They love to chase small baitfish, so use lures that mimic their prey. Fast trolling or casting metal jigs work well. Watch for bird activity to locate feeding schools. Bonito put up an incredible fight on light tackle, with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. While not highly prized for eating, they're excellent when prepared fresh. The best time is usually late summer when water temps are in the 60s. For the most exciting action, cast into feeding frenzies or troll the edges of bait schools. A local trick: if you see bonito jumping but can't get them to bite, try smaller lures - they can be picky eaters when focused on tiny bait.

Bluefish

Bluefish are one mean, toothy predator that'll test your gear and skills. These aggressive fighters typically run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. You'll find them cruising in schools from spring through fall, often in a feeding frenzy that churns up the water. Look for blues anywhere from the surf to several miles offshore. They love structure like jetties, inlets, and wrecks. Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those sharp teeth. Fresh cut bait or lures that mimic wounded baitfish work well. The blues' fierce strikes and strong runs make them a favorite target. Their oily flesh isn't for everyone, but they're delicious when prepared right. For the best action, fish during low light periods or cloudy days when they feed most actively. Pay attention to bird activity to locate schools - the blues will drive bait to the surface. And watch those fingers when unhooking them!

Grey Triggerfish

Grey triggerfish are an interesting catch with their distinctively shaped bodies and powerful jaws. These reef-dwellers typically run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 13. You'll find them around hard structure like wrecks and reefs from late spring through fall. Look for triggers in 60-180 feet of water. They're notorious bait stealers, so use small, strong hooks and tough baits like squid. Their hard mouths make hook-sets tricky, so reel fast when you feel a bite. Triggerfish put up a stubborn fight for their size and are excellent eating. The best time is usually mid-summer when water temps are warmest. They're often found with other reef species like sea bass and porgies. A local tip: if you're getting nibbles but no hookups, try reeling in very slowly. Triggers often follow the bait up, giving you a chance to set the hook as they get closer to the boat.

Spanish Mackerel

Atlantic bonito are a blast to catch. These speedy mackerel relatives zip through our waters from spring to fall, typically maxing out around 12 pounds. Look for them in large schools chasing bait near the surface - you might even spot them jumping as they chase prey. They love coastal areas but can show up anywhere from the shallows to several miles offshore. These fish put up an exciting fight on light tackle. Use fast-moving lures or live bait like menhaden to entice a bite. Soft plastics work great in calm conditions, but switch to metal jigs if it's windy. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Bonito aren't prized for eating around here, but they make excellent bait for larger gamefish. The best time to target them is usually late summer when water temps are in the 60s. Keep an eye out for their dorsal fins slicing the surface as they hunt - it looks just like a group of small sharks on the move. For the most action, troll quickly through a school once you spot them feeding.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are a local favorite for both eating and sport. These flatfish typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them from spring through fall in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters. Look for fluke on sandy or muddy bottoms. They're ambush predators, so fish near structure like wrecks, reefs, or drop-offs where they wait for prey. Use a bucktail jig tipped with strips of squid or fish - the fluke's nickname is "bucketmouth" for a reason. Fluke put up a good fight on light tackle and are excellent table fare. The best time is usually July through September when they're most active. For bigger fish, try deeper water or around inlet mouths. A local trick: bounce your bait along the bottom with short, sharp lifts of your rod tip. This mimics a fleeing baitfish and can trigger strikes from lazy fluke.

About the Gone Fishin'

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 700

Ready for a fun day out on the water with family or friends? Hop aboard Gone Fishin', a spacious 44-foot Henriques motorboat that'll take you on a 4-hour fishing adventure off Cape May. With twin 700 HP Mercury engines, this boat cruises at a zippy 25 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds in no time. You'll have about two hours to try your luck at trolling or bottom fishing, targeting mainly Bluefish but with chances to catch Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, and more. There's plenty of room for up to six guests, so bring the whole crew along. The captain will navigate to the best spots, maximizing your time with lines in the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers a great opportunity to enjoy the ocean and hopefully reel in some catches to brag about back on shore.

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