Top-Rated Cape May Jumbo Seabass Charter | 12 Hours

Cape May's Ultimate Seabass Marathon

Ready for some serious offshore action? This 12-hour marathon trip is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with jumbo seabass. We're talking about heading 60 miles out to some prime fishing grounds where the big boys hang out. It's a full day of non-stop bottom fishing that'll test your stamina and fill your cooler. If you've got the grit for it, this trip promises to be a highlight of your fishing career.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be setting out from Cape May bright and early on the 'Gone Fishin' 44-foot Henriques. This beast of a boat is built for comfort and speed, powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines that'll eat up those offshore miles. There's plenty of room for six anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Once we hit the rockpiles, it's game on. We'll be dropping lines and pulling up seabass all day long. The action is usually pretty steady out here, so be ready to work. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing – our crew's got you covered with tips and tricks to land the big ones.

Techniques & Gear

Bottom fishing for jumbo seabass is all about precision and patience. We'll be using heavy-duty bottom rigs with multiple hooks, typically baited with squid or cut fish. The key is to feel for the bite and set the hook fast – these fish are quick! We provide all the necessary gear, but if you've got a favorite bottom fishing setup, feel free to bring it along. Just make sure it can handle the depth and the size of the fish we're after. We'll be fishing anywhere from 150 to 300 feet deep, so strong arms and a good attitude are a must!

Top Catches This Season

The seabass have been on fire lately, with many anglers hitting their limits and then some. We've been seeing a lot of 3 to 5 pounders, with some real bruisers in the 6 to 8 pound range mixed in. It's not uncommon for the best fishermen on the boat to rack up 30 or more keeper-sized bass on a good day. And don't be surprised if we tangle with some bonus species like cod, pollock, or even a stray tilefish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Sea Bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers are not only a blast to catch but also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, but the jumbos we target on this trip can push 8 pounds or more. Seabass are structure-oriented fish, hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom areas. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit a bait as soon as it reaches the bottom. The best part? They travel in schools, so when you find them, you can expect multiple hookups.

The prime time for these jumbo seabass is typically late fall through early winter, but we run these trips whenever the season is open. These fish are hermaphroditic, starting life as females and transitioning to males as they grow larger. That's why the biggest fish – the ones we're after – are almost always males, often sporting a distinctive blue hump on their heads during spawning season.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This trip isn't for the faint of heart, but that's exactly why serious anglers love it. It's a full day of hardcore fishing with the potential for some serious bragging rights. The sheer volume of fish you can catch is impressive, and the quality is top-notch. Plus, there's something special about being that far offshore, away from the crowds and surrounded by nothing but open ocean. It's just you, your fellow anglers, and the fish – the way fishing should be.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching for a real offshore adventure and have your sights set on some jumbo seabass, this is the trip for you. Remember, we're limited to six anglers per trip, so spots fill up fast – especially during peak season. Don't miss your chance to experience some of the best bottom fishing Cape May has to offer. Grab your spot on the 'Gone Fishin' and get ready for a day of non-stop action. Just be warned: after this trip, regular fishing might never feel the same again!