New Jersey Fishing - 6 Hour Day Trip (Weekend)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure departing from Cape MayAll equipment and fishing licenses included in trip priceTarget Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, and Tilefish species
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that'll get your line tight and your adrenaline pumping? Cape May Lady's weekend inshore trips are where serious anglers and weekend warriors alike come to chase some of New Jersey's best fish. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking about a full 6-hour charter that puts you right where the fish are feeding, with all the gear and know-how you need to make it happen.
When you step aboard the Cape May Lady, you're joining up to 19 other anglers for what's become a customer favorite along the Jersey coast. The crew has this trip dialed in – they know exactly where to find the bite, whether that's working the inshore structure for black sea bass or drifting the flats for stripers. You don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, because rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures are all included in your trip cost. The boat's set up to handle a crowd without feeling cramped, and there's plenty of rail space for everyone to get their lines in the water. Weekend trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season, so if you're eyeing a particular date, don't wait too long to lock it in.
The beauty of inshore fishing off Cape May is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. Depending on what's biting, the crew might have you bottom fishing with circle hooks and sinkers for black sea bass around structure, or switching to live bait rigs when the stripers are cruising through. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for the finesse work to heavier conventional setups when you need to get down deep for tilefish. Bait selection varies with the season and target species – expect everything from clams and squid to live bunker and eels when the bigger predators are around. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not shy about sharing techniques that work. Whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning the ropes, they'll get you set up with the right rig for whatever's on the menu that day.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of New Jersey inshore fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love hanging around structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they can ambush baitfish. They're aggressive biters that'll slam a bait hard, and at 2-4 pounds on average, they put up a solid scrap on lighter tackle. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the bigger fish often showing up in deeper water as the season progresses. What anglers love most is their cooperative nature – when you find a school, you can often load the boat before they wise up.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of the Atlantic coast, and New Jersey waters serve up some world-class fishing for these silver-sided fighters. Spring and fall migrations bring massive schools within easy reach of Cape May, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 20-inch range to trophy-sized cows pushing 40+ pounds. These fish are smart and moody – they might crush topwater lures at dawn or demand a perfectly presented live eel in 30 feet of water. The fight is what hooks most anglers – long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience.
Grey Tilefish might not win any beauty contests, but they're an angler's dream when you're looking for consistent action and great table fare. These deep-dwelling fish live in burrows along the continental shelf, typically in 200+ feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait, squid, and even jigs, often providing non-stop action once you locate them. Most fish run 2-8 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun, and their sweet, firm meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, with mature fish easily reaching 30-50 pounds or more. These copper-colored bruisers patrol shallow flats and structure, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs, clams, and other shellfish. They're notorious for their bulldogging fights – not spectacular jumpers, but they'll use every ounce of their bulk to try and find structure. Spring and fall offer the best shots at larger fish, though smaller "puppy drum" provide action throughout the warmer months.
Redfish round out the slam species, bringing their trademark bronze backs and spotted sides to New Jersey's inshore waters. These fish are built for the shallows, with powerful tails that let them make blistering runs in just a few feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from cut bait to topwater plugs, and their fight combines the best of both worlds – long runs and stubborn, head-shaking battles near the boat. Most fish range from 20-35 inches, hitting that sweet spot between action and size that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Cape May Lady's 6-hour weekend trips deliver exactly what serious anglers are looking for – professional crew, quality gear, and access to some of New Jersey's most productive fishing grounds. With everything included except your fishing license, it's a hassle-free way to get on the water and chase multiple species in a single trip. The 20-angler capacity means you're not fighting for space, and the crew's local knowledge puts you on fish that casual anglers never see. Weekend dates book up quickly, especially during prime season when the bite is hot and the weather's cooperating. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to feel that rod bend, this trip delivers the goods. Give them a call and secure your spot – the fish are waiting, but your weekend slot might not be there tomorrow.
Pogonias CromisThese powerful bottom-feeders are the heavyweights of the drum family, and they'll test your tackle. Most of our drum run 10-30 pounds, but we've seen some real bruisers over 50 pounds that'll make your drag scream. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around inlet mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you can hear them drumming underwater. They're strong fighters that use their weight and power, plus they're decent eating if you keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. Fresh crab is the top bait, especially soft shells or peelers. Pro tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook right away - let them get a good bite before you lean into them.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky fighters are a favorite around our local wrecks and rocky structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we get some nice ones pushing 6-8 pounds, especially the bigger males in deeper water. They hang around jetties, piers, and artificial reefs in 20-120 feet, with the best action from late spring through summer when they move inshore. Black sea bass put up a solid fight until they break the surface, and they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They'll hit squid strips, bucktails, and small jigs bounced near the bottom. Here's a local tip: they're structure-oriented, so once you hook one, there are usually more in the same spot. Keep your bait tight to the bottom and be ready - they hit fast and try to dive back into the rocks.
Caulolatilus MicropsAlso called blueline tilefish, these deep-water fish are some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They run 5-8 pounds on average but can hit 20+ pounds, and anglers love them because they taste like lobster when cooked right. We target them in 250-400 feet of water over muddy and rocky bottoms where they dig burrows. They're not picky eaters and will hit squid, cut bait, or jigs dropped to the bottom. Best fishing is during the cooler months when they're more active. The key to landing these fish is using enough weight to get down fast - sometimes 3-5 pounds in strong current - and being patient with a sensitive setup to feel their subtle bites. They're non-migratory, so once you find a good spot, you can usually count on them being there.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are distinctive copper-colored fish with that famous black spot near the tail - nature's way of confusing predators. Around here they typically run 20-35 inches and put up an amazing fight in shallow water. You'll find them cruising oyster beds, grass flats, and around dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when water temps are perfect. What makes them special is that aggressive topwater strike - nothing beats watching a big red blow up on a surface plug. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Live shrimp is hard to beat, but they'll smash topwater plugs and soft plastics too. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides - that's when they're actively feeding.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are New Jersey's signature gamefish, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes average 20-40 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. They're structure lovers, hanging around jetties, bridges, and drop-offs, usually within casting distance of shore. We fish for them year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on bunker and herring. Stripers are strong fighters that make powerful runs, and they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. They can be picky, so matching the local baitfish is key - live eels, bunker, or herring work best. Here's an insider tip: fish the moving water during tide changes, especially around dawn and dusk. That's when they're most active and feeding aggressively.
Atlantic City