Cape May's Premier 6-Hour Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure departing from Cape May watersAll fishing gear, bait, tackle, and licenses included with bookingTarget multiple species including Striped Bass, Weakfish, and Tilefish
Cape May's fall and early winter fishing scene is something special, and this 6-hour day trip with Cape May Lady puts you right in the heart of it all. Running weekends from October through December, this top-rated charter takes full advantage of the season's cooler waters and active fish populations. You'll be fishing prime inshore spots where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic, targeting some of New Jersey's most prized species while the Cape May Lady crew handles all the details. With all gear, bait, tackle, and even your fishing license included, you can focus entirely on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at Cape May's harbor, where you'll meet your captain and up to 9 fellow anglers for this small-group experience. The Cape May Lady is rigged specifically for inshore fishing, with plenty of rod holders, a spacious fishing deck, and all the electronics needed to locate productive water. During these cooler months, we're targeting structure-loving species that stack up around jetties, drop-offs, and channel edges. The captain reads conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly – some days we'll work the back bay channels for stripers, other times we'll hit the nearshore reefs where tilefish and weakfish concentrate. Weather can change quickly in fall, but that's part of what makes this fishery so dynamic and productive.
The boat comes equipped with quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to the target species and conditions. You'll fish primarily with circle hooks and natural baits – squid, bunker, and bloodworms are go-to choices depending on what we're after. For striped bass, we often work with live eels or chunk baits around structure. Tilefish calls for bottom rigs with heavy sinkers to get down to their preferred depths. The crew will rig your lines, net your fish, and keep you in the action all day. If you've got your own lucky rod, bring it along – just make sure it can handle 20-30 pound fish and has a smooth drag system. The fishing license provided covers New Jersey waters, so you're legal to fish anywhere we go during the trip.
Weakfish are the stars of Cape May's fall fishing scene, and for good reason. These silvery fighters typically run 2-4 pounds in our waters, though larger specimens push 6-8 pounds and provide serious rod-bending action. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk, making our full-day format perfect for hitting multiple tidal phases. Weakfish hit soft plastics and natural baits with equal enthusiasm, and their distinctive drumming sound when you bring them aboard always gets first-time anglers excited.
Striped bass are the backbone of New Jersey's inshore fishery, and Cape May's fall run is legendary among local anglers. School bass in the 18-28 inch range provide consistent action, while keeper-sized fish over 28 inches offer the kind of fights that make for great fish stories. These bass are aggressive feeders in cooler water, often schooling up in massive numbers around bait schools. They're smart fish that require varied presentations – sometimes they want a fast-moving lure, other times a slow-rolled bait gets the bite.
Tilefish might not be the prettiest catch, but they're absolute table fare champions and put up a surprisingly good fight for a bottom dweller. These colorful fish live in deeper water around structure and can reach 5-10 pounds in our area. They're curious fish that often hit baits quickly, making them perfect for anglers who like steady action. Many guests are surprised by their vibrant yellow and blue coloration and firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Redfish, while less common than our other targets, represent the prize catch of any Cape May trip. These copper-colored bruisers can exceed 30 inches and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in our waters. They're ambush predators that patrol shallow flats and channel edges, often feeding in water so shallow you can see their backs. When a big red hits your bait, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and use their broad tails to maximum advantage.
This world-class inshore fishing experience fills up quickly, especially on prime weather weekends when conditions align perfectly. Cape May Lady's reputation for putting anglers on fish, combined with the all-inclusive nature of this trip, makes it a customer favorite among both local regulars and visiting anglers. The boat's 10-person capacity keeps groups manageable while the crew provides personalized attention to help you land the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to explore new waters or a newcomer ready to experience New Jersey's renowned fall fishing, this 6-hour adventure delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season. Book your spot today and get ready to experience why Cape May's inshore fishing scene draws anglers from across the region.
Atlantic City