New Jersey Inshore Fishing - Drum & Stripper Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target drum and striped bass on New Jersey watersSolo fishing adventure with all equipment providedInshore saltwater charter through Cape May Lady
Ready to get your line wet in some of New Jersey's most productive inshore waters? This drum and striped bass charter puts you right where the action happens, targeting three of the coast's most sought-after species. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bend of a rod, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We're talking about waters that hold serious fish - black drum that'll test your drag, striped bass that fight like they mean it, and redfish that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about inshore fishing.
This isn't your typical party boat situation - we're keeping it intimate with just one angler, so you get the full attention and the best spots without fighting for rail space. Captain Cape May Lady knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the honey holes that produce fish when others are coming back empty-handed. You'll be fishing the back bays, inlet mouths, and structure that holds fish year-round. The boat's rigged with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own setup unless you want to. We're talking about circle hooks, live bait rigs, and the kind of tackle that actually lands fish instead of just hooking them. The trip focuses on reading water, understanding tides, and putting baits where the fish are feeding - not where you hope they might be.
We're running live bait most of the time because that's what gets results in these waters. Fresh bunker, clams, and whatever's working on the day you're out. The captain switches between bottom rigs for the drum and live-lining for the stripers depending on what we're marking on the fish finder. You'll learn how to read structure, work different depths, and adjust your presentation based on tide and conditions. The black drum fishing often involves anchoring up on productive bottom and letting the fish come to you, while the striped bass action can range from casting to breaking fish to working the drop-offs along channel edges. Redfish require a different approach entirely - these guys like shallow water structure and moving baits. All the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are included, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along. The captain's always interested in what's working for other anglers.
Black drum are the bulldozers of New Jersey's inshore waters, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. These fish average 15-30 pounds in our waters, but don't be surprised if you tie into something pushing 40 or 50 pounds. They're bottom feeders that love structure - bridges, jetties, and deeper holes where they can root around for crabs and clams. Spring and fall are prime time for drum fishing, when they're actively feeding and moving through our area. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the way they fight - it's not flashy jumps or long runs, it's pure, stubborn power that'll make your arms burn. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, with firm white meat that takes seasoning well.
Striped bass are the king of New Jersey inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, aggressive when feeding, and put up the kind of fight that makes every other fish seem easy by comparison. In our waters, you'll find everything from schoolie bass in the 20-inch range up to keeper-sized fish that'll go 10, 15, even 20 pounds or more during the right conditions. Stripers are structure-oriented but also follow baitfish, so we're constantly adjusting tactics based on what we're seeing. They hit live eels like freight trains, crush fresh bunker chunks, and when they're feeding on top, they'll smash anything that looks like an injured baitfish. The peak seasons are spring and fall migration periods, but these fish are around most of the year in varying numbers.
Redfish might surprise some New Jersey anglers, but they're becoming more common in our waters and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find inshore. These copper-colored bruisers average 5-15 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're shallow water fish that like grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs near marshes. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and their never-give-up attitude once hooked. They'll make multiple runs, use every piece of structure they can find, and generally make you work for every inch of line you gain. Late summer and early fall are when we see the best redfish action, often in water so shallow you can see their backs when they're feeding.
This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you started fishing in the first place - good fish, productive water, and a captain who's more interested in putting you on fish than just burning fuel. With all gear included and a focus on actually catching fish instead of just going through the motions, you're looking at a day on the water that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over. New Jersey's inshore fishing is world-class when you know where to go and how to fish it, and this charter puts all that knowledge to work for you. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions - the best fishing trips happen when you're actually on the water, not thinking about it.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of New Jersey's inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish get their name from the drumming sounds they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater during spring spawning season. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around pier pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring through early summer is prime time when they school up in our estuaries and back bays. What makes them special? That bone-crushing fight and the challenge of outsmarting these bottom-huggers. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - they're sweet and flaky. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab on a fish-finder rig and let it sit still on bottom. They'll pick it up and run with it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the golden ghosts of shallow water, averaging 20-30 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. These copper-colored fighters love super shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster bars - sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. While they're more common down south, we do get them in our back bays during warmer months, especially late summer into fall. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fight in skinny water. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. These fish eat almost anything but love live shrimp and crab. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle. They spook easily, so stay quiet and patient.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the kings of our waters, typically running 20-40 pounds with some reaching 50+. These silver beauties with dark horizontal stripes are structure lovers - you'll find them around jetties, bridge pilings, and drop-offs from 10-50 feet deep. They migrate through our waters spring through fall, but the best action happens during the fall run when they're fattening up on bunker and herring. What guests love most is the fight - these fish are strong, stubborn pullers that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They can be picky eaters, so matching the local bait is key. My go-to tip: when you see birds working over baitfish, get there fast. Cast right into the chaos with a bucktail jig or live bunker - that's when the magic happens.
Atlantic City