5.0(7 Reviews)Cape May Inshore Fishing with Captain Clint
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonitas, and king mackerel offshoreCaptain Clint provides expert guidance in Cape May watersTrolling trips extend up to 30 miles with 6guest capacity
Cape May's coastal waters are packed with hungry gamefish, and Captain Clint Clement knows exactly where to find them. Whether you've got half a day or want to make it a full adventure, this inshore fishing trip puts you right in the action targeting bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonitas, and king mackerel. You'll be trolling prime fishing grounds that extend up to 30 miles offshore, where these fast-moving predators cruise the temperature breaks and structure. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't some crowded cattle boat experience – you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight your fish properly.
Captain Clint runs a tight ship focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll start by heading to proven productive areas where baitfish concentrate, and that's where the magic happens. The boat is set up specifically for trolling operations, with outriggers and downriggers to spread your lines and cover maximum water. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew handles all the technical stuff like setting drag, adjusting lure depth, and positioning lines. Your job is simple: grab the rod when it goes off and hang on tight. These Cape May waters are famous for holding aggressive fish that hit hard and fight harder. The captain's local knowledge means you're not wasting time searching blindly – he knows the seasonal patterns, current breaks, and structure that hold fish throughout the year.
Trolling is the name of the game here, and it's the most effective way to cover water and locate active schools of fish. The boat maintains a steady speed while pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits behind you. Captain Clint uses a mix of spoons, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs depending on what's working best. The crew adjusts everything based on water conditions, bait presence, and fish activity. You'll see lines set at different depths and distances from the boat – some running shallow for surface-feeding fish, others down deep where the bigger predators lurk. When a rod doubles over, everyone springs into action. The angler grabs the bent rod while the crew clears other lines to give you room to fight. It's organized chaos that works beautifully when everyone knows their role.
"Excellent service very friendly and would hailey recommend their charter boat to anyone that is looking to have a lots of fun and want to catch a lot of fish 🎣" - Cody. "We had an awesome time! Captain Clint and Kyle were friendly, welcoming, and made the trip so enjoyable. We'll definitely be back for another round. Loved every minute of it! ❤️" - Renee. "Clint and Kyle were fantastic—super helpful and fun to fish with. We ended up catching around 25 fish. Such a great time all around! 👍" - Michael.
Spanish mackerel are some of the most cooperative fish in Cape May waters, especially during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute speed demons when hooked. They love small spoons and jigs trolled at moderate speeds, and they're famous for their blistering initial runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights – plus they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, and Cape May's population is legendary among East Coast anglers. These toothy predators range from schoolie-sized snappers up to hefty 10-15 pound choppers that can test your tackle and technique. They're aggressive feeders that often travel in large schools, which means when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Bluefish hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. They're most active during moving water and low-light conditions, making early morning and evening trips particularly productive.
King mackerel represent the trophy potential of this fishery, with fish commonly reaching 20-30 pounds and occasional giants pushing even bigger. These apex predators patrol the offshore waters and temperature breaks where smaller baitfish concentrate. Kings are known for their blistering runs and ability to clear the water when hooked, putting on aerial displays that get everyone's attention. They're typically most active from late spring through fall when water temperatures are optimal, and catching one is often the highlight of any fishing trip.
Atlantic bonito are the wild cards that can show up when conditions are right, particularly during their migration periods. These mini-tunas are built for speed and endurance, offering pound-for-pound some of the best fights you'll experience. They're schooling fish that often travel with other species, so finding bonito usually means you've located a productive area. Their dark meat is prized by anglers who know how to prepare it properly, and their aggressive feeding behavior makes them exciting targets for trolling operations.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape May's inshore fishery, with both resident fish and massive migrating schools passing through these waters seasonally. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds. Stripers are smart, strong fighters that use their broad tails and muscular bodies to wage extended battles. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but resident fish provide action throughout much of the season. Landing a big striper is a badge of honor that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Cape May's inshore fishing delivers consistent action for anglers who want to experience some of the East Coast's best trolling opportunities. Captain Clint's local expertise, combined with well-maintained equipment and a customer-focused approach,
Set out from Cape May aboard this beautifully restored 38-foot Hatteras sportfisher, your floating command center for chasing bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and kings up to 30 miles offshore. Captain Clint knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with twin 370HP Cummins engines pushing this boat at 26 knots, you'll reach the hot spots fast. The fish finder and radar keep you locked onto schools even when conditions get sketchy. Between runs, kick back in the air-conditioned cabin, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or head up to the flybridge for a better view of the action. With space for six anglers, a full galley, and even a head and berth for longer trips, this Hatteras has everything you need for a productive day targeting those hard-fighting pelagics that make Cape May fishing so legendary.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like mini torpedoes - silver bullets with blue-green backs and dark stripes that can hit 40 mph when they're on the hunt. Most run 3-8 pounds and about 24 inches, but they make up for size with pure speed and attitude. These schooling fish cruise the mid-water column in 30-80 feet, chasing baitfish to the surface where seabirds give away their location. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What's fun about bonito is how aggressive they are - when you find a school feeding on top, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. They're not great eating here in the States, but the fight more than makes up for it. Look for the birds diving and get there fast. Once you hook into a school, work quickly - they move constantly and won't stay in one spot long. Small metals and plastics work best, and don't be surprised when they jump clear out of the water.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are some of the most aggressive feeders you'll encounter off Cape May. These blue-green bruisers typically run 3-15 pounds and pack serious attitude with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through just about anything. You'll find them in schools from the surf zone out to 50+ feet, especially around structure and baitfish concentrations. They show up best from late spring through fall, and when they're feeding, the water looks like a washing machine - we call it a "bluefish blitz." What makes them special is that raw power and tenacity. They fight dirty, make long runs, and never give up easy. The smaller "cocktail blues" are fantastic eating when handled right - firm, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. Pro tip: always bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. These fish will bite through regular mono in a heartbeat, and trust me, you don't want to lose a good lure to those teeth.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of our offshore waters, capable of stripping line faster than just about anything that swims. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can push well over 50, with females typically running larger than males. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and structure where baitfish concentrate. Late summer and early fall bring the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84 degrees. What makes kings special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream drag and test every knot you tied. The fight stays strong too, with powerful runs and head shakes that'll remind you why we use heavy tackle. Their rich, oily meat is great smoked or grilled if you handle it right. Here's a tip from years of chasing these fish: rig your live baits with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings have a habit of hitting baits from behind, and that second hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving schooling fish that run 1-2 feet long and average 8-11 pounds. You'll spot them by their silver sides with yellowish oval spots and that streamlined body built for speed. They cruise near the surface in large schools, often stretching for miles. Around Cape May, we find them in 20-80 feet of water from late spring through fall when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit lures hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild flavor that grills up perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs right into the commotion. Spanish macs feed aggressively in these bait schools, and you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local fishing scene. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around Cape May, though we see plenty of schoolies and the occasional monster pushing 50+. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around drop-offs, rock piles, and bridge pilings in 15-60 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're moving up and down the coast chasing bait. What guests love most is the fight - stripers are strong, smart, and stubborn. They'll take drag and test your patience, but that's what makes landing one so rewarding. The meat is excellent too, sweet and flaky. Here's something I've learned over the years: fish the edges where current meets calm water, especially during moving tides. That's where stripers set up to ambush baitfish, and if you put your offering in the right spot, you're in for a battle.
5.0 out of 5.0Excellent service very friendly and would hailey recommend their charter boat to anyone that is looking to have a lots of fun and ...
We had an incredible time out on the water! Easily the best fishing trip we've ever taken. Everyone caught plenty of fish—truly an...
Took an inshore trip with my twin sister, and the black sea bass were biting non-stop—doubles more often than singles! Kyle was on...
We had an awesome time! Captain Clint and Kyle were friendly, welcoming, and made the trip so enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back ...
The kids had an awesome time out on the water! Definitely a trip we’d recommend to other families.
They went above and beyond to put us on the fish and made sure we had a successful day out there.
Clint and Kyle were fantastic—super helpful and fun to fish with. We ended up catching around 25 fish. Such a great time all aroun...
Cape May