Cape May Inshore Fishing with Captain Clint
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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 Tactics That Work
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.
Customer Stories
"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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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,