5.0(1 Reviews)Cape May Mahi Mahi Charter - 10 Hour Offshore Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and King Mackerel offshoreFull-day charter accommodates up to six guests aboard 44-ft boatProfessional crew provides equipment and Atlantic Ocean expertise
Ready to chase some serious pelagic action off the New Jersey coast? Captain Mark and his crew at Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters know exactly where to find the hottest bite in Cape May's offshore waters. This 10-hour deep-sea adventure takes you 20-30 miles into the Atlantic where mahi mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, and yellowfin tuna cruise the blue water. You'll be fishing from a top-rated 44-foot Henriques sportfisher that's built to handle the offshore conditions while keeping your group of up to six anglers comfortable all day long. The twin 700 HP Mercury engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, which means more time with lines in the water and less time running. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or stepping aboard your first charter boat, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps fishermen coming back year after year.
Your day starts early at the Cape May marina, where Captain Mark briefs the crew on conditions and the game plan for the day. Once you clear the inlet, it's a smooth 45-minute to hour-long ride out to the productive offshore waters where the Gulf Stream influence brings in the pelagic species everyone's after. The Henriques hull cuts through the swells like butter, and you'll have plenty of room to move around the cockpit while the crew sets up the spread. This isn't your typical party boat scene - with just six anglers max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances at the rod. The boat's equipped with all the serious gear you need, from heavy trolling rods to high-speed reels that can handle whatever decides to crash the baits. Captain Mark and his mate know these waters inside and out, reading the water temperature breaks, watching for bird activity, and positioning the boat where the fish are most likely to be feeding.
This charter runs a professional trolling spread that's designed to trigger strikes from multiple species. The crew sets out a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and colorful skirted lures that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. You'll be trolling at speeds between 6-12 knots depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. When something hits, the reel starts screaming and everyone knows it's game on. The fighting chairs are positioned perfectly for battling larger fish, but plenty of action happens right at the transom too. Captain Mark's approach focuses on finding active fish rather than just covering water - he's constantly adjusting the spread, changing lures, and moving to new areas based on what's working. The crew handles all the rigging, net work, and fish care so you can focus on the fight. They're also great teachers if you want to learn more about reading the sonar, understanding bait presentations, or improving your fighting technique.
"Great keeping in touch in days before trip regarding weather reports and fishing conditions. Rendezvous was flawless and we were making our way out the marina bang on time. I am 64, and my two sons 31 and 33. All novices on a fishing boat. Trawling for small gamefish ? 20 to 30 ? miles out catch-and-release was our request. I let my 2 sons fish while I snapped pictures. By 8:40 a.m they had already caught enough fish that we were all smiles ! We did intend keeping count of what we caught, but lost track in one of the flurries. Guess around 25 fish mixed bag of Dorado, Dolphinfish and False Albacore. The Dolphinfish were "the dream". Captain Mark and 1st Mate Tim spared no effort to give us a fine time. The boat was fantastic. Smooth comfortable ride there and back. When planning the trip, the boys and I spoke of "A trip of a lifetime". Now we are talking more of an Annual Trip. Many thanks to Captain Mark and Tim. You made our dreams come true." - OWEN
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of this charter and for good reason. These electric-colored fighters put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping every single time. Cape May's mahi fishing peaks from June through September when water temperatures climb into the mid-70s and higher. These fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often in the 15-40 pound range with bigger bulls possible. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature - they'll often double or triple up on the lines, creating chaos in the cockpit that's pure fishing gold. The way they light up those brilliant greens and yellows during the fight is something you have to see to believe.
King mackerel bring serious speed and power to the mix, especially the larger fish that show up in Cape May waters during the summer months. These toothy predators can stretch the tape to 30+ pounds and make blistering runs that test both your drag system and your arms. Kings love fast-moving baits and often hit with authority, giving you that bone-jarring strike that wakes up everyone on the boat. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the cooler.
Wahoo represent the Ferrari of the offshore world - pure speed wrapped in razor-sharp teeth. These sleek predators can hit 60+ mph and often strike so fast that the first indication is a screaming reel. Cape May's wahoo fishing is typically best from late summer into fall when these fish follow bait migrations along the continental shelf. They're not as common as mahi or kings, but when one shows up, it's an event. The combination of their speed, jumping ability, and excellent eating quality makes wahoo one of the most prized catches in these waters.
Yellowfin tuna add serious muscle to
Captain Mark's 44-foot Henriques is a serious fishing machine built for those epic Mahi Mahi runs off Cape May. Twin 700 HP Mercury engines get you to the deep water fast, while the massive 170 square-foot cockpit gives your crew of six plenty of room to work when the fish are biting. The transom door makes landing big ones a breeze, and there's space for hundreds of pounds of ice to keep your catch fresh. Between the action, kick back in the air-conditioned cabin with TV, full kitchen, and lounge area. The flybridge offers killer views for spotting birds and bait, while the fish finder and GPS keep you on the fish. With a full head, shower, and bed onboard, this boat handles those long offshore days in comfort. Perfect setup for chasing Wahoo, King Mackerel, and whatever else is running in the Atlantic's deep blue water.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen them push 60+ pounds out here. They cruise the deep water from 40-150 feet, often following bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. These fish are pure speed - they'll rip line off your reel faster than almost anything out there. The meat's excellent eating too, with firm white flesh that grills beautifully. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - Kings love to crush a ballyhoo that's dancing around up top.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect mix of beauty and brute strength. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we regularly see bulls pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. They're surface dwellers that love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm blue water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes Mahi special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. The color changes when you boat them are something else to see. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area because they usually travel in schools. Toss some chunks overboard to keep the school fired up and you might boat several.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 20-50 pounds, though we've boated some real monsters over 80 pounds. They patrol open water from the surface down to about 60 feet, often cruising near temperature breaks and drop-offs. Best fishing runs from late summer into fall when they're most active in our waters. What sets Wahoo apart is that blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is top-shelf too, with delicate white flakes that make great steaks or fish tacos. Key to success is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Try running minnow plugs or skirted ballyhoo way back in the spread.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing, typically running 30-80 pounds with those distinctive bright yellow fins and sickle-shaped tail. They're open ocean fish that cruise the top 100 feet, often around temperature breaks, current edges, and underwater structure. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when warm water pushes up from the south. These fish are built for endurance - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your tackle and stamina. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean, perfect for sushi or searing rare. They're also surprisingly smart, so varying your presentation is crucial. My go-to trick is chunking with fresh herring to bring them up from the depths, then switching to live bait once you get them fired up and feeding.
5.0 out of 5.0Great keeping in touch in days before trip regarding weather reports and fishing conditions. Rendezvous was flawless and we were...
Cape May, NJ