Cape May Deep Water Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Eighthour offshore seabass fishing targeting jumbo catches over wrecksCaptain Mark specializes in bottom fishing with proven expertise44ft Henriques boat accommodates six guests with twin 700 HP engines
When Captain Mark fires up those twin 700 HP Mercury engines and points the bow toward the deep Atlantic, you know you're in for something special. This 8-hour wreck fishing trip takes you 30-40 miles offshore where the real monsters live, and trust me, the ride out is just the beginning. The 44-foot Henriques cuts through the swells like butter, giving you and up to five other anglers plenty of room to work without getting in each other's way. Fall seabass season is pure magic out here – these fish stack up on the wrecks like they're having a family reunion, and once you drop your line, it's game on.
Captain Mark didn't earn his reputation by accident – this guy knows bottom fishing like the back of his hand, and when seabass season rolls around, he gets downright excited. You'll be targeting structure that's been holding fish for decades, dropping lines over shipwrecks and natural reefs that create the perfect habitat for jumbo seabass and their friends. The action stays consistent throughout the day, which means you'll be pulling fish up from the moment we hit our first spot until it's time to head home. The boat's setup is dialed in for serious bottom fishing – plenty of rail space, top-notch electronics to mark the fish, and all the heavy tackle you need to haul up those deep-water bruisers. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; the crew will get you sorted with technique and rigging that puts fish in the cooler.
Wreck fishing is a whole different animal than what you'll find in the bay or surf. We're talking serious structure in 80-120 feet of water, where the current runs strong and the fish have seen every trick in the book. Your standard high-low rigs with circle hooks and bank sinkers are the bread and butter here, but the key is reading the drift and keeping your bait in the strike zone. Captain Mark positions the boat perfectly so you're fishing the productive edges of the wrecks, not just the barren sand around them. When you feel that telltale thump-thump of a seabass mouthing your clam or squid, resist the urge to jerk – let the circle hook do its job and start cranking. The fight might not be spectacular, but when you see the size of these fall seabass coming over the rail, you'll understand why this trip books up fast. Heavy conventional reels paired with stout rods are the standard setup, and the crew keeps plenty of terminal tackle on hand because you're going to lose some gear to the structure.
Black Sea Bass are the headliners of this show, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the complex structure that shipwrecks provide, using the nooks and crannies to ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time because they're fattening up for winter, which means you're looking at fish in the 3-5 pound range with plenty of keeper-sized specimens mixed in. They're not flashy fighters, but they're bulldogs that use their broad sides to maximum advantage in the current. What makes seabass so popular is the eating – firm, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Scup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, show up in numbers that'll wear out your arms. These silver pancakes might be smaller than seabass, but they make up for it with attitude and quantity. They hit hard and fight dirty, using every trick to wrap you around the wreck. The bigger scup push 2-3 pounds and are fantastic table fare, while the smaller ones make excellent live bait for bigger predators lurking nearby.
Atlantic Cod still cruise these wrecks, though they're not as common as they once were. When you hook into a cod, you'll know it immediately – they have a distinctive headshaking fight and serious weight behind them. These fish can push 20+ pounds on the bigger wrecks, and they're the prize catch that every angler hopes for when we're working the deeper structure.
Pollock are the speed demons of the wreck fishing world. These silver bullets come in schools and hit with authority, often taking your bait before it even hits bottom. They're fantastic sport on lighter tackle and make excellent eating when iced properly. You'll find them suspended in the water column around the wrecks, especially when baitfish are thick.
Lingcod round out the mixed bag, and while they're not as common in these waters, when they show up, they make an impression. These prehistoric-looking fish have mouths full of teeth and an attitude to match. They prefer the deepest, most structured areas of the wrecks, and a big ling can easily top 10 pounds with a fight that'll test your tackle.
Here's the thing about fall seabass season – it's regulated by the state, which means the dates can shift based on fish populations and management decisions. Captain Mark and the Gone Fishin' crew know these waters better than anyone, and when the season opens, they're ready to put you on the fish. This 8-hour deep water adventure gives you the full experience of Cape May's world-class wreck fishing, with non-stop action and the chance at some serious bragging rights. The 6-angler capacity means you're not fighting for space, and the crew's attention to detail ensures you'll learn something new while filling the cooler. Don't sleep on booking this trip – when word gets out that the fish are biting on the deep wrecks, these spots fill up faster than you can say "fish on." Whether you're a seasoned bottom fishing veteran or looking to step up your game from the party boats, this is the trip that shows you what Cape May's offshore fishing is really about.
The Gone Fishin's 44-foot Henriques motorboat cuts through Cape May waters with authority, powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines that'll get you to those productive wreck sites 30-40 miles offshore without breaking a sweat. Captain Mark has rigged this fishing machine with everything serious anglers need - a reliable fish finder to pinpoint those bottom-dwelling seabass, GPS and radar for safe navigation to distant fishing grounds, and VHF radio to stay connected. The spacious deck handles up to six anglers comfortably while you work the wrecks and reefs where jumbo seabass hang out. When you need a break from the non-stop action, there's a comfortable bed below deck, plus a head and ice box to keep your catch fresh on the long ride back to port.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the classic New England groundfish - big heads, chin barbels, and that distinctive white lateral line. Around Cape May, we'll find them over hard bottom and wrecks in deeper water, usually 100-400 feet down. They typically run 2-4 feet long, though bigger ones are out there. These fish prefer cooler water, so they're best during winter months when they move closer to shore. What draws anglers is the combination of a decent fight and some of the best eating you'll find - that flaky white meat is why cod built New England's fishing industry. They'll take clams, squid strips, or jigs bounced near bottom. Here's what works: use a 16-ounce sinker to get down fast and keep your bait moving slightly. Cod are curious and will investigate, but they like a little action to trigger that bite.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are the bread and butter of our Cape May wreck fishing - chunky, hard-fighting fish that love structure. They typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see bigger males with those distinctive humps on their heads. Spring through fall is prime time when they're up from their winter migration, hanging around every wreck and piece of hard bottom from 60-120 feet. What makes them so popular is they bite consistently, fight well for their size, and are outstanding table fare. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or bucktails fished tight to bottom. These fish are curious but spooky - once one gets hooked and starts fighting, the school often backs off. My tip: when you hook one, get it up quickly and quietly, then drop back down fast. Often the bite shuts off for just a few minutes before they settle back in.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually found in Cape May waters - they're a Pacific Coast species living from British Columbia down to California. These toothy predators with their massive heads and gnarly appearance stick to rocky bottoms along the west coast, typically in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush hunters that will grab just about anything, including other lingcod. What makes them popular out west is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare. The females can get huge - up to 80 pounds - while males stay smaller. They're available year-round but best during winter months when they're spawning in shallower water. Since we're fishing Cape May's Atlantic waters, you won't encounter lingcod on our trips, but if you ever fish the Pacific Northwest, metal jigs work great for these bottom dwellers.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are strong, scrappy fighters that'll test your footing once hooked. These streamlined cod relatives typically run 3-4 feet long and love deep water around wrecks and rocky structure. You'll recognize them by their pronounced underbite and darker coloring compared to cod. They're available most of the year but fish best during cooler months when they move up in the water column. What makes pollock popular is their surprising strength - they'll make powerful runs toward the bottom that can catch you off guard. The meat's darker than cod but still good eating. They respond well to jigs and sand eel imitations worked aggressively near structure. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. They know every crevice down there and will try to cut you off if you give them slack.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are those silvery, deep-bodied fish that show up reliably around Cape May's wrecks and reefs from May through October. They typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though you'll occasionally hook into bigger ones. These guys love structure - they hang around rocks, pilings, and our offshore wrecks crushing shellfish with their strong jaws. They're perfect for beginners since they bite readily on squid, clams, or worms fished on the bottom. What makes them popular is they're excellent eating - sweet, flaky meat that's worth keeping. They also make fantastic live bait for stripers. Here's a tip: when you feel that first tap, let them take it for a second before setting the hook. They can be picky about how they grab your bait, but once hooked, they come up steady.
Cape May, NJ