Cape May Deep Water Seabass Wreck Fishing
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target jumbo Seabass over wrecks 30-40 miles offshoreCaptain Mark specializes in productive bottom fishing techniques44-ft Henriques boat accommodates up to six guests comfortably
When fall rolls around Cape May, serious anglers know it's time to head offshore for some of the best wreck fishing on the East Coast. Captain Mark and the Gone Fishin' crew have been running these deep water trips for years, and they've got the spots dialed in. We're talking 30-40 miles out into the Atlantic, hitting productive wrecks and reefs where jumbo black sea bass stack up thick during their peak season. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a full 8-hour commitment that puts you on fish from the moment we hit bottom until it's time to head back to the dock.
You'll be fishing aboard a 44-foot Henriques motorboat that's built for offshore work. Twin 700 HP Mercury engines get us out to the fishing grounds fast and bring us home safely, even when the weather kicks up a bit. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space like on those packed party boats. Captain Mark knows these wreck sites like the back of his hand – some are old military vessels, others are artificial reefs that have been producing for decades. The structure attracts baitfish, which draws in the predators we're after. Once we anchor up over a productive piece of bottom, it's non-stop action. You'll be dropping jigs and baited rigs down 80-120 feet of water, feeling that telltale thump of a good sea bass grabbing your offering. The crew keeps things moving with fresh bait, untangled lines, and plenty of coaching for first-timers.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. We use heavy conventional tackle spooled with 50-80 pound braid to handle the current and structure. High-low rigs with circle hooks work great for the mixed bag of bottom fish, while bucktails and soft plastics account for the more aggressive biters. The key is keeping your bait right in the strike zone – too far from the wreck and you're fishing dead water, too close and you're snagged up on twisted metal. Captain Mark positions the boat perfectly, using his GPS marks and fish finder to stay on top of the most productive spots. When the current's running hard, we'll use 8-12 ounce sinkers to keep everything tight to the bottom. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. Just remember – wrecks eat tackle, so don't tie on your lucky lure unless you're prepared to donate it to the fish.
Black Sea Bass are the stars of this show, especially during fall when they're feeding heavily before their winter migration. These chunky fighters range from keeper-sized fish around 15 inches up to trophy specimens pushing 6-7 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from squid strips to soft plastic grubs, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Fall is prime time because the fish are concentrated on the wrecks and feeding aggressively. What makes sea bass fishing so addictive is the steady action – once you find them, you can usually count on consistent bites throughout the day.
Scup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, show up in good numbers around the same structure. These silver-sided fighters are excellent table fare and they'll bend your rod with their spirited runs. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there are usually more down there waiting. Peak scup fishing happens during the warmer months, but fall can still produce some quality fish, especially the larger breeding females.
Atlantic Cod make occasional appearances on these offshore wrecks, particularly during cooler weather. Landing one is always a highlight since their populations have been recovering slowly. These olive-green predators can reach impressive sizes and they're prized for their flaky white meat. They're ambush feeders that like to hold tight to structure, making them perfect targets for wreck fishing tactics.
Pollock are the speed demons of the wreck fishing world. These silver bullets hit lures aggressively and make long runs that test your drag system. They're more active during cooler water periods and often suspend in the water column rather than hugging bottom like their cousins. When pollock are active, you can often see them on the fish finder as they chase baitfish around the wreck structure.
Lingcod round out the potential catch list with their prehistoric looks and aggressive attitudes. These mottled bottom-dwellers have mouths full of sharp teeth and they're not shy about using them. They're excellent eating despite their ugly appearance, and hooking into a big ling always gets the adrenaline pumping. They prefer rocky bottom and wreck structure where they can ambush prey from their hiding spots.
Fall sea bass season doesn't last forever, and the best fishing happens when conditions align perfectly. Captain Mark's experience reading the water and finding productive spots makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. The 44-foot Henriques gives you the range to reach those offshore honey holes that smaller boats can't access safely. With only six spots available, these trips fill up fast once word gets out that the bite is on. Remember that fishing seasons are set by state regulations and dates can shift, so stay in touch with the crew for the latest updates. Whether you're a seasoned wreck rat or new to offshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Don't wait until the season's winding down – book your spot now and experience what Cape May's deep water fishing is all about.
The 44-foot Henriques motorboat cuts through Cape May waters with authority, powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines that get you to those productive wreck sites 30-40 miles offshore where the big seabass hold. Captain Mark knows these bottom structures like the back of his hand, and this boat's built for serious fishing action. The fish finder pinpoints schools hanging around the wrecks while GPS keeps you locked on the sweet spots. When the morning fog rolls in, radar keeps you safe and on course. Below deck, there's a comfortable bed for those who need a break from the non-stop action, plus a head and icebox to keep your catch fresh. VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats working the same grounds. With room for six anglers, everyone gets plenty of rail space to work their rigs. This setup handles the offshore run smoothly and gets you back to the dock with coolers full of jumbo seabass.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the classic bottom fish - chunky, big-headed, with that telltale barbel under the chin and white lateral lines. Most run 2-4 feet and can push 80 pounds, though we see plenty of good 10-20 pounders. They stick to rocky and sandy bottom in 50-200 feet, especially around our offshore structure. Winter into spring is best when they're spawning and more active. Cod are prized for their flaky white meat - there's a reason they built New England's fishing industry. They'll hit both bait and jigs. My tip: use heavy sinkers to stay on bottom in the current, and don't be afraid to bounce that rig along the rocks where they hide.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the bread and butter of our offshore trips - chunky, dark fish with spiny dorsal fins and a serious attitude. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we get some 6-8 pounders around the deeper wrecks. They love structure - wrecks, reefs, rocky bottom in 30-120 feet. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a hump on their heads. These fish fight hard until they break the surface, and they're some of the best eating you'll find. Here's my tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips, keep it on bottom, and be ready - they hit fast and try to run back into the wreck.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually cod - they're greenlings with massive heads, wicked teeth, and mottled coloring that makes them look prehistoric. Females can hit 30+ inches while males stay smaller, around 20 inches. These ambush predators hang tight to rocky bottom structure in 30-300 feet, using their camouflage to nail anything that swims by. They're aggressive fighters that would rather scrap than run, which makes them fun on medium tackle. The meat is excellent eating too. Best part? You can target them year-round. My go-to setup is 30-pound braid with metal jigs - drop it down to the rocks and work it slow. When you feel that thump, set the hook hard and get ready for a tug-of-war.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are sleek, silvery fish with a greenish tint that run 3-4 feet and pack serious muscle. They prefer rocky structure in 100-400 feet and are known for their powerful runs once hooked - these fish will test your footing on deck. You'll find them year-round, but they're most active during tide changes when baitfish get stirred up. Early morning and evening bites are best. What makes them special is that fight - they'll drag line like nothing else their size. The meat's decent eating too, though darker than cod. Pro tip: use sand eel or black minnow imitations, and make sure your drag is set right. Once they feel the hook, they're heading for deep water fast.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are solid fish that run 12-18 inches and up to 4 pounds with those rainbow-tinted silver scales. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shells, so you'll find them around our offshore wrecks and reefs in 30-40 feet during spring and fall. May through October is prime time when they move inshore with the warming water. What makes them great targets is they're easy to catch - most folks hook them while targeting other species. They fight decent for their size and make excellent table fare. Here's the trick: use small hooks with squid or clam, drop to the bottom, and give it a slow jig. They'll grab it every time.
Cape May, NJ