Cape May Inshore Fishing: 6-Hour Charter Adventure
Cape May's inshore waters are calling your name, and there's no better way to answer than aboard Gone Fishin' with Captain Mark and his seasoned crew. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a genuine fishing experience where you'll spend quality time working productive waters that local anglers have trusted for generations. The 44-foot Henriques gives you plenty of room to move around while staying close enough to shore that even first-timers feel comfortable. You're looking at 3-4 hours of solid fishing time, which means less travel and more lines in the water where the fish are biting.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Mark runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want when you're trying to enjoy a day away from the usual grind. The boat's well-maintained with air conditioning in the cabin, so you can cool off between fishing spots or when the summer sun gets a bit too intense. With space for up to 6 anglers, this charter works perfectly for families, small groups of friends, or even corporate outings where you want everyone to actually catch fish. The crew handles all the technical stuff – rigging lines, reading the electronics, and moving between spots – while you focus on what matters: hooking up and having a good time. They'll switch between trolling and bottom fishing based on what's working best that day, so you're not stuck doing one technique if the fish have other ideas.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Gone Fishin' comes equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to fresh bait and a full tackle selection. When they're trolling, expect to see umbrella rigs and spoons working behind the boat at different depths to cover the water column effectively. The crew knows exactly which lures produce in Cape May's waters – they're not guessing or using whatever's on sale at the tackle shop. For bottom fishing, they'll set you up with circle hooks and appropriate weights for the current and depth. The key here is that Captain Mark reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly. If the Spanish mackerel are hitting topwater lures near structure, that's where you'll focus. If the flounder are stacked up on a particular piece of bottom, you'll anchor up and work that spot thoroughly. This flexibility separates a productive charter from one where you're just going through the motions.
Customer Stories
"Executive team building - The trip was customized to the specific needs of the attendees - Was a great day and caught lots of fish! Thank you!" - Leslie
"3/4 Day Trip on July 18, 2025 • 3 adults We had an amazing experience today aboard the Gone Fishin'! Captain Mark and first mate Joe were extremely professional and proficient in every aspect. We were put on the fish right away and the action never stopped! The vessel was clean and the cabin was well appointed, with a/c to boot. 10 out of 10 for this crew and our experience. We WILL be back! Thanks again for a fantastic day! Craig, Joe & Jeff" - Craig
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish mackerel are absolute favorites among Cape May anglers, and for good reason. These silver bullets typically show up in decent numbers from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot in the mid-70s. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit small spoons, jigs, and even live bait with enthusiasm. What makes them special is the fight – they're fast, they jump, and they'll make multiple runs before you get them to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table when prepared fresh. Most Spanish mackerel you'll encounter here run 1-3 pounds, which is perfect on medium-light tackle.
Bluefish remain one of the most reliable species in these waters, and Captain Mark knows where to find them year-round. These guys are pure aggression with fins – they hunt in schools, they're not picky about lures, and they fight hard from the moment you hook them until they're in the cooler. Summer blues typically range from 2-8 pounds, with the occasional larger fish mixed in. They're excellent for beginners because they bite aggressively and don't require finesse techniques. When the blues are feeding on the surface, it's some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll experience in the Mid-Atlantic.
Black sea bass have become a customer favorite, especially for bottom fishing enthusiasts. These chunky fighters hang around structure and aren't shy about taking a well-presented bait. They typically range from keeper size (15 inches) up to 4-5 pounds, with the occasional trophy fish that'll surprise you. What anglers love about sea bass is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They're also pretty predictable – find the right structure in 30-60 feet of water, and you'll usually find bass. The season runs from May through December in New Jersey waters, with summer and fall providing the most consistent action.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, represent the premium target for many Cape May charter customers. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and require a bit more skill to catch consistently, which makes them rewarding for experienced anglers while still being achievable for newcomers with good instruction. They're structure-oriented fish that love sandy bottoms near drop-offs, wrecks, and other irregularities. Keeper fluke in New Jersey start at 18 inches, and the fish you'll encounter typically range from just legal up to 6-7 pounds, with the possibility of larger specimens. They're considered premium table fare and provide a satisfying fight that's different from the more aggressive pelagic species.
Grey triggerfish add variety to the catch and represent some of the best eating you'll find in these waters. They're not always around in numbers, but when they show up, they provide consistent action for anglers who know how to target them