Cape May Inshore Fishing with Gone Fishin'
Picture this: you're cruising the productive waters off Cape May aboard a spacious 44-foot Henriques, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug that gets your heart racing. Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters delivers exactly that kind of day – the kind where you're texting fish photos to friends before you even hit the dock. Captain Mark has been putting anglers on fish in these waters for years, and his track record speaks for itself. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who hasn't touched a fishing rod since childhood, this crew knows how to make your day successful and fun.
What to Expect on the Water
Your 6-hour adventure starts with a warm welcome from Captain Mark and his experienced crew, who'll get you set up with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. No need to stress about gear – they've got you covered from top to bottom. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility: depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself trolling for hard-fighting stripers or dropping lines to the bottom for tasty flounder. The crew reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the day to keep the action steady. With only 6 anglers max, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, and everyone gets personal attention from the crew. The boat itself is a real workhorse – stable enough for confident fishing but nimble enough to chase schools when they're on the move.
Techniques and Tackle
Gone Fishin' runs a versatile operation that adapts to what the fish are doing. When conditions are right, you'll troll with lures and live bait, covering water to find active schools of bluefish and striped bass. There's something addictive about watching your rod tip dance as a blue hammers your offering – these fish fight like they're twice their size. For bottom fishing, the crew sets you up with circle hooks and fresh bait, targeting flounder, black sea bass, and triggerfish around structure. The 44-foot Henriques gives you the stability you need for precise bottom work, with enough fishfinder technology to locate productive spots consistently. Captain Mark and his crew handle all the details – rigging lines, netting fish, and keeping you positioned over the best water. All you need to focus on is feeling that bite and setting the hook.
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 pure adrenaline on light tackle. These speedsters show up in Cape May waters typically from late spring through early fall, and when they're around, the action can be non-stop. They're aggressive feeders that will slam small spoons, jigs, and live bait with authority. What makes them special isn't just the fight – though watching one greyhound across the surface is a sight to behold – it's how good they taste. Fresh Spanish mackerel on the grill is hard to beat, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters, and that's exactly why anglers love them. These toothy predators hunt in schools and feed with a violence that's both impressive and slightly terrifying. Blues will hit almost anything when they're in feeding mode – lures, cut bait, even bare hooks if you're unlucky enough to get your hand too close. They're most active during cooler months and dawn/dusk periods, though Cape May's waters can produce blues year-round. The 3-8 pound "snappers" are great for kids and beginners, while the larger "gator blues" provide serious pulling power for experienced anglers.
Black Sea Bass might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute table fare royalty and surprisingly scrappy fighters. These bottom dwellers hang around structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas – where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. In Cape May, sea bass season typically runs from late spring through fall, with size and bag limits that change seasonally. What makes them exciting to catch is their willingness to bite and their habit of traveling in schools. Find one keeper-sized bass, and there are usually more in the same spot.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the shape-shifters of the seafloor. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and ambushing prey that swims overhead. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – you need to feel the subtle tap-tap of a fish mouthing your bait, then wait for the right moment to set the hook. The reward is worth it: fluke are considered some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, white meat that's perfect for any preparation. Cape May's productive fluke grounds consistently produce fish from spring through fall, with the larger "doormat" fluke being the stuff of angling legends.
Grey Triggerfish are the wildcards of this fishery – you never know when one might show up on your line. These tropical visitors push north into Cape May waters during warmer months, bringing their distinctive appearance and surprisingly strong fight. Triggers have tough mouths and a habit of testing your drag, making them more challenging