5.0(2 Reviews)Cape May Inshore Fishing: 6-Hour Charter Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting bluefish, striped bass, and flounderCaptain Mark provides all equipment including rods, reels, and bait44foot Henriques motorboat accommodates up to six guests comfortably
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.
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.
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.
"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
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
Step aboard this 44-foot Henriques fishing machine and get ready to chase bluefish, striped bass, and flounder in Cape May's productive inshore waters. The massive 170-square-foot cockpit gives your group of six plenty of room to work lines and land fish, while the transom door makes getting your catch aboard easy. Captain Mark's boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need – GPS and fish finder to locate the hotspots, plus all rods, reels, bait and tackle provided. Between fishing spots, relax in the air-conditioned cabin with TV entertainment, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or check out the action from the flybridge. The onboard head, shower, and full kitchen mean you can stay comfortable during your 6-hour charter whether you're trolling for spanish mackerel or dropping lines for bottom fish. This floating fishing platform delivers everything you need for a productive day targeting Cape May's best eating fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can push 8+ pounds and turn bright blue during spawning season. They're available year-round but really shine from late spring through summer when they move inshore. These guys put up a solid scrap on medium tackle and make excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. We target them with squid, clams, or cut bait on a two-hook rig. Local trick: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it a foot or two. They'll grab it on the way down every time.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that average 2-8 pounds and show up in big schools from late spring through fall. They're famous for their feeding frenzies, churning the water as they attack baitfish near the surface. You'll find them around jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere there's current moving bait. They hit hard and make strong runs with those razor-sharp teeth flashing. Great table fare when bled and iced right away - the smaller ones especially. We catch them trolling or casting metals and plugs, but cut bait works too. Here's the thing about blues: when they're feeding, almost anything shiny will work, but always use a wire leader or they'll bite you off every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough, scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches and can push 13 pounds. They hang around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-180 feet of water, using their strong teeth to crush crabs and urchins. Best fishing happens summer through early fall when they move into our waters. These leather-skinned fish are surprisingly good eating once you get past their tough hide. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths, so use small hooks and chunk baits like squid. When threatened, they wedge into crevices using their trigger-like dorsal fin. My go-to method: drop squid chunks right to bottom with heavy sinkers, keep tension on the line, and reel fast when you feel that first nibble.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, sleek fish that run 1-2 feet long and pack serious speed. You'll find them in schools near the surface, especially around structures and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. They hit hard and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. Best action happens late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots are fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. We like trolling small spoons or casting jigs when we spot birds working. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast and keep your lures moving - they spook easily but the action can be non-stop when you find them fired up.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or fluke, are the "chameleons of the sea" - flatfish that change colors to match the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches, but keeper-size fish are always exciting to hook. They're ambush predators lying on sandy bottoms in 10-50 feet, especially around structure edges and drop-offs. Peak season runs May through October with fall being prime time. These fish are excellent eating and fun for the whole family to catch. They hit live minnows, squid strips, or Gulp! baits fished near bottom. The key technique: hook your bait through the lips, let it drift naturally, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait around.
5.0 out of 5.0Executive team building - The trip was customized to the specific needs of the attendees - Was a great day and caught lots of fish...
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 J...
Cape May, NJ