Cape May Inshore Fishing: 8-Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder44ft Henriques boat with twin 700 HP engines accommodates six guestsCaptain Mark provides expert guidance at Cape May's productive fishing spots
Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 44-foot Henriques for this full-day inshore adventure, you're getting access to decades of local fishing knowledge. Cape May's productive inshore grounds hold some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast, and this 8-hour charter gives you the time to really work the best spots. With twin 700 HP Mercury engines pushing this beautiful boat, we'll cover serious water while you and up to five buddies settle in for a proper day of fishing. No rushing, no crowds – just you, the crew, and some of the best inshore fishing New Jersey has to offer.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Eight hours on the water means Captain Mark can take you to multiple spots, adjust tactics based on conditions, and really dial in what the fish are wanting that day. The 44-foot Henriques gives everyone plenty of elbow room – no bumping into each other when someone hooks up. These inshore waters around Cape May are known for holding fish year-round, from the back bays to the nearshore structures where the big stripers like to hang. You'll start early to beat the boat traffic and make the most of prime feeding times. The twin 700s get us there fast, but once we're on the fish, Captain Mark cuts the engines and lets his knowledge of tides, structure, and seasonal patterns do the talking.
Captain Mark runs a full-service operation, meaning all your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included. Depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding, you might be drifting with live bait over structure, casting plugs to breaking fish, or working jigs along the bottom. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to stripers busting bait on the surface, the next you're bouncing bucktails for fluke on a productive piece of bottom. All tackle is top-shelf stuff that can handle anything from schoolie bass to the occasional doormat fluke. Captain Mark will match the technique to the conditions and what the fish are telling us that day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll make sure you're using the right approach.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Cape May inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste great, and show up in good numbers from spring through fall. The smaller schoolies are perfect for action and learning, while the bigger bass – we're talking 28 inches and up – will test your drag and give you a real battle. Spring and fall are prime time when they're moving through in big schools, but summer holds plenty of resident fish around structure.
Bluefish might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These aggressive predators hit lures hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs and using their bulk to stay down. Summer brings the bigger choppers into our waters, and when they're feeding, you'll know it – birds diving, bait scattering everywhere, and that distinctive smell of oily fish. They're also some of the best eating when prepared fresh.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the ultimate bottom fish challenge. These masters of camouflage lie in wait on sandy bottom, striking with lightning speed when the right bait drifts by. The technique takes some getting used to – feeling that subtle tap and setting the hook at just the right moment. But when you connect with a nice fluke, especially one of those coveted "doormat" fish over five pounds, you'll understand why so many anglers become addicted to fluking.
Black Sea Bass are the underrated stars of Cape May's inshore scene. These stocky fighters love structure – wrecks, rocks, and reefs – where they ambush crabs and small fish. They're incredibly aggressive once you find them, often doubling up on the boat when you hit a good school. The bigger bass, especially those over three pounds, are surprisingly strong for their size and make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat.
Captain Mark's 8-hour inshore charters book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. This isn't just about catching fish – though you'll do plenty of that – it's about experiencing Cape May's waters the right way, with a captain who knows every productive spot and how to fish them. The 44-foot Henriques gives your group the space and comfort to really enjoy the day, while those twin 700s ensure you're not wasting time getting to and from the fishing grounds. With all gear included and Captain Mark's local expertise guiding the trip, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates fill up quick, and you don't want to miss out on what Cape May's inshore waters have to offer.
Get ready to fish in style aboard this 44-foot Henriques fishing machine! With twin 700 HP Mercury engines, you'll cruise to Cape May's hottest fishing spots with power to spare. The massive 170 square-foot cockpit gives your crew of six plenty of room to work the lines while chasing stripers, blues, and flounder. When you need a break from reeling them in, kick back in the air-conditioned cabin with TV entertainment, or grab a cold one from the fridge. The fish finder and GPS will keep you on the fish, while the radar ensures safe navigation in any conditions. With a full kitchen, shower, toilet, and even beds onboard, this boat has everything you need for a full day on the water. The transom door makes landing big fish a breeze, and there's room for hundreds of pounds of ice to keep your catch fresh. From the flybridge to the comfortable lounge area, every inch of this vessel is designed for serious anglers who want comfort and results.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that average 1-4 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds in deeper water. These guys love hard structure - wrecks, jetties, rock piles, and artificial reefs are prime spots. You'll find them in 20-100 feet of water, with bigger males holding tight to the bottom in deeper areas. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them popular is the steady action - they're curious fish that will investigate almost any bait dropped their way. The fight is solid but short, and the eating quality is outstanding with sweet, flaky white meat. During spawning season, males turn bright blue with a pronounced hump on their heads. My go-to rig is a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they can't resist it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that put up a serious battle once hooked. These silvery predators typically run 2-10 pounds around Cape May, with their razor-sharp teeth and muscular build making every fight memorable. You'll find them hunting in schools near the surface, especially around baitfish activity during summer and fall months. They love structure like jetties and drop-offs but will chase bait anywhere from shallow water to 30+ feet deep. What makes blues special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything when feeding. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular line in seconds. Watch for bird activity and surface commotion to locate feeding schools.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, averaging 20-40 pounds with those distinctive black stripes running down their silver sides. These powerful swimmers love structure - jetties, drop-offs, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them from shallow surf to 50+ feet deep, often following moving water and temperature breaks. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round in Cape May waters. What makes stripers special is their incredible fighting ability - they're strong, smart fish that will test your tackle and skills. The meat is excellent with a sweet, flaky texture that's hard to beat on the table. They're temperature sensitive, preferring 55-68°F water, so we follow the conditions. My best advice: match your bait to what they're feeding on locally - live bunker, eels, or clams depending on the season.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or "fluke," are the ultimate ambush predators that lie buried in sandy bottom waiting to strike. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can stretch over 26 inches and several pounds. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms near structure in 10-40 feet of water, especially around inlet mouths and channel edges. Best fishing happens from late spring through fall when they're actively feeding in our inshore waters. What guests love about fluke is the challenge - they're picky eaters that require finesse and patience. The payoff is worth it though, as they're among the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. Their camouflage ability is amazing to watch when you get one in the boat. The key is keeping your bait moving along the bottom - a slow drift with live bait or jigs mimics their preferred prey.
Cape May, NJ