Cape May Deep Water Seabass Wreck Fishing
When you're looking for serious bottom fishing action off the Jersey coast, Captain Mark and the Gone Fishin' crew have you covered. This 8-hour deep water charter takes you 30-40 miles offshore to some of the most productive wrecks and reefs around Cape May. You'll be targeting jumbo seabass during peak spring season, when these fish are thick and aggressive. The 44-foot Henriques gets you there fast and comfortable with twin 700 HP Mercury engines, and with only six anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, especially when it comes to finding where the big seabass are holding.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early, heading out to the deep water structures where seabass congregate in big numbers. Captain Mark has been running these waters for years and knows exactly which wrecks are producing. The ride out takes about an hour, giving you time to get your gear sorted and talk strategy with the crew. Once you hit the first spot, it's steady action from the drop. These wrecks hold incredible numbers of fish, and during spring season, the seabass are feeding hard after the winter months. You'll be fishing in 80-120 feet of water, dropping down to structure that's loaded with baitfish. The crew keeps things moving efficiently, helping with tangles and making sure everyone stays on fish. Between the seabass, you'll pick up scup, cod, pollock, and the occasional lingcod to keep things interesting.
Bottom Fishing the Wrecks
This is classic Northeast wreck fishing at its finest. You'll be using conventional tackle with 4-8 ounce sinkers to get down through the current and stay tight to the structure. The crew provides all the tackle you need, including high-low rigs, bucktails, and fresh bait. Clams, squid, and sea worms are the go-to baits for seabass, though the crew will switch things up based on what the fish want that day. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom where these fish feed. Captain Mark uses his electronics to position the boat perfectly over the structure, and he's constantly adjusting to keep you in the strike zone. These wrecks create current breaks and structure that concentrate baitfish, which brings in the gamefish. You'll feel the difference between a seabass bite and the other species pretty quickly - seabass tend to grab and run, while scup will peck at your bait.
Top Catches This Season
Black seabass are the main target here, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers are some of the best eating fish in the ocean, and they put up a solid fight on the way up. Spring seabass in Cape May waters typically run 2-4 pounds, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with some real doormat specimens. They're aggressive feeders during this time of year, coming out of their winter patterns and feeding heavily. You'll find them tight to the wreck structure, often stacked up in specific spots where the current and bottom features are just right. Scup, or porgies as some folks call them, are another staple of these trips. They're smaller but scrappy, and they make excellent table fare. These fish school up in big numbers around the same structures as seabass. Atlantic cod and pollock add some variety to the mix - the cod are typically smaller cousins of their northern relatives, but they're still fun to catch and good eating. Pollock are silver and strong, giving you a good account of themselves on the way up. Lingcod are the wildcards - these toothy predators can show up anywhere and will grab just about anything you put down there.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Mark's spring seabass trips fill up fast once the season opens, and for good reason. The combination of his local knowledge, top-notch boat, and prime fishing grounds makes for consistently productive days on the water. With only six spots available per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of space to fish comfortably. The season dates are set by the state and can change, so it's worth booking early to lock in your preferred dates. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or new to wreck fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The steady action, quality fish, and professional crew make it a top choice for anyone looking to get into some serious seabass fishing off the Jersey coast. Don't wait too long - the best days of spring seabass season book up quick, and you don't want to miss out on some of the year's hottest fishing action.