Deep Drop Tilefish Marathon - Cape May's Best
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target giant Golden Tilefish and Blueline Tilefish in deep waters.Fish at Continental Shelf edge in 350600 foot depths.Twelvehour charter accommodates up to six guests aboard 44ft boat.
When you're ready to push past the usual inshore grind and get into some serious fishing, this 12-hour deep drop adventure puts you right where the big tilefish live. We're talking about heading out to the Continental Shelf edge aboard a top-rated 44-foot Henriques that's built for the long haul. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish in depths that most weekend warriors never see. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a full commitment to chasing golden and blueline tiles in their own backyard, anywhere from 350 to 600 feet down.
You'll meet up early at the Cape May marina because we've got some serious ground to cover getting out to the fishing zones. The ride out takes time, but that twin 700 HP Mercury setup gets you there smooth and fast. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all about precision – dropping rigs down into the deep where these bottom dwellers hang out. The captain uses his electronics to find the right structure and temperature breaks where tilefish stack up. You'll be fishing heavy tackle with electric reels or conventional setups, depending on what you're comfortable with. The boat handles up to six anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their fair shot at the action. Pack your own food and drinks for the day because 12 hours on the water works up an appetite, and you'll want to stay fueled for the fight.
Deep dropping is a whole different game from surface fishing. We're talking about precision drops with heavy sinkers – sometimes 2 pounds or more – to get your bait down through the current and right to the bottom where tilefish feed. The captain provides all the terminal tackle, but if you've got your own electric reels, bring them along. Most anglers use conventional reels loaded with 80-pound braid and heavy fluorocarbon leaders. The technique is all about feel – you need to keep contact with the bottom while working your bait in the strike zone. Tilefish aren't shy about hitting, but you've got to be ready for that initial thump and set the hook hard. The crew will show you the ropes if you're new to deep dropping, and they'll help with rigging and landing fish when things get busy down there.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the crown jewel of this fishery and the main reason serious anglers make the run out to these depths. These chunky bottom dwellers can push 20 pounds or more, with their distinctive golden coloration and oversized heads that give them serious pulling power. They're most active during cooler months when they move up from the deeper trenches to feed along the shelf edge. What makes goldeneyes so special is their fight – they use that broad body and strong tail to bulldoze toward the bottom, making every hookup a real tug-of-war. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's prized by chefs. The bite typically peaks during fall and winter months when these fish are feeding heavily before moving deeper.
Grey Tilefish, also called blueline tiles, are the smaller cousins but don't let their size fool you. These scrappy fighters average 2 to 8 pounds and they're aggressive feeders that often save the day when the big goldeneyes are being finicky. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can usually fill the cooler pretty quick. Bluelines have this beautiful blue stripe running along their back and they're just as tasty as their bigger relatives. They tend to be more consistent throughout the year, making them a reliable target when conditions are right. Many anglers actually prefer targeting these fish because they bite readily and you can catch steady numbers while waiting for a trophy goldeneye to show up.
This 12-hour marathon trip is perfect for serious anglers who want to experience world-class deep drop fishing without traveling to exotic destinations. Cape May's Continental Shelf edge offers some of the best tilefish action on the East Coast, and Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters has the experience and equipment to put you on fish consistently. The trip works great for groups of friends or family members who want to share an authentic deep-sea fishing adventure. Remember to bring layers, sun protection, and your camera because these golden tiles make for some impressive photos. Weather and sea conditions determine when we can make the run safely, so book early and stay flexible with your dates. Once you experience the pull of a big goldeneye tilefish 500 feet down, you'll understand why this has become a customer favorite among Cape May's fishing charters.
This 44-foot Henriques motorboat is built for serious offshore fishing adventures off Cape May. Twin 700 HP Mercury engines power you out to the Continental Shelf where Golden and Blueline Tilefish wait in 350-600 foot depths. The massive 170 square-foot cockpit gives your crew of six plenty of room to work the lines, while the transom door makes landing big fish a breeze. Store your catch in the oversized ice compartments that hold hundreds of pounds. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with TV, lounge seating, and full amenities including shower, toilet, and kitchen. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting fish, while GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder keep you connected and on target during your 12-hour deep-drop marathon. Pack your food and drinks in the refrigerator and icebox - this fishing machine has everything covered for a long day chasing tilefish on the deep blue.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsAtlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the larger, more colorful cousins in the tilefish family, sporting a dark olive-green back with golden spots that fade to white on the belly. These impressive fish run 24-39 inches and can weigh 40-65 pounds, making them serious tackle-testing gamefish. They prefer tropical waters around 80°F in depths from 250-800 feet over sandy bottoms near structure. Unlike their deeper-dwelling relatives, goldeneyes are somewhat easier to locate since they don't go as deep. They feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring through summer spawning season often provides the best action. Fresh squid and eel work great, but here's my trick: fish slightly shallower than you would for other tilefish - they often suspend just off the bottom rather than hugging it tight.
Caulolatilus MicropsGrey Tilefish, also called blueline tilefish for the distinctive blue stripe running from nose to eye, are one of the most rewarding deep-drop targets off Cape May. These bottom-dwellers average 5-8 pounds but can reach 23 pounds and 35 inches. You'll find them in 250-600 feet along muddy and sandy bottoms where they dig burrows for shelter. They hit squid, eel, and cut bait readily since they're not bait-shy. Many anglers call them "poor man's lobster" for their sweet, firm meat that rivals the real thing when cooked right. Winter months tend to be most productive when they're more active. My tip: use a sensitive braided line and don't set the hook too fast - let them get a good grip on the bait before lifting into them.
Cape May, NJ