Cape May 8 Hour Bottom Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour bottom fishing charter targeting seabass, fluke, and tautogAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included for conveniencePrivate boat accommodates up to 6 guests with flexible locations
Looking for serious fishing time on Cape May's legendary bottom grounds? This 8-hour charter puts you right where the fish are biting, starting at 7 AM when the water's calm and the bite's hot. JP Charters runs this top-rated trip for up to six anglers, making it perfect for families who want to learn or seasoned fishermen ready to load the cooler. You'll spend the whole day working the productive structure and wrecks that make Cape May one of the East Coast's best bottom fishing destinations.
This isn't a rushed half-day trip – you've got eight full hours to really dial in the bite and work multiple spots. The captain knows exactly where to find the fish based on seasonal patterns, tide, and what's been producing lately. You'll start early to beat the crowds and hit the prime morning bite, then adjust tactics as the day develops. The boat handles six guests comfortably, so there's plenty of elbow room to fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or planning a guys' weekend, the relaxed pace lets everyone get involved. All your gear, bait, tackle, and licenses are handled – just bring snacks, drinks, and a cooler for your catch.
Bottom fishing around Cape May means working structure – wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where the fish stack up to feed. You'll be using everything from light spinning tackle for fluke to heavier conventional gear when the tautog are holding tight to structure. The crew sets you up with the right rigs for each spot, whether that's bucktails and Gulp for summer flounder or green crabs on tog rigs for blackfish. They'll show you how to feel the bottom, work your bait properly, and detect those subtle bites that separate the fish-catchers from the guys who just wet a line. As conditions change throughout the day, you might switch from drifting for fluke to anchoring up on structure for sea bass and tog – that flexibility is what makes these longer trips so productive.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of Cape May bottom fishing. These flatfish can run anywhere from keeper size around 18 inches up to genuine doormat fluke over 25 inches that'll bend your rod in half. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, lying in sandy areas near structure waiting to ambush baitfish. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is their aggressive strike – when a big one hits your bucktail, there's no mistaking it. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families.
Tautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the bottom fishing world. These thick-bodied fighters average 3-5 pounds but can push into double digits around Cape May's best structure. They're most cooperative during the cooler months in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily on crabs and mussels. Tog have small mouths but powerful jaws that can crush a green crab shell, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook quick. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you hook into a good one, they'll use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back, plus they're phenomenal eating.
Black sea bass round out the Cape May bottom fishing slam, and they're some of the most willing biters you'll encounter. These chunky fish typically run 1-3 pounds around the local wrecks and reefs, though bigger ones over 5 pounds show up regularly. They're active from late spring through early winter, often schooling in good numbers on productive structure. Sea bass hit hard and fight well for their size, making them perfect for kids and newer anglers who want steady action. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm white meat that's hard to beat fresh off the boat.
Eight hours on Cape May's world-class bottom fishing grounds with everything included – that's the kind of trip that sells out fast during prime season. The early 7 AM start puts you on the fish when they're most active, and the extended time lets you really capitalize when the bite turns on. Whether you're after a mixed bag for the dinner table or hoping to hook into that personal best fluke or tog, this charter gives you the best shot at both quantity and quality. Book now to secure your date – Cape May's reputation for consistent bottom fishing action means these longer trips fill up quickly with repeat customers who know what they're getting.
Our center console boat is built for serious Cape May bottom fishing. This clean, well-maintained vessel handles bay and ocean waters with ease while keeping up to six anglers comfortable during those long 8-hour days on the water. The open layout gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up, whether you're dropping for black seabass in 60 feet or hunting tautog around the wrecks. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation and radar for those foggy Cape May mornings, plus a quality fish finder to locate productive bottom structure. A wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over the best spots without spooking fish. All safety gear is onboard and up to standards. The setup works perfectly for families or small groups wanting extended time on Cape May's productive fishing grounds, with flexibility to move around and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable action fish that make up the backbone of our bottom fishing trips. Most run 1-4 pounds with chunky, aggressive builds and those distinctive white-edged fins. We target them around wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom in 20-120 feet of water where they school up tight. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore and feed heavily. What guests love about sea bass is their willingness to bite and scrappy fight - they'll dive straight for structure when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. The males turn bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. Here's something most people don't know: sea bass are actually born female and change to male as they grow larger. For best results, use squid strips or clam on a two-hook rig and work it right on the bottom near structure.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the masters of disguise on our local bottom. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Around Cape May, we find them from shallow inshore waters out to deeper offshore structure. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes fluke fishing so popular is their strong fight and excellent table fare - they're one of the best eating fish you'll catch. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-pause of a fluke picking up your bait, count to three before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways and need that extra moment to turn it around and swallow it properly.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, also called blackfish, are the bulldogs of Cape May's rocky structure. These chunky fish average 1-3 pounds but can grow over 25 pounds with their thick build and powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and boulder fields where they feed on crabs, mussels, and clams. Spring through fall is peak season, especially April through August when they're most aggressive. What draws anglers to tautog is their stubborn fight - they use structure to their advantage and make you work for every fish. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. My go-to tip: use green crabs for bait, but crush up some crab shells and drop the pieces around your fishing spot first. The scent draws them in like a dinner bell. Just remember to change your bait every 5 minutes - fresh crab is key.
Cape May