Premium 4 Hour Cape May Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Fishing
Four-hour private charter targets striped bass, fluke, and black drumAccommodates up to six guests with all equipment and licenses includedMorning and afternoon departures available from Cape May waters
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank? JP Charters' four-hour inshore charter out of Cape May delivers exactly what you're after. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to get on some fish without committing to a full day, this trip hits the sweet spot. We run two trips daily – morning at 7:00 AM and afternoon at 12:00 PM – so you can pick what works best for your schedule. The boat handles up to six people comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that private charter experience without the crowd.
Cape May's inshore waters are some of the most productive on the East Coast, and this charter puts you right in the action. You'll be fishing the nearshore reefs, structure, and channels where striped bass, fluke, bluefish, black sea bass, and black drum call home. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting and the conditions we're dealing with. Some days we'll be working the deeper channels for stripers, other times we're anchored up on structure picking away at sea bass. The boat's got plenty of room to move around, so everyone gets their shot at the rail. No crowding, no waiting your turn – just good fishing with space to work.
Depending on what we're targeting and where we find them, we'll mix up our approach between trolling and bottom fishing. When we're after stripers or blues, trolling lets us cover water and locate active schools. We'll pull umbrella rigs, spoons, or plugs at varying depths until we mark fish or get that first hookup. Once we find them, we might switch to live bait or chunks to stay on the school. For sea bass and black drum, it's all about bottom fishing around structure. We'll drop rigs tipped with clams, squid, or crabs right down to where these fish are holding. The tackle gets adjusted based on conditions – lighter gear when the fish are cooperative, heavier stuff when we need to muscle them up from deeper water or around snags. Everything's provided, from the rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait, so just show up ready to fish.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Cape May inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish show up in decent numbers from April through November, with the best action typically in spring and fall when they're migrating along the coast. They'll hit everything from live bunker to soft plastics, and a good striper puts up a solid fight with those powerful runs. Most fish you'll see range from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional keeper-sized fish pushing into the upper slot or beyond.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them, are pure fun on light tackle. These flatfish are ambush predators that lie buried in the sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. The bite is usually subtle – just a tap or the rod loading up – but once hooked, they fight hard with head shakes and runs. Fluke season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters.
Black sea bass might be small, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers live around structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas where they feed on crabs, worms, and small fish. They hit baits aggressively and don't give up easy despite their size. Sea bass are available most of the year in Cape May waters, with the best fishing typically in spring and fall when they're most active.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish commonly weighing 20 to 40 pounds or more. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and clams, and they'll test your tackle with their bulldogging fights. These fish show up best in spring and fall around structure and in the back bays. Landing a big drum is always a highlight of any trip – they're powerful fish that make you work for every inch of line you gain back.
Bluefish are the opportunists that show up when you least expect them and provide fast action when they do. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on baitfish, often creating surface commotion that's visible from a distance. Blues hit hard and fight with lots of runs and jumps. They're around from spring through fall, with the bigger "chopper" blues showing up in cooler water periods.
This half-day charter offers everything you need for a successful day on the water without the commitment or cost of a full-day trip. The morning departure gets you out there when fish are often most active, while the afternoon trip works great if you're not an early riser or want to do something else in the morning. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, plus a captain who knows how to put you on fish, you're set up for success. The six-person limit keeps things comfortable and personal – no cattle boat experience here. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing, looking for a fun family outing, or just want to get some bends in your rod, this Cape May inshore charter delivers solid fishing in a relaxed setting.
Get ready to fish Cape May's productive inshore waters aboard this well-equipped center console that's built to handle both bay and ocean conditions with ease. This clean, comfortable boat gives your group of up to six plenty of room to move around while targeting black drum, black sea bass, and other local favorites. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on fish without spooking them, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots where the action is happening. With radar onboard for those foggy Cape May mornings, we can safely navigate to productive fishing grounds regardless of visibility. The open layout means everyone gets their turn at the action, whether you're dropping bottom rigs for sea bass or working the shallows for drum. Quality safety gear and smooth handling make this boat perfect for families and first-timers, while experienced anglers will appreciate having the right platform to work different techniques as conditions change throughout your half-day adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are powerful bottom feeders known for that distinctive croaking sound they make underwater. These bruisers typically weigh 5-30 pounds around Cape May, with their crushing jaws built for eating crabs and oysters. You'll find them in brackish areas, around oyster beds, and muddy flats where they root around for food. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning when they school up and are easier to target. They're perfect for anglers wanting a strong, steady fight without the crazy runs. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent table fare. Best tip: use fresh crab bait on the bottom with enough weight to stay put - they feed nose-down in the mud.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we get some nice 6-8 pounders around the deeper wrecks. They're grayish-black with white markings and put up a great scrap until they break the surface. Spring through fall is prime time when they're up in shallower water feeding on crabs, squid, and small fish. Kids love them because they bite well and are easy to hook. They're also fantastic eating - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use a double-hook bottom rig with squid or clam, and fish right on the structure where they live.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight and make great table fare when handled right. These blue-green backed fish typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, though we see some bigger ones. They love to hunt in schools, attacking baitfish like menhaden and anchovies with those razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and wherever the bait is thick from late spring through fall. They're perfect for families since they bite well and aren't too picky about bait. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Fresh bluefish is excellent eating, just bleed them quickly and keep them cold.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local waters - powerful, smart fish that can weigh anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pounds. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish are schooled up, from shallow flats to deeper channels. They migrate through our area spring through fall, with some of the best action during their fall run when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is their hard fighting ability and excellent table quality. They'll test your drag and make long runs. My local trick: focus on moving water around dawn and dusk when they're most active, and don't be afraid to fish live eels near structure - it's deadly effective here.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are master ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to strike. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. They're found on sandy flats, channel edges, and around structure where baitfish travel. Best fishing runs May through October, with fall being outstanding when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. Guests love their tricky fight - they pull hard and try to stay glued to the bottom. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters. Pro tip: keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom - a motionless offering won't trigger these sight feeders like a live minnow or bucktail will.
Cape May