Best places to fish in Cape May

21 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Cape May sits at New Jersey's southern tip, where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic and cold and warm water mix to feed one of the most storied fisheries on the East Coast. Spring and fall bring the striped bass run, when big bass stage off the rips and along the beaches and boats troll spoons and bunker or drift live bait. Summer flips to bottom fishing - summer flounder (fluke) and black sea bass over wrecks, reefs and the channel edges, often drifted with bucktails and bait. Weakfish haunt the back bays and the Cape May rips, and when the water warms, offshore boats run to the canyons for tuna and marlin. Trips leave from the Cape May and Wildwood docks and range from half-day fluke drifts to overnight canyon runs. The operators below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Cape May

A half-day inshore charter in Cape May typically runs $500-$1500 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Cape May ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

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Top-rated fishing in Cape May

FAQ

Fishing in Cape May - common questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in Cape May? +

Cape May charters usually run about $500-$1,500 depending on the trip. Half-day fluke and sea bass drifts are the most affordable, while offshore canyon tuna trips sit at the top because of distance and fuel. Confirm the all-in price with the operator.

When does the striped bass run happen in Cape May? +

The bass run peaks in spring, roughly April into May, and again in fall from October into December as fish migrate past the Cape. These are the prime windows for trophy stripers.

What is fluke fishing like out of Cape May? +

Summer flounder (fluke) fill the bay and nearshore structure from late spring through summer. Most boats drift bucktails tipped with bait over sand edges and channels, sorting through shorts to find keepers.

Do Cape May boats run offshore for tuna? +

Yes. When the season lines up, boats make the run to the canyons for yellowfin, bigeye and occasionally marlin on overnight or long-day trips. Ask about the schedule and what is included.

Best places to fish in Cape May

Top-rated fishing in Cape May

Starlight Fleet New Jersey

Miss Avalon Fishing Fleet

Grassy Sound, A Haven Marina Resort

Peace Token Fishing Tackle

South Dock Marina

Cape May Lady (formerly Royal Flush Fishing)

Schooner Island Marina

Lighthouse Pointe Marina Association, LLC

Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle

Avalon Bay Park Marina

Beach Creek Marina Inc

Pier 88 Marina

Cape May Inlet Marina

Sailor's Delight Back Bay Fishing

Bidwell Creek Marina

Shawcrest Marina

59th St. Crabbing and Fishing Pier

Back Bay West Wildwood NJ

8th St Fishing Pier

Grassy Sound Free fishing pier

Ocean and 33rd St Pier

Fishing in Cape May - common questions