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Cape May Beginner's Inshore Fishing Adventure
Cape MayWhat you will be catching:
Atlantic Bonito
Bluefish
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Striped Bass
- Beginner-friendly half-day trolling trips with expert captain guidance
- Target bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonitas in productive offshore waters
- All fishing gear and equipment provided for up to 6 guests
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Half-Day Fishing Adventure in Cape May
Ready to wet a line and maybe catch your first trophy fish? Captain Clint Clement's half-day trips out of Cape May are perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. We'll be targeting some of the ocean's most exciting gamefish - bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonito, and even king mackerel if we're lucky. With room for up to six people, it's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water with family and friends. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Captain Clint's got all the gear and know-how to get you hooked up!
What to Expect on the Water
As we head out of Cape May's harbor, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins - they love to ride our wake! We'll cruise up to 30 miles offshore, but don't worry, we'll stay in calm inshore waters. Once we hit a good spot, we'll set up our trolling spread. This means we'll have multiple lines out, dragging lures that mimic baitfish. When a fish strikes, it's all hands on deck! Captain Clint will call out whose turn it is to reel, and he'll be right there to coach you through the fight. These fish are known for their speed and strength, so hang on tight! Between catches, soak in the salt air and enjoy the views of Cape May's beautiful coastline.
Trolling Tips for Newbies
Trolling is a great technique for beginners because it's active fishing without being overwhelming. We'll be using sturdy rods with conventional reels, spooled with strong line to handle the hard-fighting fish we're after. The key is to keep a steady rhythm when reeling - not too fast, not too slow. Captain Clint will show you how to work the rod, using the boat's motion to help bring in the fish. Don't get discouraged if you lose one - these speedsters are known for throwing hooks. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the thrill of the chase!
Top Catches This Season
While we can't guarantee what'll bite, here's what's been hot lately: "My 8-year-old daughter caught her first bluefish - what a fighter!" - Mike S. "Landed two Spanish mackerel and a bonito. Great eating!" - Sarah T. "Captain Clint put us on a school of blues. Non-stop action for an hour!" - Tom R.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, silvery fish are like underwater rockets. They hit hard and run fast, often leaping clear out of the water. Spanish mackerel typically range from 2-4 pounds, but even a small one will give you a good fight. They're most abundant in Cape May waters from July through September. Anglers love them for their speed and the fact that they often travel in schools - when you find one, you've usually found many!
Bluefish: Often called "choppers" for their razor-sharp teeth, bluefish are the bullies of the ocean. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Blues can range from 2 pounds up to 20+ pounds for the big ones (called "gators" by locals). They're around most of the year but peak in the fall. Bluefish are prized for their hard fights and their willingness to bite - perfect for keeping novice anglers engaged.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of East Coast inshore fishing, stripers (as they're commonly called) are a bucket-list fish for many anglers. They can grow to over 50 pounds, though 20-30 pounders are more common on our trips. Stripers are most active in Cape May during their spring and fall migrations. They're known for powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your skills and your gear.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these are the big cousins of Spanish mackerel. Kings can grow to over 50 pounds, though 10-20 pounders are more common in our waters. They're summer visitors to Cape May, usually showing up in July and August. Hooking a king is like hooking a freight train - they'll peel line off your reel in seconds. Landing a big king is a true accomplishment for any angler.
Atlantic Bonito: These little powerhouses are related to tuna and have a similar torpedo-shaped body. They typically range from 2-10 pounds but fight well above their weight class. Bonito show up in Cape May waters in the late summer and fall. They're prized for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps. As a bonus, they're excellent eating fish if you decide to keep a few for the grill.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or you're an old salt seeking some light tackle action, Captain Clint's half-day trips offer something for everyone. With all gear provided and expert guidance throughout, it's the perfect way to experience the thrill of inshore fishing in Cape May. Remember, these trips are capped at six people, so you'll get plenty of personal attention. The fish are biting, and the weather's perfect - what are you waiting for? Give Captain Clint a call and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just a heads up - deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and get ready for some reel fun!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic bonito are like mini tuna - small but mighty fighters. These streamlined fish usually run 2-5 pounds and put on a show when hooked. We find them in schools from late spring through fall, often chasing bait near the surface. Bonito are fast swimmers, capable of 40 mph bursts. They'll hit small lures like metal jigs or soft plastics. The fight is all about speed, with sizzling runs that'll make your reel sing. While not as prized for eating as some other species, they're still good grilled fresh. My local tip: Watch for birds diving on bait balls. That often means bonito are feeding below. When you find a school, it's usually fast action that's perfect for light tackle enthusiasts. These little rockets are a blast for anglers of all levels.
Bluefish
Bluefish are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll find in Cape May waters. These aggressive predators typically run 2-3 feet long and put up an incredible battle. We catch them from spring through fall, often in large schools churning up the surface as they chase bait fish. Bluefish love structure, so we target them around jetties, inlets, and wrecks. They'll hit just about any lure, but I like using topwater poppers for explosive strikes. Be careful of their razor-sharp teeth when unhooking! Bluefish make for some tasty eating too, especially when grilled fresh. My local tip: If you see what looks like a washing machine in the water, that's likely bluefish in a feeding frenzy. Get a lure in there fast for instant action. These powerful fighters are a blast for anglers of all skill levels.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are the speedsters of Cape May waters. These long, sleek fish can top 5 feet and 50 pounds, though most run 10-20 pounds. We catch them from late spring through fall, often by trolling with live bait or large spoons. Kings are found in deeper water, typically 30-150 feet deep over structure like wrecks or reefs. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The fight is intense, testing both angler and equipment. Kings are good eating too, with firm, oily flesh that's great smoked. My local tip: When a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. Their mouths are soft, so a gentle hookset works best. Landing a big king mackerel is a real accomplishment for any angler.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch off Cape May. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 feet long and put up a great fight. We find them in schools near the surface, often chasing bait fish. They're most active in warmer months when water temps hit the 70s. Trolling with small, flashy lures works well - I like using Clark spoons on a planer board to cover more area. Spanish macks are lightning fast, so be ready for explosive strikes. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flavorful meat that's great on the grill. My local tip: Keep an eye out for birds diving on bait - that's often a sign Spanish mackerel are feeding below. When you find them, it can be non-stop action that's perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape May fishing. These powerful, silver-sided fish with distinctive black stripes can grow over 50 pounds. We catch them year-round, but spring and fall runs are prime time. Stripers love structure, so we target them around jetties, bridges, and rocky shorelines. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures - I often use swim shads or topwater plugs. The fight is incredible, with strong runs and head shakes. Stripers are also excellent table fare, with firm, white meat. My local tip: Focus on tide changes, especially the last two hours of outgoing tide. That's when bait gets flushed out and stripers go on the feed. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, hooking into a big striper is an unforgettable thrill.
About the Common Sense Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 370
