Premier Cape May Inshore Fishing Charters

Reel in the Action: Cape May's Inshore Fishing Hotspot

Ready to tangle with some of the East Coast's most exciting gamefish? Captain Clint Clement's got you covered with his half-day and full-day inshore fishing trips out of Cape May, New Jersey. We're talking non-stop action as you troll for bluefish, Spanish mackerel, bonito, and even king mackerel. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip promises bent rods and screaming reels. So grab your shades and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard Capt. Clint's well-equipped vessel and prepare for an adrenaline-pumping day on the Atlantic. We'll cruise up to 30 miles offshore, hitting the sweet spots where the fish are thick. You'll be trolling - that's dragging lures behind the boat - which is the perfect technique for covering ground and enticing those speed demons like Spanish macks and blues. The beauty of this trip? It's action-packed but totally beginner-friendly. Capt. Clint and his mate Kyle are pros at getting everyone into fish, from kids to grandparents. They'll rig you up, show you the ropes, and make sure you're having a blast the whole time.

Trolling 101: The Need for Speed

Trolling is the name of the game on this trip, and it's all about mimicking baitfish to trigger those predatory instincts. We'll be pulling a spread of lures - think flashy spoons, diving plugs, and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. The boat keeps a steady pace, and when a fish hits, it's like a mini explosion behind the boat. That's when the fun really starts! You'll feel the rod bend, the line start peeling off the reel, and it's game on. Capt. Clint will coach you through the fight, whether you're battling a toothy bluefish or a highflying Spanish mackerel. It's a technique that keeps things exciting all day long, and you never know what might decide to crash the party next.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Excellent service very friendly and would hailey recommend their charter boat to anyone that is looking to have a lots of fun and want to catch a lot of fish 🎣" - Cody

"We had an incredible time out on the water! Easily the best fishing trip we've ever taken. Everyone caught plenty of fish—truly an unforgettable experience!" - Donna

"Clint and Kyle were fantastic—super helpful and fun to fish with. We ended up catching around 25 fish. Such a great time all around! 👍" - Michael

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, silver torpedoes are the speedsters of the inshore world. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, Spanish macks will test your drag and your reflexes. They typically show up in Cape May waters from late spring through early fall, with the hottest action usually in July and August. Expect fish in the 2-4 pound range, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. The fight is only half the fun - these guys are also excellent table fare, perfect for the grill or smoker.

Bluefish: The bruisers of the bunch, blues are like the punk rockers of the sea - always ready for a fight. These chompers are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They can range from 2-pound "snappers" to 15-pound-plus "gators" that'll make your arms ache. Blues are around most of the year but really fire up in the warmer months. They're not picky eaters, which means consistent action when you find a school. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Striped Bass: The rockstars of the East Coast, stripers (or "rockfish" if you're feeling fancy) are the prized catch for many anglers. These powerful, line-sided fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 20 to 40-pounders not uncommon. While we primarily target them in the spring and fall, summer can produce some great fishing too, especially early in the morning or on overcast days. Landing a big striper is a true achievement - they fight hard and taste even better.

King Mackerel: The big cousins of the Spanish mackerel, kings are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family. These long, sleek predators can top 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10 to 30-pound range. Kings are summer visitors to our waters, usually showing up when the water warms in June and sticking around into September. Hooking into a king is like setting off a firecracker - they'll rip line off your reel faster than you can say "fish on!" Their smoking hot runs and tendency to skyrocket out of the water make them a favorite among sport fishermen.

Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their small size fool you - these little powerhouses pack a serious punch. Bonito are like mini tunas, streamlined and built for speed. They typically range from 2 to 8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. We usually start seeing them in late spring, with the action peaking in the summer months. Bonito are known for their blistering first run and dogged fights. They're also considered a delicacy by many anglers, with flesh similar to tuna. Whether you're keeping them for the table or practicing catch-and-release, bonito are a blast to catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're after a day of non-stop fishing action in one of the East Coast's prime inshore spots, this is your ticket. Captain Clint and his crew at Common Sense Sportfishing have dialed in these waters, and they're ready to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling these hard-fighting species, they've got you covered. The boat's comfortable, the gear's top-notch, and the fish are waiting. So what are you waiting for? Grab your buddies, your kids, or just treat yourself to a day on the water you won't forget. Cape May's inshore fishing is calling - time to answer!