Fishing Cape May & Its Atlantic Treasures

For its relatively small size, New Jersey boasts an abundance of beach and boater-loved spots — from the spectacular skyline views from Hoboken, to the lively boardwalk and nightlife of Atlantic City. But when you want a charming small-town getaway, you’ll want to hop on your Blackfin fishing boat and set your course for the state’s southernmost point: Cape May.

Just keep reading to see why we love this seaside gem — and why it makes a natural next stop on your summer angling tour!

Explore The Harbor Homes

Cape May was recently named one of Travel and Leisure’s Best Beach Towns in the United States, and it’s easy to see why! The cape is known for its collection of vibrant, Victorian-style dwellings (sometimes called “gingerbread homes”) that overlook Cape May Harbor and provide a beautiful view to cruise by — or live by, if you’re one of the 3,000-shy people who call Cape May “home.” You don’t need to live in Cape May to enjoy a taste of the local lifestyle, though. Before embarking upon your Blackfin outing, fuel the family with a fresh seafood lunch in town!

What’s Biting?

Speaking of seafood, there’s a lot to be found off Cape May’s shores. The area is home to one of the country’s largest commercial fishing ports — but recreational anglers have plenty to enjoy, too. If you prefer to stick close to shore, you can try for blackfish, striped bass, sheepshead, and other local favorites. Venturing a bit further out? Tuna, marlin, and all the iconic sportfish abound offshore.

A fun feature about the Cape May fishing scene is that there’s a variety of marine landscapes to try on your pursuit of the perfect catch — the teeming, fish-filled sandbars known as the Cape May Rips, the quiet mud flats for back-to-nature reflection, and much more.

Also, we’re entering that long, lazy, final stretch of summer — which just so happens to be the perfect time to check out Cape May’s competitive fishing scene. For example, you can participate in (or just have fun watching) the aptly named MidAtlantic: a super-sized tournament held in late August, where prizes are given out for catching heavy tuna, marlin, wahoo, dolphin, and more.

After Angling...

If you still need some practice before taking part in a competition like that, don’t worry: Cape May is the place to hone your skills — and have some fun along the way! For example, you can cruise by the Brandywine Shoal Light, the country’s first lighthouse to be built on a screw-pile (i.e., it’s standing over the ocean, instead of land). And when all is said and done, you can soak in the salt air from Cape May’s boardwalk — aka the Promenade — to celebrate a productive day on the water.

Cape May’s central location on the East Coast means it provides access to endless on-the-water adventures — whether you’re sticking to the Garden State or cruising north for New England fishing! We hope that today’s virtual guide helps you enjoy this summer stop to the fullest.