New Jersey · Jersey Shore
BLUEFISH FISHING
IN CAPE MAY
Cape May is an excellent destination for bluefish fishing, with peak season in June, July, August and good catches in May, September, October. Book a charter and target bluefish with local experts.
About Bluefish Fishing in Cape May
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzies, blues are exciting to catch on both bait and lures and make excellent table fare when bled immediately.
Bluefish are the most aggressive predator fish in the Atlantic — known for their ferocious feeding frenzies ("bluefish blitzes") where schools of hundreds of fish attack baitfish at the surface, chopping through schools like a chainsaw. Their blue-green back, silver sides, and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable. Bluefish are hard fighters on light tackle, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. They are found from Florida to New England, migrating along the coast in spring and fall. Caution: their teeth can cause serious injury — use a de-hooking tool.
Scientific name: Pomatomus saltatrix
Bluefish Seasonal Calendar — Cape May
Month-by-month availability for bluefish in Cape May, NJ.
How to Catch Bluefish in Cape May
Techniques & Bait
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (7 ft), 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader (bluefish teeth cut fluorocarbon regularly — 40 lb+ or short wire bite leader recommended).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Cape May
Top spots where local captains target bluefish and other nearshore species.
Cape May Reef
Cape May Reef is a permitted artificial reef site located approximately three miles off Cape May in 65 feet of water, deployed with concrete, steel, and donated vessels. Black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, and triggerfish congregate on the reef structure year-round, with sea bass and tog providing excellent fall and winter fishing. The reef's proximity to Cape May Inlet makes it a quick-access destination for half-day bottom-fishing trips.
Hereford Inlet
Hereford Inlet separates the Wildwoods from Stone Harbor, creating a productive nearshore environment where tidal currents wash baitfish along the beach and into the inlet channel. Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and weakfish feed in the inlet's rips and along the adjacent surf zone during tidal transitions. The inlet's rock jetties provide shore-based access to species that typically require a boat to reach.
Cape May Rips
The Cape May Rips form where the outgoing Delaware Bay current collides with Atlantic coastal currents off Cape May Point, creating standing waves and turbulent water that concentrates baitfish. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito patrol these rips from spring through fall, feeding aggressively in the confused water. Light-tackle anglers casting into the rips from small boats experience some of the most exciting surface-feeding action on the New Jersey coast.
Wildwood Surf Zone
The surf zone along Wildwood's wide, gently sloping beach provides miles of productive shore-based fishing for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and summer flounder. The beach's gradual depth profile creates well-defined troughs and bars that hold bait and attract predators during incoming tides. Fall surf-fishing for migrating striped bass along the Wildwood beaches is among the best on the Jersey Shore.
Other Species in Cape May
More fish you can target while visiting Cape May.
Bluefish Fishing in Cape May — FAQ
The peak months for Bluefish fishing in Cape May are June, July, August. During these months, Bluefish are most active and abundant in the Cape May area.
Bluefish fishing charters in Cape May are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
No — when you book a charter in Cape May, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefish regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Bluefish in Cape May, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Fluke, Black Sea Bass, False Albacore. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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